Guide to the Walter Bellon Papers MS 10

Finding aid prepared by Jennifer Vanoni
San Diego History Center Document Collection
1649 El Prado, Suite 3
San Diego, CA, 92101
619-232-6203
May 2013


Title: Walter Bellon Papers
Identifier/Call Number: MS 10
Contributing Institution: San Diego History Center Document Collection
Language of Material: English
Physical Description: 0.25 Linear feet (1 box)
Date: 1912-1974
Abstract: This collection contains Walter Bellon’s personal memoirs, his observations on the San Diego Stingaree District, and details of his travels in Baja California.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in English and Spanish.
creator: Bellon, Walter

Biographical / Historical Notes

Walter Bellon (1881-1972) was born in Trenton, New Jersey. Moving to San Diego in 1908, he went to work for the San Diego Health Department. In 1910, serving as Health and Sanitary Inspector, Bellon was tasked with the difficult and dangerous job of organizing the cleanup San Diego’s Stingaree District and Waterfront. Bellon resigned in 1922 and went into the plumbing business. He re-entered public life in 1936, being elected to the County Board of Supervisors where he was selected Chairman of the Board during the 1937, 1941 and 1942 terms. In addition to his political career Bellon was an avid marksman and recounts his interactions and hunting expeditions in Baja California in essays spanning 1911-1920.

Scope and Content

This collection contains Walter Bellon’s personal memoirs, his observations on the San Diego Stingaree District, and details of his travels in Baja California. Included in this collection are Walter Bellon’s typed manuscript and memories and anecdotes from his time with the Health Department. Bellon’s sketched street and property maps of San Diego’s Stingaree District are included along with his certificate of appointment as a Special Police Officer. Also of note are travel documents from and accounts of Bellon’s time spent hunting in Baja California, including receipts, firearms license documents and personal essays.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged by series:
Series I: Memoirs
Series II: Stingaree District
Series III: Baja California

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Overall, this collection is in fair condition. Bellon’s essays and anecdotes are written primarily in pencil; take care to be mindful of fading and need to photocopy originals. (February 2013).

Preferred Citation

Walter Bellon Papers, MS 10, San Diego History Center Document Collection, San Diego, CA.

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.

Processing Information

Collection processed by Jennifer Vanoni on March 6, 2013.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Accession number 760413 (drawing).

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Hellyer, David
Martinez, Marcus
Al Hotel Palacio
Baja California (Mexico : Peninsula)
Canneries
Hunting
Local government
Stingaree District (San Diego, Calif.)

 

Series I Memoirs

Box-folder 1:1

“Walter Bellon Manuscript”

Box-folder 1:2

Handwritten Letter to Grace Hall re: manuscript

Box-folder 1:2

“This is My Life” – handwritten autobiographical outline

Box-folder 1:2

Military anecdotes – handwritten notes

Box-folder 1:2

“Stupid and ______ Events Often Occur in the Field of Sports (Hunting)” – handwritten essay 1928

 

Series II Stingaree District

Box-folder 1:3

Bellon’s map of Stingaree District Buildings (1 of 2)

Box-folder 1:3

Bellon’s map of Stingaree District Buildings (2 of 2)

Box-folder 1:3

Note from Elizabeth MacPhail re: errors on map 1974

Box-folder 1:3

Certificate of Appointment/Oath of Office re: Special Police Officer 1913

Box-folder 1:4

“Associated Charities of San Diego”- handwritten essay 1915

Box-folder 1:4

“Hate”- handwritten essay

Box-folder 1:4

“Fish Cannery Odors”- handwritten essay

Box-folder 1:4

“This Oriental Coolie Grew Rich Where Others Failed”- handwritten essay 1949

Box-folder 1:4

“This Building Was Once the Seat of City Government”- handwritten essay

 

Series III Baja California

Box-folder 1:5

“A Man of 12 Wives – 2 Living Under the Same Roof”- handwritten essay 1911-1912

Box-folder 1:5

Brief handwritten anecdote about young couple and flashlight

Box-folder 1:5

Handwritten Letter to David Hellyer, Inter-American Editor of San Diego Union re: trip to Sonora

Box-folder 1:5

“Tijuana Baja Calif”- handwritten essay

Box-folder 1:5

Ojos Negros Hunting Trip with Marcus Martinez – handwritten essay 1920

Box-folder 1:5

“The Man I Once Knew – Don Ramon” – handwritten essay

Box-folder 1:5

“A Few Remarks About the Spoilers of Baja California”- brief handwritten anecdote

Box-folder 1:6

Travel Recommendation from the President of The Common Council of the City of San Diego 1913

Box-folder 1:6

Introduction (of Bellon) Letter to Dr. Muinioza; Health Offices, Nogales, Sonora

Box-folder 1:6

Firearms License for Baja California 1912

Box-folder 1:6

Firearms License - Receipt 1912

Box-folder 1:6

Handwritten Receipt for J. Murray Loop 1912

Box-folder 1:6

Handwritten Receipt for $6.50 1912

Box-folder 1:6

Bank de Sonora – Deposit, Bellon 1912

Box-folder 1:6

Al Hotel Palacio – Receipt, Bellon 1912

Box-folder 1:6

Al Hotel Palacio – Receipt, $68.25 1912

Box-folder 1:6

Al Hotel Palacio – Receipt, $41.50

Box-folder 1:6

Certificate of Copyright Registration (in envelope) for Bellon’s map of Baja California. 1913

Box-folder 1:6

Envelope containing “Calling Cards – Baja Residents”