Sherman Library holds archival collections covering a wide range of subjects, but generally relate to the 19th and 20th century history of the Pacific Southwest, including California, Arizona and northern Mexico. The collections include significant materials about the development of Los Angeles, including the papers of M. H. Sherman, the O. F. Brant family and records of the Title Insurance & Trust Company of Los Angeles. The library also has extensive collections relating to Newport Beach and surrounding communities.
Collections which have been processed are open for research. For additional information about using the materials, see our access policy.
You may search collections guides, which are maintained on the Online Archives of California:
Sherman Library holds archival collections covering a wide range of subject matter. Collections which have been processed are open for research. For additional information about using the materials, see our access policy.
The following list of collections is divided into three parts:
- The Papers of M. H. Sherman
- Records of Organizations: which includes businesses, government and institutional records
- Personal Papers and Photograph Collections: which includes materials created and collected by individuals or families.
141 archives boxes; 59 linear feet
The papers of Moses Hazeltine Sherman include materials he retained dating from 1869 school until his death in 1932. The earliest papers include a personal journal and materials from Sherman’s schooling at the Oswego Normal School in New York. For the period 1874 to 1890, when Sherman resided in the Arizona Territory, the collection includes papers relating to teaching in Prescott, his appointments as Superintendent of Public Instruction and Adjutant General, and his business concerns, including real estate, mining and stock raising. After 1890, when Sherman moved to Los Angeles, the collection covers a variety of business and personal subjects include the development of the Los Angeles Pacific Railway, the subdivision of the San Fernando Valley, management of the Tejon Ranch and the Colorado River Land Company, the development of Hollywoodland, and the Los Angeles Steamship Company. The collection includes extensive correspondence, including substantial exchanges with Harry Chandler, Robert C. Gillis, and Otto F. Brant.
Records of Organizations
2 archives boxes and 1 volume; 1 linear foot, 4 inches
This collection contains game registers, photographs, financial records, correspondence, and shooting schedules for the Aliso Gun Club of California. The game registers contain the lists of members, their license numbers, and hunts of the different fowl (teal, widgeon, sprig, and spoon) from 1898 to 1972. The earliest game register (1898-1957) also contains information for the Fairview Gun Club (1898-1905) and the San Joaquin Gun Club (1901-1902). The financial records, which were kept by the club manager, Clarence Jessee, show grocery lists and payments by members for undisclosed reasons during the years 1942-1948, 1950, and 1952.
2 volumes; 4 linear inches.
These scrapbooks include programs, newsletters, photographs, newspapers clippings, and advertisements, which document the productions of the Children’s Theater Guild of Newport Harbor.
2 document boxes; 9 linear inch
The collection consists of correspondence, financial records, minutes, notes, newsletters, drawings, and photographs related to the activities of the Corona del Mar Business Improvement District (BID). The primary focus of the materials represented in the collection is the revitalization program for the Coast Highway, and an extensive volume of these files relate to the replacement of the ficus trees along the sidewalk with king palms and Hong Kong orchids. There are also materials related to the BID’s interest in obtaining jurisdiction over the state-owned highway and sidewalks, preparing for the annual Christmas Walk, and planning for the celebration of Corona del Mar’s centennial in 2004.
6 document boxes; 2 linear feet, 6 linear inches.
The collection consists of the operational records of the Corona del Mar Centennial Foundation, including correspondence, lists, financial records, order forms, flyers, invitations, photographs, and historical reference materials. Much of the collection relates to specific programmatic functions or events sponsored in 2004 by the Corona del Mar Centennial Foundation, including the creation of Centennial Plaza, Neptune’s Ball and its accompanying silent auction, student art notecards, and the weekend party at Big Corona del Mar State Beach.
3 document boxes; 1 linear foot, 3 inches
This collection includes administrative files, corporate papers, event files and news bulletins from the Dana Strand Club, a mobile home community located in Dana Point, CA. The files documents the management of the property, including finances, amenities, such as the beach, pool and coffee shop, employees, and community events.
