This collection contains photographs taken of students and teachers engaged in classwork and other activities at the Spanish American Institute. Other photographs include images of various locations on campus such as the farm; church; classrooms; and dormitories; as well as images of campus sporting events and celebrations.

The Southern California Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church established the Spanish American Institute in 1909. The institute, which opened in 1913 in Gardena, California served as a boarding school for Mexican boys aged 12-18 and held classes in English and other subjects; as well as various vocational trades including agricultural programs. At the time that it opened, John P. Howe was the first Superintendent for the twenty-five boys that attended. The Institute closed its boarding school in 1971, but continues to operate providing college and vocational scholarships to the Hispanic community in Southern California.

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All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

There are no access restrictions on this collection.