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Bessie Sheppard Collection
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Title: Bessie Sheppard Collection
Dates: 1874-1975
Collection Number: Consult library
Creator/Collector:
Sheppard, Elizabeth (Bessie)
Sheppard, Christopher
Extent: 15 linear feet
Repository:
Ontario City Library, Robert E. Ellingwood Model Colony History Room
Ontario, California 91764-4111
Abstract: This collection contains materials belonging to the Sheppard family of Ontario, who were early pioneers. The bulk of the collection
belonged to Elizabeth "Bessie" Sheppard, daughter of Dr. Christopher Sheppard. Included in this collection are family photos,
correspondence, financial and legal papers, bank statements and checks, and much of Bessie Sheppard's coursework from library
school. Also included are programs, minutes and notes from the Shakespeare and Friday Afternoon Clubs and the Humane Society
as well as medical papers, invoices, and appointment books from Dr. Sheppard’s practice.
Language of Material: English
Collection is open for research during the operating hours of the Robert E. Ellingwood Model Colony History Room, or by appointment.
Please contact the history room in advance for access.
Collection is open for research.
[Identification of item]. Bessie Sheppard Collection. Collection Number: Consult library. Ontario City Library, Robert E.
Ellingwood Model Colony History Room
Collection was donated by Skip Pace in the late 1980s.
Biography/Administrative History
Bessie Sheppard was born in Ontario, Canada Jan. 17, 1895. In 1899, her father, Dr. Christopher Sheppard, decided to move
to Ontario, California permanently, as the family had been wintering here for a few years. He took over the medical practice
of the late Dr. Orville Ensign and rented his home on South Laurel. In 1906, Dr. Sheppard bought a house on the northwest
corner of “C” and Euclid and remodeled it to accommodate his practice.
Elizabeth “Bessie” Sheppard graduated from Chaffey High School in 1913 and went to the Riverside Library Service School,
graduating in either 1917 or 1918. By 1925 she was employed as a cataloger at Pomona Public Library. She held several different
positions until her retirement in 1973.
Dr. Sheppard bought a lot in 1923 on the southeast corner of El Morado Court for a house and office but died in 1924 before
they were built. Plans for this house are in the Model Colony Architectural Files. Bessie and her mother moved into a smaller
residence at 112 El Morado Court. Bessie lived there until her death Sept. 15, 1985. She is buried at Bellevue Cemetery.
She was involved with the Shakespeare and Friday Afternoon Clubs and was on the Board of Directors of the Chaffey Community
(now West End) Humane Society.
Scope and Content of Collection
This collection consists of personal, financial, and medical correspondence and records including postcards, announcements,
cards & letters, correspondence, documents, minutes and reports of the Humane Society of the Chaffey Community, financial
receipts, bank statements, check stubs, and stock information for the Sheppard's, social and service club programs and minutes,
and photographs and personal papers. Also included are library related materials from Ms. Sheppard's library career, as well
as early medical records from Dr. Sheppard's practice.
Sheppard, Elizabeth (Bessie)
Sheppard, Christopher
Ontario (Calif.)