7 document boxes and 3 flat oversize boxes.
The collection consists of the business records (including correspondence, financial records, publications, legal documents and other materials) of the Excelsior Creamery Company and its affiliated organizations, the Excelsior Ranch Company and Excelsior Farms. A sizeable amount of financial records in the collection between 1925-1966 show various annual and monthly profit and loss figures and balance statements for the company and record its growth over the years. There are materials regarding a few other Orange County area dairies acquired by the company and an extensive amount of land records which indicate the extensive amount of property acquired by the Excelsior Creamery over the years.
Junior League of Newport Harbor Records, 1967-1973
1 document box; 4 linear inches.
These records relate principally to the Junior League of Newport Harbor’s management of the Coffee Garden at Sherman Library & Gardens. The League operated the Coffee Garden and were allowed to use the proceeds for their charitable programs. The records include procedures, Coffee Garden Committee minutes, financial records, menus, and newspaper and magazine articles. The collection also includes copies of annual reports and publications by the Junior League.
Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Records, 1900-2003, bulk 1924-1992
64 boxes; 29 linear feet, 7 linear inches.
This collection contains photographs, slides, correspondence, newspaper clippings, and advertisements related to the history of the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce. The photographs and slides document the harbor and beaches, boat shows, regattas, buildings, fishing, aerial shots of Newport Beach, the Commodores Ball, Ms. Newport Beach Contest, the Taste of Newport, sand castle contests, boat parades, and people of note. The collection also contains issues of Lookout, the organization’s newsletter, from 1969 to 2003.
Newport Beach, City of Board of Trustees Records, 1907-1937
5 document boxes; 2 linear feet, 1 linear inch.
This collection includes correspondence, reports, contracts, plans, specifications, bonds, and other documents relating to the early-20th century development and construction of portions of Newport Beach, California. A significant volume of the material in the collection relates to the city’s street system and includes documents related to improvements, paving, closures, and openings. In addition to numerous bonds and contracts filed with the City of Newport Beach for work varying from plumbing to garbage pick-up, the collection also contains items related to the construction of bulkheads and the dredging of Newport Harbor.
Newport Beach, City of City Marshal Records, 1912-1924
2 volumes; 3 linear inches.
This collection consists of two ledgers in which City Marshal, J. A. Porter, recorded funds received for licenses and permits. These include building permits, removal permits, sewer hookups, dog licenses, and business licenses. Entries for building permits generally include the date the permit was issued, property owner, contractor, lot, value, and the fee for the permit. Business permits list the type of business. A few examples include pool halls, lodging houses, hotels, apartments, restaurants, dance halls, and real estate offices.
Newport Beach, City of Fire Department Records, 1929-1955
7 volumes; 4 photographs and 20 negatives.
This collection contains materials relating to the history of the Newport Beach Fire Department. The records include two fire record books (1947-1953 and 1954-1955), a photo scrapbook (1944-1946), three newspaper scrapbooks, a framed certificate of appreciation given to Chief Frank Crocker in 1933, photographs and negatives, and a scrapbook (1927-1942) created by Chief Rufus Janvier “Jan” Briscoe. See also the Briscoe Collection.
Newport Beach Historical Society Collection, 1880s-1970s
16 document boxes; 9 linear feet.
The core of this collection consists of photographs. The collection contains approximately 700 photographic prints and negatives of Newport Beach including, boats, houses, cars, families, and people of note, local businesses, and events. Other components of the collection include vertical (subject) files composed primarily of newspaper clippings with some other printed materials; reports from the City of Newport Beach; a series of vignettes about prominent residents of Newport Beach used by Newport Balboa Savings & Loan for advertising; and publications, such as magazines and newspapers with materials related to the history of the Newport Beach and scrapbooks.
1 document box; 4 linear inches.
