Finding Aid to the James Rolph, Jr. Papers
Finding aid prepared by Laurie Skophammer
California Historical Society
678 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA, 94105
415-357-1848
reference@calhist.org
URL: http://www.californiahistoricalsociety.org/
© 2008
Finding Aid to the James Rolph, Jr. Papers, 1904-1934, bulk
1911-1930
Collection number: MS 1818
California Historical Society
North Baker Research Library
San
Francisco, California
- Processed by:
- Laurie Skophammer
- Encoded by:
- Maureen Carey, UCSC OAC Unit
© 2008 California Historical Society. All rights reserved.
Collection Summary
Collection Title: James Rolph, Jr. papers
Dates: 1904-1934,
Date (bulk): bulk 1911-1930
Collection Number: MS 1818
Creator:
Rolph, James, 1869-1934
Repository:
California Historical Society
678 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA, 94105
415-357-1848
reference@calhist.org
Physical Description:
Extent: 97 boxes, 4 oversize boxes, 34 volumes
(circa 69.0 linear feet)
Physical Location: Collection is stored onsite.
Abstract: The papers of James Rolph, Jr. include material
from his five consecutive terms as San Francisco mayor from 1912-1931. Issues and
events affecting the city that are reflected in the papers include: the Panama
Pacific International Exposition (PPIE); World War I; the 1918 influenza epidemic;
and business and labor relations. Also well represented are the citywide efforts,
headed by Rolph, to rebuild the city's infrastructure following the 1906 earthquake
and fire, including the establishment of municipal railway and water systems;
construction projects including City Hall and the Civic Center; and regional
transportation, including streets, highways, transbay crossings and the airport. The
bulk of the collection consists of routine mayoral correspondence, including
requests for letters of reference, permits, licenses, appointments, and employment
as well as correspondence with city departments, state and federal agencies.
Included are eight mayoral appointment books, a record book of election workers, and
scrapbooks of clippings. Also contains campaign material from his mayoral elections
and scrapbooks from Rolph's term as governor; minutes and financial records
(1914-1927) from his companies, James Rolph and Company and Rolph Navigation and
Coal Company; and family correspondence.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in English.
Information for Researchers
Access
Publication Rights
All requests to reproduce, publish, quote from or otherwise use collection
materials must be submitted in writing to the Director of the Library and
Archives, North Baker Research Library, California Historical Society, 678
Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Consent is given on behalf of the
California Historical Society as the owner of the physical items and is not
intended to include or imply permission from the copyright owner. Such
permission must be obtained from the copyright owner.
Restrictions also apply to digital representations of the original materials. Use
of digital files is restricted to research and educational purposes.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], James Rolph, Jr. Papers, MS 1818, California Historical
Society.
Alternative Forms of Material Available
There are no alternate forms of this collection.
Additional Notes on Collection
Some materials may be moldy. Researchers should use caution when handling these
materials.
Related Material
James Rolph, Jr. Papers, MS 1380
Separated Materials
Photograph album containing photographs of San Francisco City Hall and Civic
Center, circa 1913-1916, has been transferred to the Photography Collection,
shelved as PC-PA 036.
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the
library's online public access catalog.
Rolph, James, 1869-1934--Archives
San Francisco (Calif.). Mayor (1912-1931 :
Rolph)
Water-supply--California--San Francisco
Water-supply--California--Hetch Hetchy Valley
Public works--California--San Francisco
Street-railroads--California--San Francisco
World War, 1914-1918--California--San Francisco
Influenza Epidemic, 1918-1919--California--San
Francisco
Labor disputes--California--San Francisco
Hetch Hetchy Reservoir (Calif.)
San Francisco
(Calif.)--History--Sources
American Red Cross. San Francisco
Chapter
Panama-Pacific International Exposition (1915 :
San Francisco, Calif.)
Scrapbooks
Addresses
Administrative Information
Custodial History
There is no verifiable custodial history for the papers of James Rolph. They are
believed to have been recovered from a bin outside City Hall circa 1950 and
transferred to the California Historical Society.
Acquisition Information
Fourteen scrapbooks were given to the CHS by the Bancroft Library in 1973.
Six gubernatorial scrapbooks and one unprocessed carton, donated to the Bancroft
Library on November 29, 1966 by Rolph's son, James, were added to the collection
in 1989.
Accruals
No additions are expected.
Processing Information
Processed by Laurie Skophammer in 2008.
