Private Journal of Mr. Julian Garcia (Bandmaster), 1896-1959

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

Repository: UC Davis. Welga Archive, Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies

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

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.

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.