Description
This collection contains the papers of Orange County, California historian James ("Jim") Doren Sleeper (1927-2012). Jim Sleeper
specialized in Orange County history, especially the Irvine Ranch, Rancho Mission Viejo, and the O'Neill Ranch. The Sleeper
papers are comprised of research files, clippings from local Orange County newspapers, manuscript and published versions of
Sleeper's scholarly writings, annotated copies of books, maps, and ephemera. Also included is biographical material, such
as school records, correspondence, and family photographs.
Background
James "Jim" Doren Sleeper (1927-2012) was a leading Orange County historian. A native of Santa Ana, his interest in local
history began in the late 1930s. After graduation from Santa Ana High School and service in the Army Air Force in the last
days of World War II, Sleeper worked as a newspaper reporter, teacher, forest ranger, and a public relations man before switching
to history full time in the 1960s. He served as staff historian for The Irvine Company (1965-1969), and later filled a similar
role for the Rancho Mission Viejo Company. He worked as a historical consultant on environmental impact reports, legal cases,
for both the Orange County Register and the Los Angeles Times, and many other public and private projects.
Extent
122.3 Linear Feet
(80 record cartons, 18 flat boxes, 13 rolled item boxes, 10 a/v boxes, 2 legal document boxes, 1 letter document box, 1 half
letter document box)
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the University of California. Copyrights are retained by the creators of the records and their
heirs. For permission to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.
Availability
The collection is open for research.