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.)
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”