Description
This collection is comprised of manuscripts,
correspondence, photographs, documents, certificates, and other material regarding
Gordon and Anna Watkins from 1903-1971. Includes both personal and university
related items. Material reflecting the Watkins' interest in the field of economics
and his tenure as UCR's first Provost is evidenced through the various publications
and press clippings present in the collection. Memorandums, correspondence, and
sound recordings documenting the Watkins' accomplishments and time at UCR are also
included such as items regarding the establishment and construction of UCR as well
as Watkins House.
Background
Gordon Samuel Watkins was born on March 9, 1889 in Brynmawr, Wales. Watkins worked
with his father in the coal mines from a young age and began saving his money to
better his situation. In 1906, at the age of seventeen, he paid thirty-five dollars
for a steam ship ticket to the United States. Once in the States, he worked at
numerous places including a railroad machine shop which enabled him to pay his way
through preparatory school at Fargo College Academy in Fargo, North Dakota and
Wheaton College Academy in Wheaton, Illinois. Watkins later moved to and worked as a
lumberjack in Montana which helped pay his way through the University of Montana
where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree and met Anna Davis. Anna was born on
December 22, 1884 in Mount Etna, Iowa and like her husband she completed her
undergraduate work at the University of Montana earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in
economics. The couple was married in 1917 after Gordon received his Masters of Arts
degree from the University of Illinois. Gordon later went on to earn his doctorate
from the University of Pennsylvania.
Extent
5.75 linear feet
(5 document boxes, 2 flat storage boxes, 1 map case folder)
Restrictions
Copyright has not been assigned to the University of California, Riverside Libraries,
Special Collections & Archives. All requests for permission to publish or quote
from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Head of Special Collections
& Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Regents of the
University of California as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to
include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by
the researcher.
Availability
This collection is open for research.