University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives Department.

Untermann, Ernest.

Papers [microform], 1933-1956.

Milwaukee Micro Collection 23

1 microfilm reel (35 mm)

ABSTRACT: Papers of a social philosopher, writer, artist, and director of the Washington Park Zoo of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Includes correspondence concerning socialism and politics; typewritten and printed speeches and articles; drafts and manuscripts of published works; reproductions of several of Untermann's artworks; and obituaries following his death. The correspondence includes letters to Joan London containing references to his acquaintance with her father Jack London and to his work at the Zoo. Also contains carbon copies of many letters to Milwaukee socialists concerning his critique of Marxism. His writings include three longer works: The Tragedy of Marxism, Science and Thinking, and Lenin's Maggot.

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection (Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Untermann, who was born 6 November 1864 in the province of Brandenburg, Germany, studied geology, paleontology, and animal life for several years while traveling in the United States, East Africa, and Brazil. After settling in Milwaukee, he attended the Layton Art School and the Chicago Art Institute. In 1919 he traveled to the Vernal, Utah area while working as a mining engineer for a Chicago firm; while in Utah Untermann developed an interest in the geology and fossils of the Uinta Basin, subjects which he later incorporated into his paintings. Many of these works were subsequently presented to the Utah Fieldhouse of Natural History in Vernal. Untermann also held the position of Director of the Washington Park Zoo in Milwaukee until age 75.

COLLECTION CITATION: This collection should be cited as:

Untermann, Ernest. Papers [microform], 1933-1956. Milwaukee Micro Collection 23. University Manuscript Collection. Archives. UWM Libraries. University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee.

RELATED COLLECTION:

Zoological Society of Milwaukee County (Wis.). Records. (Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 204 and PH Milwaukee Manuscript Collection 204)

ACQUISITION: Presented by G. E. Untermann of Vernal, Utah in 1956 and 1958.

PROCESSING: Prepared for microfilming by Carolyn Mattern in February 1980.

MARC RECORD SEARCH TERMS: The following terms were used in the online bibliographic MARC record to this collection:

London, Jack, 1876-1916.
London, Joan, 1948-.
Washington Park Zoo (Milwaukee, Wis.).
Art and artists--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Artists--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Marxist criticism--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Naturalism in art--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Socialist Party (Wis.).
Socialists--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Socialism.
Zoos--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Milwaukee (Wis.)--History--Sources.

MILWAUKEE MICRO COLLECTION 23	REEL	FRAME
Clippings of Articles Published in Newspapers, undated	1	971-980
Correspondence, 1933-1956, undated	1	3-205
Obituaries, 1956	1	1-2
Reproductions of Untermann's Artworks, undated	1	1049-1054
Speeches and Articles, undated	1	738-970
Speeches, Washington Park Zoo, Milwaukee, undated	1	981-1048
Writings, Lenin's Maggot, Draft, circa 1935	1	537-643
Writings, Science and Thinking, Draft, 1934 (Published 1940)	1	206-536
Writings, The Tragedy of Marxism, Draft, circa 1937	1	644-737