Biographical Information
James Rolph, Jr., known as "Sunny Jim", served as mayor of San Francisco from 1912 to
1931, resigning only to become governor of California for one term before his death
in 1934. Born on August 23, 1869, in a home on Minna Street "South of the Slot,"
Rolph was the oldest of seven children. His father was from London and his mother
from Edinburgh; they met on board ship coming to America and married when they
reached San Francisco. Rolph attended public primary schools in San Francisco and
graduated from Trinity School in 1888. The family lived near the intersection of
21st and Guerrero Streets in the Mission district during this time; an older
neighbor, Matt I. Sullivan, befriended the young man and became his life-long
advisor. Rolph started working while a still a student, selling newspapers and
performing various odd jobs. After graduation he was employed by De Witt, Kittle
& Co. for 12 years, where he learned the shipping business. Rolph's mother died
when he was 20, and he helped raise his brothers and sisters (William, George,
Ronald, Mildred, Elizabeth Jane, and Thomas) prior to marrying Miss Annie Marshall
Reid, the daughter of a Mission district businessman, on June 26, 1900. Daughter
Annette was born in 1901, followed by a son, James, in 1904, and daughter Georgina
in 1905. Their home at 25th and San Jose served as the family headquarters until
Rolph's death, although he also famously spent many nights in his office at City
Hall.
In 1900, Rolph formed a shipping company, Hind & Rolph, with a former classmate
from Trinity, George Hind, also a life-long friend, and in 1903 helped found the
Mission Bank. His other, subsequent companies included Rolph Shipbuilding Company
and Rolph Navigation and Coal. He served as president of the Shipowners Association
of the Pacific Coast for three terms, president of the Merchant's Exchange for three
years, and a trustee of the Chamber of Commerce. Following the 1906 earthquake and
fire, Rolph was instrumental in establishing the Mission Relief Agency of the Red
Cross. His barn at 25th and Guerrero Streets became the headquarters for
distributing food and supplies unloaded at the Southern Pacific station on nearby
Valencia Street. He used his personal funds to feed thousands of displaced citizens
there for a number of months.
Rolph was first urged to run for mayor in 1909 but declined. In 1911, he was
persuaded to enter the race by Matt I. Sullivan and Gavin McNab, head of the
Democratic Party in San Francisco. An advocate of the union shop, which he employed
in his own businesses, Rolph drew a great deal of support away from incumbent P.H.
McCarthy, the Union Labor party candidate. In the September 26 primary Rolph
received 47,417 votes to McCarthy's 27,048. Campaigning on a platform of clean
government in the aftermath of the graft trials in San Francisco, his personal and
professional reputation already well established throughout the community, Rolph
promised not only an honest administration but to be "mayor of all the people." He
took office at the age of 42 on January 8, 1912, for the first of his five
terms.
Rolph's initial years as mayor were a whirlwind of activity, culminating in the
astonishing Panama Pacific International Exposition in 1915. The fair brought
world-wide attention to the rebirth of the city, which had been virtually destroyed
less than 10 years earlier. Rolph's first re-election campaign occurred during the
midst of the fair, and there was never any doubt that he would prevail over his
major opponent, former mayor Eugene Schmitz. Although his second term was equally
eventful, Rolph was also diligently pursuing his private interests. With the
impending involvement of the U.S. in World War I, Rolph focused on shipbuilding.
Already a millionaire prior to becoming mayor, his wealth significantly increased as
he provided ships and tugs for ocean towing. These were built both in San Francisco
and in Oakland at the Moore & Scott yards owned by Rolph's sister Mildred's
husband, Joseph P. Moore. He formed the Rolph
Shipbuilding Company, and in 1917 bought the Bendixsen shipyards in
Humboldt, California.
In February 1918 he went to Washington, D.C. to meet with the US Shipping Board for
the necessary approval to build wooden ships for the French government. That year
Rolph also announced his candidacy for governor of California, seeking the
nomination of both the Republican and Democratic parties, which was permitted at
that time. Rolph won the Democratic nomination but not the Republican, and
ultimately his candidacy was challenged since by law he could not be the candidate
of another party unless he had also won the nomination of his own. At the same time,
the U.S. Shipping Board retracted their authorization to build ships for the French
government and would not permit him to sell the ships to any other countries, for
diplomatic reasons. Rolph returned to Washington to protest this decision, which he
viewed as politically motivated, but his appeal was unsuccessful. When World War I
ended in November 1918, Rolph was left with no opportunity to recoup the significant
investments he had made in this venture, and he was faced with growing debt. Despite
his personal difficulties, Rolph went to New York to welcome the troops home,
followed by a big parade in San Francisco in the spring of 1919, and was quite
involved with efforts to find employment and housing for the returning San
Franciscans. In the fall of that year, Rolph again faced Eugene Schmitz in his
re-election and won.
