Ron Karlberg carries the file folder under his arm like it is his most prized possession.

"We just received this a few minutes ago," he says proudly, as he opens the folder to reveal a large reproduction of a photograph showing Lewiston postal employees in 1934.

It is just one of so many photos and documents that have been housed in personal collections, says his friend and fellow history buff Steven Branting. The photo is the first in what the two hope will be a much larger collection of personal photos, gathered in a "harvest" called Our Past in Pictures April 20 and 21 at Jenifer Junior High School. All records collected over the two-day period will be stored electronically and maintained by the Nez Perce County Historical Society.

The idea of inviting individuals to share their personal collections of historical photos and documents came from the daily historical photo that runs in the Lewiston Tribune, Branting says.

"I noticed those (photos) are not in the historical society. (I wondered) how do you get these archived?"

His wife suggested putting a call out to area residents.

The result is Our Past in Pictures. Students will be armed with computers and scanning equipment, says Branting, who works as a consultant for the gifted and innovative programs for the Lewiston School District. People are asked to bring historical photos and documents, which will be scanned on site and immediately returned to the owner. People can donate photos and documents, but that isn't the intent of the harvest.

"This could be overwhelming," Branting says.

While they are asking for any historical photo or document from within a 20-mile radius of Lewiston, they are specifically focusing on Normal Hill and downtown Lewiston from 1861 to 1925. Materials of significance through 1960 will be accepted.

"If this is successful, we may have another harvest this summer," Branting says. Future harvests may focus on other areas in the region. This event is sponsored by the Nez Perce County Historical Society and Jenifer Junior High School, which itself is a historical reference. It is named for Joel Jenifer, who served as superintendent of schools from 1920-1929.

There are photos, Karlberg says, of many events that don't exist any more. There are also photos of one-time events, like political rallies, church events and even life in general.

"Many times people take a snapshot and they don't realize it is what is in the background that is significant," Branting says.

Often a person is posed in front of an old building or a part of town that has changed significantly. Branting and Karlberg remember discussing a photo of downtown Lewiston that was so different from how it looks today that they had a hard time deciding which direction the photographer was facing.

Other documents, such as death notes, marriage licenses and land documents also tell a story about the past. Personal letters and correspondence also will be gathered.

Karlberg says he hopes the event will shed light on some photos the historical society has that are unidentified as well as bring new photos into the collection.

"It is kind of like Steve and I going into your home and looking at your photo albums," Karlberg says. "I can look at anyone's photo album and find something that excites me."

The photos will be categorized and stored electronically. Owners of the photos will be credited in the archive. All the photos and documents should be unpublished, Branting says. Vintage postcards are acceptable. The owner of the photos should be present at the harvest. If this is not possible, written permission is needed. A proxy form is available at the Our Past in Pictures Web site.

Branting says often a simple photo will lead to significant history being revealed. A photograph of Blanche Burns revealed a story of a prominent Orchards School principal. Other photos have shown the old 21st Street that ran straight over the hill.

"It is really trying to get everything in one spot," Branting says.

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Walker may be contacted at jodiw@lmtribune.com or (208) 743-9600, ext. 275.