This collection includes subject files of the Newport Harbor Businessmen’s Association, including the organization’s constitution, by-laws, meeting minutes, correspondence and banking records. The Newport Harbor Businessmen’s Association objectives were to promote the general welfare of the Newport Harbor community, promote ethical business practices and to foster and encourage business primarily along Coast Highway in Newport Beach. The Association’s work focused on issues relating to Coast Highway, including advocating a speed limit, curbs, and traffic lights. Additionally, the group supported bond measures to improve Newport Beach’s water and sanitation systems and advocated lower business taxes.
Newport Harbor – Costa Mesa Board of Realtors, 1957-1982
32 scrapbooks.
This collection is comprised of scrapbooks that document the achievements of the Newport Harbor – Costa Mesa Board of Realtors. These oversized scrapbooks contain photographs, newspaper articles, advertisements, notes, and correspondence. The scrapbooks are divided into sections for memberships, educational and professional advancement, board service to members, public relations and community service, and participation in state and national activities.
6 document boxes; 2 linear feet, 6 linear inches.
The Newport Harbor Lady Anglers (NHLA) was established September 13, 1949 as a women’s only deep sea fishing club. The collection includes minutes, by-laws, bulletins, invitations, newspaper clippings, and photographs documenting the history of the club.
Newport Wharf and Lumber Company Records, 1889-1924
1 document box; 4 linear inches.
James and Robert McFadden formed the Newport Wharf and Lumber Company, which opened the Newport Pier in January 1889. These records include a journal kept by James McFadden covering January through early March of 1889, correspondence and cargo records for 1893-1894 and 1899-1900. While Newport Wharf was infrequently used for commercial traffic after 1900, the company was not dissolved until 1916, when its assets were turned over to trustees for the stockholders. The collection includes the deed which ended the company and materials about the final liquidation of assets in 1924.
10 document boxes. 4 linear feet, 2 inches.
The collection consists of the organizational records of the Orange County Division of the League of California Cities, including correspondence, financial records, subject files, and meeting minutes and agendas. It provides a comprehensive overview of the organization’s activities during the 1960s and 1970s, a period of explosive growth in Orange County, California. In addition to documenting the League’s routine activities and meetings, the collection also contains materials related to the dissolution of the Orange County Harbor District as well as political issues such as taxes, immigration, the environment, and housing.
12 document boxes, 1 carton, 1 flat oversize box, and 1 oversize folder; 6 linear feet, 2 inches
The collection consists of correspondence, publications, photographs and other documents related to the activities, history and real estate investment interests of the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company. Among the development projects represented in the collection, the most extensive amount of material relates Pacific Mutual’s design, construction and opening of the Norwalk Square shopping center in the early 1950s in Southern California in response to the expanding population and demographic changes in the vicinity. The collection also contains various publications, some office and subject files, and a large collection of photographs reproduced from the collections of various libraries and historical organizations to create an exhibit commemorating the company’s 100th anniversary in 1968.
Rodger Bros. Photograph Album, ca. 1935
1 album; 1 linear inch.
This album of black and white prints was created by Rodger Bros., a firm engaged in boat building, repair, charter service, and work with movie studios. The album includes pictures of sailing ships and yachts, including images of the ship used to film Captain Blood (1935), the movie that propelled Errol Flynn to stardom. The album also includes photographs of a tin mine in Santa Ana, the exterior of the South Seas Club, the Balboa Island ferry, and lumber ships.
Sherman Foundation Records, 1951 - 1966
15 linear feet.
These records document the history of Sherman Library & Gardens, which was founded by The Sherman Foundation in 1966. The records include newsletters and other publications, scrapbooks, records of events, volunteer rosters, and over 6,000 photographs documenting the institution’s history.
Zonta Club of Newport Harbor, 1960-1961
3 folders; 1 linear inch.
This collection documents the Zonta Club of Newport Harbor’s “Share a Gift” Christmas tree campaign for 1960. The collection includes newspaper clippings, thank you letters, and photographs of a musical program that included the Orange Coast College Chorus and the Corona del Mar Elementary School Chorus. The “Share a Gift” program included a large Christmas tree hosted by the M. H. Sherman Company at Dahlia and Coast Highway in Corona del Mar, which served as a drop-off site for donations.
