Description
The collection documents the business activity of Charles Vanina, an architect and contractor who was active in Sacramento
from the early 1900s through the 1960s. During this time, he designed and constructed many public and private buildings. The
collection consists of his original plans, blueprints, drawings, and contracts and agreements.
Background
Charles Leslie Vanina was born January 4, 1897, in Sacramento to Charles A. and Augustine Vanina. He grew up in Sacramento,
then attended the Polytechnic College of Engineering in Oakland. Vanina served as a deputy building inspector for the City
of Sacramento, then enlisted in the 82nd Infantry of the US Army during World War I. He received an honorable discharge after
six months of service and returned home to Sacramento where he joined his father’s architectural contracting firm, renamed
Vanina & Son. The firm was best known for houses, business buildings, and remodels. In 1920, Vanina married Elaine Goodman.
He was a member of the Sacramento Builders’ Exchange, Sutter Club, Rotary Club of Sacramento, Grandfathers Club, Del Paso
Country Club, and Elks Lodge. Vanina lived in Sacramento until he died on November 8, 1970, at the age of 73.
Extent
786 drawings, plans, and blueprints; 0.4 linear feet of documents
Restrictions
All requests to publish or quote from private manuscripts held by the Center for Sacramento History (CSH) must be submitted
in writing to csh@cityofsacramento.org. Permission for publication is given on behalf of CSH 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 patron.
No permission is necessary to publish or quote from public records.
Availability
Collection is open for research use.