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Private Journal of Mr. Julian Garcia (Bandmaster), 1896-1959
wa018
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Table of contents
Title: Private Journal of Mr. Julian Garcia (Bandmaster), 1896-1959
Dates: 1917-1950
Collection Number: wa018
Creator/Collector:
Garcia
United States Navy
Extent: 23 pages
Online items available
Repository:
UC Davis. Welga Archive, Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies
Davis, California 95616
Abstract: This personal journal includes the early life and career history of Julian Garcia, who served as a Bandmaster for the U.S.
Navy. The 23-page diary features handwritten notes, newspaper clippings, ephemera and photographs regarding his U.S. Navy
service and personal life.
Language of Material: English
A digital copy of the journal is open for research.
All applicable copyrights for the collection are protected under chapter 17 of the U.S. Copyright Code. Requests for permission
to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to Bulosan Center Archivist. Permission for publication
is given on behalf of the Regents of the University of California and the Bulosan Center for Filipinos Studies as the owner
of the digital surrogate.
Private Journal of Mr. Julian Garcia (Bandmaster), 1896-1959. UC Davis. Welga Archive, Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies
Donated by Garcia Family
Biography/Administrative History
Julian Garcia was a Filipino American bandmaster for the U.S. Navy. Julian was born in Manila, Philippines on October 17,
1897, to Simeon and Victorina Garcia. Julian described his prospects in the Philippines as “dim and foggy”, but showed an
intense ambition in music in his youth through his studies on the clarinet. He emigrated to Honolulu in Hawaii Territory in
July 1915 with his parents and brother Crising, after his father joined the U.S. Armed Forces.
After working a variety of jobs in and around the naval base in Honolulu, Julian applied to play in the 2nd Infantry Band
in November 1916, but was rejected due to his ethnicity. However, he enlisted in the Navy on April 1917, and served as a Musician,
2nd Class, aboard the USS Navajo. He rose through the ranks to become a widely acclaimed Bandmaster on many ships during his
many tours of duty until May 1937, when he transferred to the Naval Fleet Reserve. He was stationed at U.S. naval bases in
Washington, Hawaii, Guam, and the Philippines, but eventually called San Pedro, California, his home later in life. “Being
in the United States Navy,” he wrote later in life, “I consider myself very lucky and fortunate. I am very faithful in the
performance of my duty.” During his career, Julian received numerous commendations, including two Good Conduct Awards in his
service as Bandmaster. On 1949, Julian retired from the U.S. Navy. Throughout his life, Julian was an active member of the
Methodist Church, volunteering as a clarinet soloist for church choirs. Julian passed away on February 6, 1959, in Los Angeles,
California.
Scope and Content of Collection
The Julian Garcia journal contains information dating from 1931 to 1950, with the earliest material recounting events dating
back to 1917. The journal consists of handwritten accounts, chronological timelines, newspaper clippings, photographs, and
ephemera related to Julian's career in the United States (U.S.) Navy Band. This journal provides a glimpse of Filipino military
service in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Armed Forces.
The journal primarily focuses on Julian's career with the U.S. Navy, along with Garcia family history. Julian's career is
documented in handwritten personal accounts and newspaper clippings, which list achievements, commendations, naval station
assignments, and significant life events. A handwritten, chronological timeline details Julian's Naval career, from his enlistment
date to retirement. Genealogical information is primarily documented in newspaper clippings, containing information regarding
marriages, births, christenings, and family member enlistments to the U.S. Navy. Ephemera material consists of event invitations
and religious leaflets.
Hawaii -- History -- 1900-1959.
United States -- Navy Band
United States. -- Navy -- Filipino Americans
Methodist Church