Personal Paper and Photograph Collections
Atkinson (Margurite) Collection of Hurley Bell and Santa Ana Army Airfield Materials, 1940s-1950s
2 document box; 10 linear inches.
This collection documents the history of the Hurley Bell Restaurant, which was later renamed Five Crowns. The building, which was modeled after Ye Old Bell guesthouse in Hurley, England, was constructed by Matilda MacCullock in 1936. In 1943, MacCullock leased the building to Margurite Atkinson, whose husband, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Atkinson was Executive of the 414th Headquarters and Air Base Squadron at the Santa Ana Army Airbase. The collection contains advertisements, photographs, menus, and photocopied articles about the Hurley Bell and Five Crowns. The collection also contains materials relating to the Santa Ana Army Air Base, including photographs and a class book from the Santa Ana Army Air Base, and family photographs.
Beckner (Neal) Photograph Collection, 1947-1977
42 document boxes; 17 linear feet 6 linear inches; approximately 20,000 images.
The Neal Beckner Collection consists of approximately 20,000 photographs from 1947 to 1977. Neal Beckner (1909-1989) was a commercial photographer who specialized in maritime subjects, with offices located in Costa Mesa and Balboa Island. The collection includes photos of yachts, regattas and races – such as the Trans-Pacific Honolulu race – and promotional shots for local businesses. The bulk of the collection relates to ships and racing in Newport Harbor. Other subjects include aerial photographs of the Newport Beach area, commercial buildings, Corona del Mar High School construction, the Hurley Bell restaurant, Richard’s Lido Market, Pacific View Memorial cemetery and the opening of Hoag Hospital.
Blaich (John A.) Papers, 1922-2003
6 document boxes; 2 linear feet, 6 linear inches.
The John A. Blaich papers consist of photographs, slides, notes, newspaper clippings, copies of published materials, logs and correspondence generally relating to sailing in Newport Harbor. The papers include files compiled by Blaich while preparing his “On the Water” column for the Newport Beach Daily Pilot, and his book Large Yachts of Newport Harbor before World War II. Other files include information about the ship Stranger, on which Blaich served during a cruise in 1936 and 1937 to collect animals for the San Diego Zoo. Finally, the papers include biographical material about Blaich.
Briscoe (Rufus Janvier “Jan”) Photograph Collection, 1927-1933
179 photographic prints.
R. J. Briscoe was a member of the Newport Beach Fire Department starting in 1931. This collection contains photographs of Newport Beach, especially relating to natural disasters, such as fires, floods and earthquakes. Notable subjects of the photographs include dredging of Newport Harbor, Newport Beach Engine Company #1, west jetty construction, hydroplane races in Newport Harbor, the burning and removal of the Muriel, filming of All Quiet on the Western Front, damage from 1933 earthquake, the 1933 Rendezvous Ballroom fire, and the Newport Beach Refinery fire.
1 document box and 2 flat oversize boxes; 9 linear inches
The collection consists of correspondence, reports, ephemera, photographs and clippings related to the business interests and activities of various members of the Buffum family and the Buffums’ Department Store. A majority of the materials in the collection relate to Harry Buffum, the son of Charles Abel Buffum, who served as president of the company for thirty years. Of note in the collection are a large number of photographs and 35 mm slides depicting various window displays, models, and stores. There is also a sizeable leather-bound scrapbook filled with clippings which span the years 1935-1960.
Boy Scout Jamboree Collection, 1953
1 document box; 4 linear inches.
This collection documents the third annual Boy Scout Jamboree, which was held in Newport Beach in 1953. The collection includes newspaper clippings, photographs, registration forms, an official patch, and a publication issued after the event with photographs and articles about the Jamboree.
1 document box and 3 flat boxes. 1 linear foot.