During the 1920s, Rolph became less involved in city affairs, and focused on his
ceremonial role. With his charisma and dapper appearance, including a boutonniere
and his handmade boots, as well as his exceptional memory and genuine affection for
people, Rolph was the consummate host throughout his years in office. Requiring
little sleep, he maintained a punishing schedule of public appearancescutting
ribbons, laying cornerstones, and inaugurating streetcar lines, often garbed in the
appropriate costumes. He belonged to a multitude of organizations, among them the
Masons, Elks, Odd Fellows, and Improved Order of Redmen. He was a member of the
exclusive Pacific Union and Bohemian Clubs, as well as the Olympic, Commonwealth and
Press Clubs. He also joined the NAACP in the 1920s and was an honorary member of
several labor unions, and was a lifelong Republican.
Rolph was known for his personal generosity, approachability and friendliness,
offering rides to people on his way to City Hall and sharing lunch with the workers
on the docks. He attended the Church of St. John the Evangelist
at 15th Street and Julian, although he also supported many other religious groups as
well. For relaxation, he spent vacations and any free time at his ranch off Skyline
Boulevard down the peninsula, where he enjoyed swimming, riding horses and hunting
deer, as well as entertaining. During the 1920s, his health began to suffer from the
effects of his rich diet and perpetual activity, although the full effects were not
apparent until he became governor following a campaign where he visited all of the
58 counties in California personally.
Rolph's success as mayor of San Francisco did not carry over when he moved to the
Capitol and was confronted with the enormous challenges that accompanied the
Depression years. His personal popularity suffered when he refused to pardon Tom
Mooney in 1931, and the final blow was his infamous approval of the 1933 mob
lynching of the two men held responsible for the kidnap and murder of the son of a
well-known San Jose businessman. At the beginning of 1934 Rolph suffered a stroke as
he began his campaign for the next term; he was kept at Saint Francis Hospital in
San Francisco for a month, but did not recover and soon afterward announced that he
would not continue his campaign. He went to recuperate at the Riverside Ranch in
Santa Clara, owned by his friend, Walter Linforth, and died there on June 2, 1934.
The people of San Francisco turned out in the rain by the thousands to pay tribute
to Mayor Rolph in City Hall for the last time. He is buried at Greenlawn Memorial
Park in Colma.
Sources
Flamm, Jerry.
Hometown San
Francisco: Sunny Jim, Phat Willie, and Dave
.
Issel, William and Cherny, Robert.
San Francisco 1865-1932: Politics, Power and Urban
Development
.
Worthen, James.
Governor James Rolph
and the Great Depression in California
.
Biography/Organization History
Chronology of Significant San Francisco Events Represented in the
Collection
| 1911 October 14 |
City hosts President Taft for Panama Pacific International Exposition
(PPIE) ground-breaking.
|
| 1911 September 26 |
Rolph elected Mayor of San Francisco. |
| 1912 March 28 |
Bond issue ($800,000) approved to acquire land for Civic Center. |
| 1912 December 10 |
Special election held for 32 proposed charter amendments. |
| 1912 December 28 |
First day of service for first municipally-owned transportation
agency.
|
| 1913 April 22 |
Lower Market Street Agreement adopted, outside tracks for Muni, inside
tracks for United Railroad.
|
| 1913 June 3 |
Last horse car of Municipal Railway, driven by Mayor Rolph. |
| 1913 June 25 |
Geary Street line to the beach begins service. |
| 1913 August 26 |
Bond issue approved for Muni expansion, mostly for Panama Pacific
International Exposition (PPIE).
|
| 1913 October 25 |
City Hall cornerstone placed. |
| 1914 August 15 |
Van Ness Avenue line begins service. |
| 1914 September 7 |
Potrero Avenue line begins service. |
| 1914 November 3 |
Removal of cemeteries ordinance rejected by voters. |
| 1914 December 11 |
Stockton Street Tunnel completed - first tunnel for automobiles. |
| 1915 January 9 |
Exposition Hall dedicated. |
| 1915 Febuary 20 |
Panama Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) opens. |
| 1915 March 16 |
Special election held for 36 proposed charter amendments. |
| 1915 April 20 |
Special election held for Spring Valley bond measure. |
| 1915 September |
Rolph elected for second term as Mayor. |
| 1915 December 29 |
City Hall dedicated - architect's competition won by Bakewell and
Brown.
