Description
This collection comprises three
scrapbooks and a manuscript journal of Esther Smith, a 23-year-old high school teacher,
documenting her three-month bus tour of the American West in 1935. The scrapbooks contain 62
pamphlets, 76 photographs (many with descriptive captions), and 85 postcards, as well as
other items such as newspaper clippings, dried flowers, tokens, and tickets. The California
portion of the tour included stops in San Francisco, Yosemite, Los Angeles, and San Juan
Capistrano.
Background
In the summer of 1935, Esther Smith, a 23-year-old high school teacher, was a member of a
group of young, professional, single women on a bus tour of the American West. The tour was
offered by the summer travel program, "University of Tours." The group was chaperoned by a
male college professor, a principal driver, and a back-up driver. The University of Tours
was described as "an educational institution on wheels." The California portion of the tour
included stops in San Francisco, Yosemite, Los Angeles, and San Juan Capistrano.
Extent
0.8 Linear Feet
(2 boxes)
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by
the creators of the records and their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish,
please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.
Availability
The collection is open for research.