The collection contains screenplays and manuscripts, by Clark and others, for western films, documentaries, and television shows. Some are stories in narrative form perhaps meant for consideration as screenplays. The manuscripts are on a variety of topics. There is no indication if these are proposals for magazine articles or are simply personal essays. There is no evidence whether any of these were produced or published. There is a small amount of material concerning Clark’s properties at Arrowhead and Spring Grove.
3 archives boxes; 145 items
This collection consists of 128 letters and a few other items such as invitations, notes, and announcements collected by Lucy Sherman Clark. Lucy Sherman Clark was the sister of M. H. Sherman and the wife of E. P. Clark. Lucy Clark Sherman was the recipient of the majority of the letters, although some are addressed to Eli P. Clark or Moses H. Sherman. The bulk of the items date from 1875 to 1891 when the Clarks and Shermans lived in Prescott, Arizona.
Coffey (Helen) Papers, 1974-1981
4 document boxes; 1 linear foot, 7 linear inches.
These papers consist of photocopies of Helen Coffey’s column “Coffey Time” in the Newporter/Costa Mesa News from 1974 to 1979 and in the Santa Ana Register’s social section “Biarritz” from June to August 1979. Additionally, the collection includes copies of Showcase: The Orange County Register’s Magazine for Orange County People for the years 1980 and 1981. Each issue is accompanied by photographs of the people and settings referred to in Coffey’s article in that issue. An alphabetical index of these people is included. There is a box of miscellaneous photographs, some including their negatives, of mostly unidentified social events from 1975-1980.
Fetterman (Shelly) Collection of George Tompkins Peabody Papers, 1891-1941
1 document box; 4 linear inches.
The collection consists of correspondence, documents, and news clippings related to the life and professional activities of George Tompkins Peabody. This includes materials related to the history of Newport Bay, business records of the Peabody Investment Company, and correspondence regarding Peabody’s death in 1942. A portion of the collection relates to Peabody’s expeditions in Baja, Mexico, including research materials, letters, and a scrapbook.
Finch (Kay) Papers, 1920s-1990s
4 document boxes; 1 linear foot, 7 linear inches.
Kay Finch was a ceramics artist who lived and operated a factory in Corona del Mar. This collection consists of newspaper clippings, correspondence, artwork, postcards, and art catalogs.
Hally (Jill) Collection of China House Materials, 1987
2 folders; 2 linear inches.
This collection includes materials about China House and the campaign by historic preservationists to prevent the demolition of the house in 1987. In addition to photographs, many of which were taken just prior to and during demolition, the collection includes newspaper articles and other ephemeral materials. Of note is an oral history with Ruth Lathman, a governess for the family which built China House.
388 prints, 938 negatives.
The collection consists of black and white photographs taken in the Newport Beach area depicting scenes of ships, fishing, buildings, boats, races, events, houses, and businesses during the 1940s and 1950s.
1 oversize flat box; 11 linear inches.
The collection consists of materials related to the life, activities and interests of Francis J. Horvath. Horvath served as the chairman of the City Parks and Recreation Committee and president of the West Newport Improvement Association. The collection contains correspondence, photocopied newspaper articles that mention Horvath, Orange County ephemera, such as newsletters, photographs, and personal items related to the celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Horvath’s 50th wedding anniversary and a cruise on the Queen Elizabeth 2.
135 boxes, 41 bound volumes, 312 reels of film, 19 oversize rolled items.
The collection consists of the personal papers of the adventurers and explorers Dana and Ginger Lamb. The collection contains an extensive amount of material which meticulously documents their travels, personal lives, and family history in the form of diaries, manuscripts, correspondence, financial records, legal documents, maps, photographs and photographic negatives, ephemera and clipping files, and motion picture films.
Lang (Fred) Collection of California Coastal Environment Materials, 1970-1980
1 document box related to Newport Beach; 4 linear inches.
