Guide to the Dache McClain Reeves papers

Scope and Contents

The Dache M. Reeves papers primarily contain material relating to Reeves' interest in the Mound cultures of North America. The bulk of this work was pursued in Ohio, while he was stationed at Wright Field. Reeves' analysis consisted of locating mounds, describing their physical size and configuration as originally constructed, and enumerating and describing any artifacts found at the site. The Mound research material includes files of notes, maps, and indexes, as well as aerial photographs. Some photographs of planes and other subjects from Reeves' war-time experiences in France are included.

Although Reeves was making aerial photographs of archaeological sites by 1924, it was not until the 1930s that he took or had taken most of the aerial photographs in the collection. Most of them are of mounds and other earthworks in Ohio, but there are also views of sites in California, Louisiana, Georgia, Illinois, and Colorado. Reeves was also in frequent touch with archeologists at the Smithsonian's Bureau of American Ethnology and the United States National Museum, and he made photographs at Marksville in Louisiana and at the Lindenmeier site in Colorado for them. Also included is a small photo album of Philippine subjects from Reeves' time stationed there, as well as a set of lantern slides used for lectures.

Please note that the contents of the collection and the language and terminology used reflect the context and culture of the time of its creation. As an historical document, its contents may be at odds with contemporary views and terminology and considered offensive today. The information within this collection does not reflect the views of the Smithsonian Institution or National Anthropological Archives, but is available in its original form to facilitate research.

Arrangement

The papers are arranged into two series: 1. Mound research and 2. Photographs.

Biographical / Historical

Dache McClain Reeves (1894-1972) was a United States Air Force officer who specialized in balloon reconnaissance and aerial photography during World War I. His interest in aerial photography continued throughout his life. In 1925, he was a lecturer on photographic intelligence at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In 1927, he authored Aerial Photographs: Characteristics and Military Applications. In 1932, he invented a stereoscope to aid in making maps from aerial photographs, which was sold to the Fairchild Camera Company. In addition to this and many other interests, he also took part in establishing the Army Aeronautical Museum (later the United States Air Force Museum) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. There, he served as curator and director.

Reeves became interested in archaeology during WWI, and in 1934 began working with the Ohio History Society to carry out an aerial survey of the ancient mounds and earthworks of Ohio and the surrounding region.