The Lester J. Bodin Papers include photographs, union membership cards, certificates, and yearbooks. Certificates consist of a certificate of promotion from Clawson School and a vaccination certificate from the Oakland Health Department.

Lester J. Bodin was born in Alameda, California, on June 18, 1910, the eldest son of William and Ida Bodin. Bodin is listed in the 1940 census as a stock clerk for a canning company. Bodin would become president of the Cannery Workers’ Union, leadership training chairman for the Live Oak District of the Boy Scouts of America, president of the Kiwanis Club of Jack London Square, and was active in the Eastbay Radio Club. Bodin passed away in Oakland on November 28, 1993.

.25 linear feet (1 box)

Permission to publish from the Lester J. Bodin Papers must be obtained from the African American Museum & Library at Oakland.

No access restrictions. Collection is open to the public.