|
| 1916 January |
Rolph suffers appendicitis and "breakdown." |
| 1916 July 22 |
Rolph leads Preparedness Day parade, bomb explodes at 2:06 p.m. |
| 1916 November 7 |
Special election held for 33 proposed charter amendments, including
two-platoon system for Fire Department.
|
| 1917 February 15 |
Public Library dedicated. |
| 1917 February 24 |
City hosts funeral of General Funston. |
| 1917 April |
Rolph Shipbuilding Company purchases Bendixsen in Humboldt. |
| 1917 July 14 |
Twin Peaks Tunnel dedicated. |
| 1917 October 30 |
Special election held for school bonds. |
| 1918 February 4 |
First Muni car travels through Twin Peaks Tunnel with Rolph at the
controls.
|
| 1918 November 5 |
General election and vote on proposed charter amendments. |
| 1919 April 22 |
Rolph organizes parade in San Francisco to welcome return of 363rd
Infantry and 347th Field Artillery.
|
| 1919 July 31 |
Rolph awarded Cross of the Knight of the Legion of Honor by
France.
|
| 1919 September 8 |
Rolph receives Cross of the Commander of the Royal Order of George the
First from Greece.
|
| 1919 October 14 |
City hosts King Albert and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium, Herbert
Hoover.
|
| 1919 November |
Rolph elected for third term as mayor. |
| 1919 November 17 |
City hosts reception for President Eamon de Valera, Republic of
Ireland.
|
| 1920 June 8-12 |
Rolph attends Republican Convention in Chicago. |
| 1920 June 28-July 6 |
City hosts Democratic Convention at Exposition Hall. |
| 1923 August 2 |
Death of President Harding at Palace Hotel. |
| 1923 November |
Rolph elected for fourth term as mayor. |
| 1924 October 7 |
Special election held for Hetch Hetchy bond measure. |
| 1924 November 11 |
Palace of the Legion of Honor opens to the public. |
| 1925 July |
Rolph travels to Washington D.C. to gain support for Hetch Hetchy
funding
|
| 1927 June 14 |
Special election held for five propositions: Bernal Cut, War Memorial
Halls, Municipal Railway Extensions, Spring Valley Water Company Purchase,
and refuse management.
|
| 1927 November |
Rolph re-elected for fifth term as Mayor. |
| 1928 May 1 |
Special election held for bond measures for Hetch Hetchy completion and
Spring Valley purchase.
|
| 1928 August 28 |
Special election held for charter amendment creating Utility
Commission.
|
| 1928 October 21 |
Sunset Tunnel opens. |
| 1928 November 6 |
General election with charter amendments and bond measures for airport,
aquatic park, McLaren Park.
|
| 1929 June 9 |
Celebration of completion of Great Highway and Ocean Beach
Esplanade.
|
| 1929 November 5 |
General municipal election with propositions to acquire China Beach and
extend Marina Park; garbage management, including municipal collection and
incineration.
|
| 1931 January 7 |
Rolph resigns as Mayor of San Francisco to become Governor of
California.
|
| 1934 Spring |
Rolph suffers stroke and is unable to continue as Governor. |
| 1934 June 2 |
Rolph dies in Santa Clara County. |
Scope and Contents of Collection
The papers of James Rolph, Jr. include material from his five consecutive terms as
San Francisco mayor from 1912-1931. Issues and events affecting the city that are
reflected in the papers include: the Panama Pacific International
Exposition(PPIE); World War I; the 1918 influenza epidemic; and
business and labor relations. Also well represented are the citywide efforts, headed
by Rolph, to rebuild the city's infrastructure following the 1906 earthquake and
fire, including the establishment of municipal railway and water systems;
construction projects including City Hall and the Civic Center; and regional
transportation, including streets, highways, transbay crossings and the airport. The
bulk of the collection consists of routine mayoral correspondence, including
requests for letters of reference, permits, licenses, appointments, and employment
as well as correspondence with city departments, state and federal agencies.
Included are eight mayoral appointment books, a record book of election workers, and
scrapbooks of clippings. Also contains campaign material from his mayoral elections
and scrapbooks from Rolph's term as governor; minutes and financial records
(1914-1927) from his companies, James Rolph and Company and
Rolph Navigation and Coal Company; and family
correspondence.
