Paul Burton Darrell papers

Title: Paul Burton Darrell papers

Dates: 1923-1968

Collection Number: MS 47

Creator/Collector: Darrell, Paul Burton

Extent: 9 boxes

Repository: California State Railroad Museum Library and Archives

Abstract: Correspondence, research files, and family mementos of railroad photographer and enthusiast Paul B. Darrell.

Language of Material: English

This collection is open for research at our off-site storage facility with one week's notice. Contact Library & Archives staff to arrange for access.

Copyright has not been assigned to the California State Railroad Museum. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the District Collections Manager. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the CSRM as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader.

Paul Burton Darrell papers. California State Railroad Museum Library and Archives

Gift of the Pacific Coast Chapter, Railway & Locomotive Historical Society

Paul Burton Darrell was born on January 9, 1916 in Richmond, California, to Ella Ammon Darrell and William Darrell, a barber. For many years, Paul Darrell worked for the American Standard Radiator and Sanitary Corporation in Richmond. Paul Darrell was a railroad enthusiast who was a key figure in San Francisco Bay Area railroading. An avid photographer, he focused on taking pictures of rolling stock and also collected images from other railroad photographers and collectors such as Frederic Shaw and C. W. Witbeck. Paul Darrell's photograph collection is available for review in the Library reading room. His extensive trade catalogue collection has been absorbed into the California State Railroad Museum collection. Paul Darrell belonged to many organizations, including the East Bay Model Engineers Society, Railroadians of America, California-Nevada Railroad Historical Society, and the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society. He was secretary for the Richmond Museum Association. Paul Darrell died on March 12, 1982 in Contra Costa County.

This collection consists of correspondence, Christmas cards, invoices and orders relating to Paul Darrell’s work as a photographer and collector of railroad photographs and trade catalogues and 4 photograph albums. Subject files include certificates, a baby book, report cards, school work and research reports pertaining to Mr. Darrell’s childhood, academic achievements, military service and other hobbies. Collection is arranged in three series: 1. CORRESPONDENCE / 2. SUBJECT FILES 3. ALBUMS