This collection comprises reports and documents on the coastal environment and habitats of Southern California. The box on Newport Beach contains the Report on Natural Resources of Upper Newport Bay and Recommendations Concerning the Bay’s Development (March 1970) and the Local Coastal Program Report on North Coast Planning Unit Newport Dunes/Santa Ana Heights (1980).
Lee (Ellen K.) Collection, 1870-1949
2 document boxes, 9 linear inches; 196 photographs.
This collection consists of photographs, pencil sketches, newspaper and magazine articles, and documents all concerning the early history of Newport Beach and Newport Bay. The photographs document Balboa, Lido Island, Corona del Mar, Laguna Beach, Newport Bay, Newport Beach, the Santa Ana River, Irvine, and Orange. Lee generated many of these files while conducting research for her book Newport Bay: A Pioneer History.
Los Angeles Olympics Collection, 1932-1984
4 document boxes, 3 scrapbooks, 1 flat oversize box, 2 posters; 2 linear feet.
The collection consists of ephemera, clippings, personal snapshots, and publications concerning the two Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles in 1932 and 1984.
1 oversize box.
The collection consists of documents (many of which are photocopies), photographs and plaques related to some of the business and public service activities and interests of William R. Mason. Of note are materials related to Mason’s receipt of the City of Hope spirit of life award in 1972, and there are some items in the collection honoring Mason and his memory following his death.
2 document boxes; 10 linear inches.
The collection consists of correspondence, documents, photographs and published materials related to the life, professional activities and interests of William F. Mendenhall. Most of the materials in the collection are published materials, including newspaper articles, numerous brochures, reports and ephemera. Portions of the collection relate to his involvement with the governance of the city of Signal Hill, California, and various other cities, utilities and organizations in Southern California.
1 document box; 4 linear inches.
The collection consists of legal documents, correspondence, affidavits, petitions, maps and related materials concerning the review of several Mexican and Spanish land grant claims in California in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The three ranchos represented in the collection are: Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana (Orange County, Calif.), Rancho Lomas de Santiago (Orange County, Calif.), and Rancho Arroyo Seco (Sacramento County, Calif.). Many of the documents in the collection are photostatic copies of materials from the General Land Office of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and the originals are likely in the holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration.
8 archives boxes; 3 linear feet, 6 inches.
In 1935, Palmer was hired as the general sales agent for Griffith Company, which owned much of Lido Isle. Palmer and his associates eventually founded Newport Balboa Savings & Loan Association in 1936 as a means of helping home buyers to obtain financing. This collection includes maps, advertisements, official documents, and photographic prints and negatives. The subject of materials include real estate and banking in the city of Newport Beach, California and specifically in Lido Isle. The collection includes maps and advertisements promoting the affordability and luxury of the Lido Isle subdivision. A majority of the advertisements include the Newport Balboa Savings and Loan Association, a company which specialized in financing homes on Lido Isle. The photographs in this collection feature images of real estate in Southern California and many images of the construction of Newport Balboa Saving and Loan’s headquarters, employees and company events.
Parker (Charles Edward) Title Report on Tidelands in Newport Bay, 1979-1987
45 volumes; 3 linear feet, 8 linear inches.
The collection comprises 45 volumes of Parker’s research relating to the legal title of lands in Newport Bay. In 1979 the Irvine Company transferred title to three islands in Upper Newport Bay and some adjoining land to the State of California in exchange for $3.481 million. Parker compiled this study to support the conclusion that the Irvine Company did not have title to the three islands in Upper Newport Bay because they had been tidelands in 1850, and thus, could not be transferred to private ownership. A group known as the Orange County Foundation for Preservation of Public Property filed suit against the Irvine Company in 1987 to void the agreement between The Irvine Company and the State, using Parker’s report in support of their claims. Orange County Foundation for the Preservation of Public Property v. The Irvine Company was decided in favor of The Irvine Company. The materials include photocopied documents, memoranda, maps and surveys, legal reports, correspondence, and indexes to the sources that Parker used for research.