Mayor Rolph's papers, the product of his unprecedented 22 years in office, encompass
the enormous changes in the city of San Francisco during two extremely eventful
decades. The collection documents the many tangible accomplishments of his
administration, and reflects the processes through which they were achieved,
including committee work to promote bond measures and contributions of the business
community and labor organizations. His papers not only illuminate the alliances
between elected and/or appointed officials and the many active civic and business
organizations in San Francisco, they also provide a window into the everyday lives
of city residents along with the public service of its more prominent citizens.
The Mayor's Office files (Series 1) contain incoming and outgoing correspondence
handled by the Mayor's Office secretarial staff, including his long-time secretary
and assistant, Edward Rainey. Correspondents include:
individuals, writing on a wide variety of topics, often requesting help with jobs,
introductions, and all manner of personal problems; civic and neighborhood
improvement groups communicating their opinions and platforms; mayors of other
cities as well as representatives of state and national organizations on a range of
issues; and leaders of nations around the world, largely the result of the PPIE.
Also included in Series 1 are Rolph's numerous proclamations and statements for the
press; scrapbooks documenting his years in office; invitations; appointment books;
notes and organizational material on events the city hosted in honor of various
holidays or visiting dignitaries; requests for permits for a wide range of
activities; general materials related to running the mayor's office; and
miscellaneous file material, record books and correspondence inherited from Rolph's
predecessor, P. H. McCarthy.
The City Agency Files (Series 2) consist of correspondence, reports, memos and other
documents generated in the course of the Mayor's interaction with the various city
departments. Correspondence from city residents or local organizations regarding
specific topics, complaints, and concerns were forwarded to the appropriate agency,
and can be found here. In general, these files contain information about personnel
and agency management, including departmental reports, staffing issues and
vacancies, and the implementation of civil service guidelines, which became more
uniform during Rolph's administration.
Civic Projects and Issues (Series 3) contains material related to projects and
recurring issues that were not the exclusive domain of any particular city agency.
These include the Panama Pacific International Exposition (PPIE), the city's water
supply, including the Hetch Hetchy project and the Spring Valley Water Company
purchase, labor strikes and efforts to solve the problem of unemployment, city-wide
relief efforts in response to disasters in other parts of the country and the world,
as well as the work of local agencies concerned with the welfare of city residents.
Records relating to the Panama Pacific International Exposition (PPIE), for which
Rolph served on the Board of Directors, include correspondence throughout the
planning stages, as well as general requests for information about the fair and its
events, and material related to its closure and the disposition of pavilions.
Political Papers (Series 4) contains material related to state, local and national
politics as well as Rolph's own re-election campaigns. It also includes
correspondence regarding the Democratic convention held in San Francisco in 1920,
and a portfolio containing ephemera from Rolph's term as governor.
Business and Personal Papers (Series 5) contains correspondence regarding Rolph's
various business enterprises, documenting his mounting financial difficulties
following World War I. His personal papers include correspondence from family and
friends as well as material related to interests such as dog breeding and management
of his ranch in San Mateo County.
Arrangement
These materials, lacking original order, were reordered chronologically sometime in
the 1970s. A subsequent attempt to arrange the files was begun in the 1980s but
abandoned. The material has now been organized using the file code designations of
Rolph's office staff, the key to which was supplied by the available correspondence
logs, and arranged on the same principles.
The papers of James Rolph, Jr. are organized into five series: Series 1: Mayor's
Office; Series 2: City Agency Files; Series 3: Civic Projects and Issues; Series 4:
Political Papers; Series 5: Business and Personal Papers.
Series 1, Mayor's Office, is divided into four subseries: Correspondence; Speeches
and Publicity; Financial; and Office Files. Correspondence is further divided into
nine sub-subseries: General Correspondence; Correspondence with Civic Organizations;
Ceremonial Correspondence; Correspondence Regarding Permits; "Bug File"; State of
California Correspondence; National and Federal Correspondence; Correspondence with
International Consuls; and Correspondence of P.H. McCarthy. Speeches and Publicity
is further divided four sub-subseries: Speeches, Proclamations, and Statements for
Press; Correspondence with Press; Clippings; and Scrapbooks. Office Files are
further divided into four sub-subseries: Administrative Records and Correspondence;
Appointment Books; Invitations; and Public Events.
Series 2, City Agency Files, is divided into 20 subseries, based on the governmental
structure of the City and County of San Francisco throughout Rolph's terms in
office. These are: Board of Censorship; Board of Education; Board of Fire
Commissioners; Board of Police Commissioners; Board of Supervisors; Bureau of
Efficiency; Bureau of Public Works; City and County Offices; City Planning
Commission; Civil Service Commission; Department of Elections/Registrar; Department
of Electricity; Department of Public Health; Judicial; Park Commissioners;
Playground Commission; Public Library Trustees; Public Pound/SPCA; Sealer of Weights
and Measures; and Miscellaneous Agencies. Bureau of Public Works is further divided
into three sub-subseries: General Files; Bureau of Architecture; Municipal
Railway.
