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Finding aid to the James Duval Phelan Papers 1852-1937 (bulk 1886-1921)
SFH SF MSS 10/1-12  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
Miscellaneous collection of correspondence, ephemera, poetry, with small amounts of clippings, personal and business documents, speech notes, and a photographic montage of Villa Montalvo. Most of the collection spans Phelan's terms as Mayor and Senator, including the years in between.
Background
Phelan was the son of a pioneer California banker. He was elected as a reform mayor of San Francisco, serving 1897-1902. He was then elected to the U. S. Senate and served from 1915 to 1921. A Democrat and a supporter of Woodrow Wilson generally, he also advocated for the exclusion of "Orientals." A patron of the arts, his home at Villa Montalvo in Saratoga, California served as a hub for writers and artists. Many of these are represented in the correspondence.
Extent
12 folders (0.56 cubic feet)
Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to the San Francisco Public Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
Availability
Collection is open for research.