George and Mae Worswick Papers
Finding aid created by History San Jose Research Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
History San Jose Research Library
2021
1661 Senter Road
San Jose, California 95112
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
http://www.historysanjose.org/
Title: George and Mae Worswick Papers
Dates: 1882-1938
Collection Number: 1988-57
Creator/Collector:
Worswick, George Draper
Worswick, Mary L.
Worswick, Mildred
Extent: .75 linear feet (2 boxes)
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: Papers of George Draper Worswick and his wife Mary ("Mae") Holcomb Worswick, including personal correspondence and a scrapbook
of political clippings related to Worswick's two terms as mayor of San Jose, California.
Language of Material: English
The papers are open to the public for research by appointment with the Curator of Library & Archives
Contact the Curator of Library & Archives for information on reproduction and publication
George and Mae Worswick Papers. History San Jose Research Library
Donated to the San Jose Historical Museum in 1988 by the Estate of Mildred Worswick, daughter of George and Mae
Biography/Administrative History
George Draper Worswick was born in 1881 in Kingston, Upper Canada, and later moved to Ketchum, Idaho, where he operated a
fruit and produce store in the 1880s. He courted Mary "Mae" Holcolm while she resided in Caldwell, Idaho, and they married
in 1886. After moving to San Jose, Worswick served two terms as Mayor of San Jose, beginning in 1902. He ran as a Citizen's
Candidate, on a Progressive platform, for good government. In addition, Worswick owned Cherryvale Orchards and acted as local
agent for the California Pine Box and Lumber Company. He died unexpectedly in 1921, and was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery. Son
George, Jr., served in the U.S. Navy, and daughter Mildred resided in San Jose.
Scope and Content of Collection
Personal correspondence makes up a large portion of the papers, including letters to and from George and Mae Worswick during
their courtship and marriage, and letters to daughter Mildred from her family members. In addition, a small collection of
real estate and financial papers are included. A scrapbook documents George Worswick's political career as a Progressive "Citizen's"
candidate, serving as mayor of San Jose from 1902-1906. See attached inventory for details.
Mayors--California--San Jose
Courtship
Progressivism (United States politics)
San Jose (Calif.)--Politics and government
Nineteen hundreds (Decade)
San Jose (Calif.)
Ketchum (Idaho)
Caldwell (Idaho)