Parker (Horace) Collection, 1891-1959
81 document boxes; 33.8 linear feet; 1 document box on Newport Beach; 5 linear inches; 30 photographs.
Interested in history and publishing, Horace Parker was a prolific researcher and writer, and his column “Brush Country Journal” appeared in the Newport-Balboa News Press and the Riverside Press Enterprise. He published numerous books through his Paisano Press, including Historic Place Names in Orange County by Don Meadows (1966). This collection contains photographs, subject, and correspondence files related to Newport Beach. The subject files, none of which are extensive, include the following subjects: Airport Action Association, Airport Noise Abatement Committee (1968-1971), Balboa Island Improvement Association (1970-1973), City of Newport Beach – various offices (1954-1975), Common Sense Coalition (n.d.), Friends of the Newport Beach Library (1966), Harbor Area Freeway Fighters (n.d.), Little Balboa Island Property Owners Association (1975), Mariners Bank (1957), Newport Beach Historical Society (1968-1976), Newport Harbor Service League (1957-1958), Newport Harbor Union High School (1943-1975), Newport-Mesa Unified School District (1975), and the Upper Newport Bay Defense Fund Statement of Purpose (n.d).
Sawyer (Wilbur “Bill” Cyrus) Photograph Collection, 1912-1954
Approximately 24,000 images.
This extensive photograph collection includes images taken throughout Southern California, but is principally composed of nautical-themed subjects. Sawyer was a member of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club (NHYC) and for a time served as the Club’s official photographer. The collection includes images taken in and around Newport Harbor, including jetty construction, dredging, sailboat and speedboat races, NHYC facilities, officials and events, the Tournament of Lights, beach scenes, and the Balboa Yacht Club. The collection includes a large number of images of yachts ported in Newport Harbor.
Siegel (John A.) Photograph Collection, 1928-1936
2 oversize flat boxes; 1 linear foot, 9 linear inches.
This collection consists of three photograph albums, loose photographs, and a bound volume containing construction records for the Lido Isle Bridge. The photographs document the construction of the Balboa Island Bridge, Lido Isle, the Lido Isle Bridge, and improvements to and dredging of Newport Harbor. The collection also includes an invitation to the opening of Newport Bay and Harbor in 1936.
Southern California Model Home Development Brochures, 1960-1980
3 document boxes and 2 oversized document boxes; 3 linear feet; 1 folder related to Newport Beach; 1 linear inch.
This collection consists of model home brochures for communities throughout Southern California, including Newport Beach. The Newport Beach portion of the collection includes the following builders and developments: Canyon Crest Estates, Harbor View Homes, Harbor Ridge Estates, Jasmin Creek, Newport West, Regatta Homes, and Sea Island.
Stelle (Allen C.) Collection of China Cove-Matching Land Committee Records, 1948-1951
10 folders; 3 linear inches.
Stelle served as Secretary to the seven-member China Cove-Matching Land Committee, established by the City of Newport Beach to evaluate a proposal by the State of California to establish a public beach in China Cove. The State allocated funds, which by state law, had to be matched by the City to acquire the beachfront in China Cove. The collection includes minutes of the Committee, correspondence, reports, maps, newspaper articles and political materials for and against proposed taxes to pay for the land.
Vale (John H.) Photograph Collection, 1920-1959
3 boxes; 1 linear foot; only box 3 includes photographs of Newport Beach; 4 linear inches.
The Vale family resided on Poppy Street in Corona del Mar. This collection includes photographs taken of the family at home and on the beach.
Young (David A. W.) Papers, 1962-1988
5 document boxes; 2 linear feet, 1 linear inch.
The collection consists of correspondence, reports, financial data, clippings and ephemera related to the real estate investments and activities of various corporations and development companies. These companies, some of which were subsidiaries of the Penn Central Company, including the Macco Corporation and the Macco Realty Company, both in Newport Beach. Some of the development projects and subdivisions represented in the collection include Coto de Caza, Lake California, Porter Ranch, and Rancho California.