In the previous post we announced that we have over twenty new archival and manuscript collections processed over the last few months. Next up in our series of posts announcing them are several small collections of family papers. Though small, they are rich in detail and will make wonderful primary sources to support research and teaching in a range of historical interests, including life during the Depression, and Southern California family experiences in the 1920s. There are also two intriguing collections of family papers related to San Diego history, most notably the Eldred Family Papers, which reveal the lives of a devoted and articulate family that what active in the developing city during the 1910s. To top off the San Diego history collections, there is the newly processed San Diego Scrapbook Collection, which features scrapbooks of various families and individuals in the area kept mostly during the early twentieth century. Peruse these finding aids and enjoy!Eldred Family Papers, 1908-1937 (MS-0433)
Wilfred Eldred attended Washington and Lee University and Harvard University and achieved a doctorate in Economics. He went on to hold research or teaching positions at the University of Washington, Stanford University, and the University of Virginia; he also taught briefly at San Diego High School. The collection consists primarily of correspondence from members of the Eldred family sent to Wilfred Eldred while at school on the East Coast. There is also a diary kept by Wilfred while a student at Washington and Lee in 1908, and letters from Wilfred to the family twenty years later. Winifred and Edith, Wilfred's sisters, and his father William Eldred wrote long letters to Wilfred updating him on the family's activities and on life in San Diego. The family is active in the developing city (especially in Point Loma) during important years in San Diego's history.
Wilfred Eldred attended Washington and Lee University and Harvard University and achieved a doctorate in Economics. He went on to hold research or teaching positions at the University of Washington, Stanford University, and the University of Virginia; he also taught briefly at San Diego High School. The collection consists primarily of correspondence from members of the Eldred family sent to Wilfred Eldred while at school on the East Coast. There is also a diary kept by Wilfred while a student at Washington and Lee in 1908, and letters from Wilfred to the family twenty years later. Winifred and Edith, Wilfred's sisters, and his father William Eldred wrote long letters to Wilfred updating him on the family's activities and on life in San Diego. The family is active in the developing city (especially in Point Loma) during important years in San Diego's history.
Kent Family Papers, 1915-1923 (MS-0223)
This small but rich collection consists mostly of letters written by Jessie Kent to her mother Kate Kent, who lived in San Diego, but also includes other correspondence written to Jessie and Kate by various relations and suitors. Jessie's letters frequently allude to marital troubles with her husband Fred Avery, financial troubles, and family issues. Moving from Los Angeles to New York and back again, Jessie and Fred raise their child Fred Jr. with considerable difficulty, becoming penniless in New York City at several points. The family settled in Los Angeles in 1923. Kate's papers include letters from her other children, Nita and Harry, and her sister May, as well as a copy of her divorce filing.
This small but rich collection consists mostly of letters written by Jessie Kent to her mother Kate Kent, who lived in San Diego, but also includes other correspondence written to Jessie and Kate by various relations and suitors. Jessie's letters frequently allude to marital troubles with her husband Fred Avery, financial troubles, and family issues. Moving from Los Angeles to New York and back again, Jessie and Fred raise their child Fred Jr. with considerable difficulty, becoming penniless in New York City at several points. The family settled in Los Angeles in 1923. Kate's papers include letters from her other children, Nita and Harry, and her sister May, as well as a copy of her divorce filing.
Allen Family Papers, 1934-1936 (MS-0431)This Allen Family Papers consist mostly of correspondence to Vera Allen from her mother, Ethel Hamilton of Los Angeles, and her husband, William Allen. William writes Vera of his experiences as a sailor aboard the U. S. S. Medusa, and counsels her about financial issues she is facing alone during the Depression. Vera's mother writes to her of financial troubles she faces, and of troubles in her living situation. Vera apparently lived with her mother in Los Angeles for some time while William was away. Also included are several letters from Vera to her sister Margaret, and several to William from Vera and other family members.
Martin Family Papers, 1933-1941 (MS-0430)
The collection consists of correspondence between members of the Martin family, including Jodie Martin, his sons Alvin and Winston Martin, and Alvin's wife Florence Bunk Martin. Though Alvin and Florence life mostly in Portland, Oregon during the time of the letters, the family is centered in Texas around Ft. Worth and Cleburne. Many letters mention the trials of living during the Great Depression; most family members are unable to find any sort of work and mention this fact repeatedly. Though Alvin is employed by the Citizens Conservation Corps in Pima, Arizona for some time, the family still struggles to support themselves. Several members are involved in farming or agricultural matters and mention the difficulties of farming in Texas within the Dust Bowl. Alvin and Florence seem to have better luck in Portland, sustained by the income from the beauty salon owned by Florence.
The collection consists of correspondence between members of the Martin family, including Jodie Martin, his sons Alvin and Winston Martin, and Alvin's wife Florence Bunk Martin. Though Alvin and Florence life mostly in Portland, Oregon during the time of the letters, the family is centered in Texas around Ft. Worth and Cleburne. Many letters mention the trials of living during the Great Depression; most family members are unable to find any sort of work and mention this fact repeatedly. Though Alvin is employed by the Citizens Conservation Corps in Pima, Arizona for some time, the family still struggles to support themselves. Several members are involved in farming or agricultural matters and mention the difficulties of farming in Texas within the Dust Bowl. Alvin and Florence seem to have better luck in Portland, sustained by the income from the beauty salon owned by Florence.
San Diego Scrapbook Collection, 1896-1940 (MS-0419)
Most of the ten scrapbooks in this collection date from the early twentieth century and depict San Diego life through the various photographs, news clippings, and ephemera items within each one. Where discernible, the scrapbook creator has been noted; however, the creator in unknown in most scrapbooks. Any discernible named persons, places, events, and/or activities are summarized in the description of each individual scrapbook.
(Images: Adobe Ruins in Old Town San Diego and Mission Dam...., Box 2, San Diego Scrapbook Collection)
Most of the ten scrapbooks in this collection date from the early twentieth century and depict San Diego life through the various photographs, news clippings, and ephemera items within each one. Where discernible, the scrapbook creator has been noted; however, the creator in unknown in most scrapbooks. Any discernible named persons, places, events, and/or activities are summarized in the description of each individual scrapbook.
(Images: Adobe Ruins in Old Town San Diego and Mission Dam...., Box 2, San Diego Scrapbook Collection)
