The Lasartemay family papers include correspondence, essays, funeral and theater programs, invitations, résumés, photographs, and newspapers clippings documenting primarily the family’s participation in various civic organizations. The papers are organized in to four series: Eugene P. Lasartemay, Ruth Hackett Lasartemay, Elena R. Lasartemay, and Photographs. The bulk of the papers relate to Eugene P. Lasartemay’s participation in various Oakland area civic organizations including the East Bay Negro Historical Society, Northern California Council of Camera Clubs, and the boy scouts.

Eugene Pasqual Lasartemay (1903-1993) was born on May 17, 1903 to Ana Eglesia Adeline Torres de Lasarte and Patricio Lasarte in Kehaha, Kauai, Hawaii. After attending public school in Honolulu, Hawaii, he graduated from Dobie’s Engineering College in San Francisco, California and went on to work as a seaman with the Matson Navigational Company between 1923-1939. In 1937, he earned a First Assistant Engineer’s license, becoming the first licensed black marine engineer to sail from the Port of San Francisco. Following his career as a marine engineer he worked as a life insurance salesman with the Golden State Mutual Life Insurance Company and also worked for 26 years in the Engineering Department of the Colgate Palmolive Company before retiring in 1965.

.5 linear feet (1 box)

Permission to publish from the Lasartemay Family Papers must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.

No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.