Series 3, Civic Projects and Issues, is divided into seven subseries: Panama Pacific
International Exposition (PPIE); City Services; Transportation and Communication;
Charter Amendments and Consolidation; Relief Efforts; Water; Labor and Unemployment.
Relief Efforts is further divided into two sub-subseries: Relief Committees,
Including Red Cross and Associated Charities.
Series 4, Political Papers, is divided into three subseries: Mayoral Campaign
Materials; Gubernatorial Papers and Scrapbooks; Miscellaneous Political Papers.
Series 5, Business and Personal Papers, is divided into two subseries: Business
Papers and Personal Papers.
Series 1:
Mayor's Office,
1904-1934
Physical Description:
Boxes 1-49; Volumes 1-25; Oversize Box 1, folders 1-5
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically. Divided into four subseries: 1.1: Correspondence;
1.2: Speeches and Publicity; 1.3: Financial; and 1.4: Office Files.
Scope and Content Note
Consists of material related to the responsibilities handled by the mayor's
office, including incoming and outgoing correspondence, speeches and
communication with the press, planning for public events, mayor's schedule,
and office administration.
Subseries 1.1:
Correspondence,
1911-1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 1-35; Oversize box 1, folders 1-3
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically. Further divided into nine sub-subseries: 1.1.1:
General Correspondence; 1.1.2: Correspondence with Civic Organizations;
1.1.3: Ceremonial Correspondence; 1.1.4: Correspondence Regarding
Permits, 1907-1928; 1.1.5: "Bug File"; 1.1.6: State of California
Correspondence; 1.1.7: National and Federal Correspondence; 1.1.8:
Correspondence with International Consuls; and 1.1.9: Correspondence of
P.H. McCarthy.
Scope and Content Note
Contains all routine correspondence answered by the mayor or one of his
secretaries that was not designated for a specific city department or
project. Also includes correspondence with mayors of other cities, state
and federal agencies and representatives of international
governments.
1.1.1:
General Correspondence,
1911-1928
Physical Description:
Boxes 1-11
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains incoming and outgoing correspondence, including thank you
notes, letters of condolence, requests for help from the mayor or
personal interviews, comments and questions, and advertisements for
services. Also includes calling cards and notes about visitors to
the mayor's office.
Box 6, Folder 1-11
1919
September-1920 September
Box 11, Folder 1-11
1925 October
23-1928 April
1.1.2:
Correspondence with Civic Organizations,
1911-1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 12-14; Oversize box 1, folder 1
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically and then chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Correspondence of a general nature with large, established civic
groups such as the Chamber of Commerce and Commonwealth Club, as
well as other local organizations, including neighborhood
improvement groups, churches, temples and benevolent societies,
labor unions, fraternal and political organizations.
Box 12, Folder 1
American Association for Labor Legislation
1912-1914
Box 12, Folder 2
American Federation of Musicians
1920-1925
Box 12, Folder 3
Asphalt Workers Local No. 84
1920
Box 12, Folder 4
California Development Association
1924-1925
Box 12, Folder 5
California Federation of Women's Clubs
1919-1924
Box 12, Folder 7
California Metal Trades Association
1912-1920
Box 12, Folder 8
California Oriental Exclusion League
1919-1920
Box 12, Folder 9
The Citizens' Alliance of San Francisco
1911-1913
Box 12, Folder 10
City and County Federation of Women's Clubs
1924-1925
Box 12, Folder 11
Civic League of Improvement Clubs and
Associations
1916-1924
Box 12, Folder 12
Civil Service per diem Men's Association of
SF
1920-1925
Box 12, Folder 13
Colored Men Non-Partisan League
1911-1913
Box 12, Folder 14
Colored Young Men and Women's Industrial Christian
Association, Inc.
