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Franklin (Robert and Betty) Collection
URB.RBF
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Contributing Institution:
Special Collections & Archives
Title: Robert and Betty Franklin Collection
Creator:
Franklin, Robert and Betty
Identifier/Call Number: URB.RBF
Extent:
10.38 linear feet
Date (inclusive): 1953-2001
Date (bulk): 1977-1997
Abstract: The Robert and Betty Franklin
Collection documents 20 years of Robert and Betty Franklin's collaborative work as a husband
and wife newspaper team working in the Northeastern portion of the San Fernando Valley,
especially Sylmar, Pacoima, and the City of San Fernando, from 1961 through 1997. Robert
Franklin worked as an independent news photographer and Betty as a journalist for the local
Herald Corporation newspaper group, most notably the
San Fernando
Sun
and
Breeze. The collection consists primarily of newspaper
clippings and photographs.
Language of Material: English
Spanish; Castilian
Robert Franklin, an orphan raised in the Sylmar area and a WWII veteran twice decorated
with the Silver Star married his wife, Betty, in 1945. The Franklins worked collaboratively
as a husband and wife newspaper team for 20 years. They covered the Northeastern portion of
the San Fernando Valley, primarily Sylmar, Pacoima, and the City of San Fernando for the
local Herald Corporation newspaper group, most notably the
San
Fernando Sun
and
Breeze. Robert Franklin worked as an independent news
photographer and Betty as a journalist. In 1989, Betty was recognized for her public service
as the Odd Fellows Citizen of the Year.
The
Robert and Betty Franklin Collection documents the careers
of the Franklins through their writing and photography. Materials cover 1953-2001 and focus
on community service, social organization, local politics, infrastructure expansion
projects, business, and education, and include the Hansen Dam Recreation Area, Pioneer
Cemetery, and the Sylmar and San Fernando Chambers of Commerce. The direct relationship of
Robert Franklin's photographs to the newspaper articles written by Betty Franklin provide
additional photographic content of events beyond the single photograph represented in
articles, and a more extensive and deeper portrait of daily life of the cities of Sylmar,
Pacoima, and San Fernando. The collection has been divided into three series:
Newspaper Clippings (1961-2001),
Photographs (1961-2000), and
Subject Files
(1953-1990).
Series I,
Newspaper Clippings, documents Betty Franklin's work
as a reporter, and consists entirely of clippings from the newspapers for which the
Franklins worked. Originally arranged in binders they include Betty Franklin's articles,
Robert Franklin's photographs, and few supporting document such as brochures or
correspondence. These clippings have been photocopied and are arranged chronologically.
Series II,
Photographs, documents Robert Franklin's
photographic work, and includes negatives, contact sheets, and prints. Slides have been
moved to the end of the series. Folder one contains images of Robert and Betty Franklin. The
remaining folders include shots taken as a part of Robert's work as a photographer for local
newspapers in the northern San Fernando Valley. Images are arranged chronologically.
Series III,
Subject Files, deals with such topic as the Sunset
Farms area development project, Lopez Adobe, the San Fernando Mission, and Pioneer Cemetery.
The series is arranged alphabetically.
Series I: Newspaper Clippings, 1961-2001
Series II: Photographs, 1961-2000
Series III: Subject Files, 1953-1990
Digital reproductions of selected items in this collection are available electronically as
a part of the
San Fernando Valley History Digital Library
.
Related Material
Other Information:
This collection was processed with generous support from the Tom W. Reilly estate.
This collection is open for research use.
Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of
this collection has been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright
status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected
by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the
written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be
commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any
use rests exclusively with the user.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Robert Franklin. 03/2003.
For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual,
or see the
Citing Archival Materials
guide.
Zac Burgenbauch, April Feldman, Fran Griffin, 2013
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Documents
Photographs