1919
Box 12, Folder 15
Commonwealth Club
1911-1926
Box 12, Folder 16
Divisadero Street Improvement Association
1912-1915
Box 12, Folder 17
Down Town Association
1913-1924
box OV Box 1, Folder 1
Petition from Downtown Merchants
1914 January 6
Box 12, Folder 18
The Eugenic-Ethic Association
1912
Box 12, Folder 19
The Eureka Valley Improvement Association
1911-1925
Box 12, Folder 20
Excelsior Homestead Progressive Association/Central
Council Greater Excelsior District
1912-1924
Box 12, Folder 21
Famous Players-Lasky Corporation
1924
Box 12, Folder 22
Fillmore Street Improvement Association
1911-1924
Box 12, Folder 23
Golden Gate Valley Improvement Association
1913-1916
Box 12, Folder 24
Good Government League
1911-1915
Box 12, Folder 25
Haight and Ashbury District Improvement
Association
1912-1920
Box 12, Folder 26
Home Industry League of California
1911-1916
Box 12, Folder 27
Improved Order of Red Men
1913-1926
Box 12, Folder 29
Knights of the Royal Arch
1911-1915
Box 12, Folder 31
Loyal Order of Moose of the World
1918-1924
Box 12, Folder 32
Municipal Civil Service Employees'
Association
1913-1914
Box 12, Folder 33
The Municipal Ownership Association
1911-1912
Box 12, Folder 34
Native Daughters/Sons of the Golden West
1912-1924
Box 12, Folder 35
North Beach Promotion Association
1919-1924
Box 12, Folder 36
North Central Improvement Association
1912-1923
Box 12, Folder 37
Oceanside Community Council
1920-1925
Box 12, Folder 38
Ocean View Improvement Club
1911-1921
Box 12, Folder 39
Pacific Better Homes Bureau
1924
Box 12, Folder 40
Public Spirit Club of San Francisco
1922-1924
Box 12, Folder 41
San Francisco Advertising Club
1918-1924
Box 13, Folder 1-6
San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
1912-1925
Box 13, Folder 7-9
San Francisco Convention League
1911-1927
Box 13, Folder 10
San Francisco Labor Council
1912-1930
Box 13, Folder 11
San Francisco Secretaries' Club
1923-1924
Box 13, Folder 12
Socialist Party
1912-1913
Box 13, Folder 13
"Shriner's" /Islam Temple
1921-1925
Box 13, Folder 14
Southern Promotion Association
1921-1926
Box 13, Folder 15
Sutro Heights Improvement Association
1923
Box 13, Folder 16
Travelers' Aid Society
1914-1917
Box 13, Folder 17
Twin Peaks Improvement Club
1911-1921
Box 13, Folder 18
The Union League Club
1911-1912
Box 13, Folder 19
Westwood Park Association
1921
Box 13, Folder 20
Women's Overseas Service League
1923-1924
Box 14, Folder 1-3
Religious Organizations
1911-1925
Box 14, Folder 4-7
Miscellaneous Organizations
1911-1930
1.1.3:
Ceremonial Correspondence,
1911-1926
Physical Description:
Boxes 15-21
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains routine letters of introduction for visitors to San
Francisco; requests for letters of reference from the mayor for
traveling San Franciscans and job seekers; correspondence regarding
favors of various kinds, including help with employment matters; and
ceremonial acknowledgements.
Box 17, Folder 1-11
1914 October-1916
December
Box 18, Folder 1-10
1917 January-1918 December
Box 19, Folder 1-12
1919 January-1920 October
Box 20, Folder 1-11
1920 November-1924
December
Box 21, Folder 1-11
1925 January-1926
December
1.1.4:
Correspondence Regarding Permits
1907-1928
Physical Description:
Boxes 22-26; Volume 19; Oversize box 1, folder 2
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Permits were required for activities affecting public space, such as
blasting and burning connected with construction and maintenance,
street vending, taxi standing, and automobile parking. Contains
correspondence and letters of reference for permit applicants as
well as complaints about permit holders and requests for revocation.
Permits were most frequently requested to sell flowers, fruit,
birds, seasonal decorations, pencils, toys, and newspapers. Includes
an April 1915 permit granted to the Keystone Comedy Company "to use
any part of the City for the taking of Motion Pictures" as well as
permission for the use of firecrackers to celebrate Chinese New
Year.
Box OV Box 1, Folder 2
Diagram of Flower Beds, Kearny and Geary
1912 July
Box 25, Folder 1-14
1915 December-1920
September
Volume 19
Record of Automobile and Hack Permits
1907-1923
1.1.5:
"Bug File,"
1915-1930
Physical Description:
Box 27, folders 1-10
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Named by Rolph's staff, the "Bug File" contains outrageous, sometimes
deranged, rambling and frequently illegible letters, postcards, and
pamphlets the mayor received. Correspondence with a return address
was usually responded to in routine fashion with the statement that
the contents had been noted. Correspondence in other languages was
referred to local consulates for translation; threatening letters
were referred to the Police Department.
1.1.6:
State of California,
1911-1930
Physical Description:
Box 28; Oversize box 1, folder 3
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically and then chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains correspondence from various state agencies and officials on
a variety of topics, including plans for addressing unemployment,
building highways and bridges, and developing the port and harbor,
an aquatic park and airport.
Box 28, Folder 6-7
Board of State Harbor Commissioners
1912-1918,
1923
Box 28, Folder 12
Social Insurance Commission
1918
Box 28, Folder 13
California State Conference Social Agencies
Bulletin
1918
Box 28, Folder 14
State of California Printed Material
1920,
undated
Box OV Box 1, Folder 3
State Seal
1914 October 7
Box 28, Folder 15
Mayors of Other Cities and Towns
1912-1926
1.1.7:
National and Federal Correspondence,
1912-1926,
1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 29-31
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically and then chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains correspondence with the White House, Congress, Department of
Justice and other federal agencies, such as Department of Labor and
mayors of other US cities. World War I material includes
correspondence with the War Department regarding mobilization plans,
the draft, training camps, protection and recreation for soldiers
stationed in San Francisco, prevention of venereal disease, and
planning for employment and housing assistance after the war.
Includes material related to the U.S. Shipping Board and tracking of
American residents of foreign birth (Americanization).
Box 29, Folder 1-5
General Correspondence
1912-1930
Box 29, Folder 6
United States - President
1912,
1918-1925
Box 29, Folder 7
United States - Congress
1912-1914,
1920-1926
Box 29, Folder 8
United States - Department of Justice
1918-1921
Box 29, Folder 9
United States - Government Agencies and Departments
(various)
1912-1914,
1918-1926
Box 29, Folder 10
Immigration
1916-1927,
1930
Box 30, Folder 9-11
Recommendations for Commissions
1916-1919
Box 31, Folder 1
American Legion and Other Veteran's
Organizations
1926-1927
Box 31, Folder 2
Draft Registration
1917-1919
Box 31, Folder 3
Presidio of San Francisco
1912-1915,
1920
Box 31, Folder 5
War Service - Recreation and Health
1917-1925
Box 31, Folder 6
San Francisco Charter Amendment for Relief of
Soldiers
1918-1924
Box 31, Folder 7-8
Employment for Returning Soldiers and
Sailors
1918-1922
Box 31, Folder 9
Medals and Honors
1918,
1921-1924
Box 31, Folder 10
Memorials for Deceased Soldiers and
Sailors
1921-1924
Box 31, Folder 12
Americanization Work
1918-1925
Box 31, Folder 13
Miscellaneous military
1916-1920,
1923
Box 30, Folder 1-2
Mayors of Cities and Towns Outside California
1912-1925
Box 30, Folder 3
National Conferences
1923-1926
Box 30, Folder 4
Honorary Memberships and Committee
Appointments
1918-1920
Box 30, Folder 5
General Funston - Death and Pension
1916-1918
Box 30, Folder 7
Wilson Memorial
1924-1925
Box 30, Folder 8
Miscellaneous
1918-1919,
1923
1.1.8:
Correspondence with International Consuls,
1911-1925
Physical Description:
Boxes 32-33
Arrangement
Arranged by region, then chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains correspondence with representatives of international
governments and prominent visitors along with material related to
planning receptions and special events.
Box 32, Folder 1
Mexico and Canada
1912-1925
Box 32, Folder 2
Central America, including: Costa Rica, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
1913-1925
Box 32, Folder 3
South America, including: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile,
Columbia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay,
Venezuela
1912-1925
Box 32, Folder 5-6
Belgium
1912,
1914,
1918-1925
Box 32, Folder 8-9
France
1912-1918,
1919-1925
Box 33, Folder 1
Germany, including: The American Committee for Relief Of
German Children
1912-1913,
1924
Box 33, Folder 3
Spain and Portugal
1912-1922
Box 33, Folder 4
Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland
1912-1922
Box 33, Folder 5
China and Russia
1913-1926,
1913-1919
Box 33, Folder 10
Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Tahiti, Philippines,
Indochina
1913-1925
Box 33, Folder 11
Other Countries, including: Afghanistan, Austria,
Czechoslovakia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Palestine, Persia,
Serbia, Siam, and Turkey
1913-1922
Box 33, Folder 12
International travel
1912-1919
Box 33, Folder 13
List of Consuls in San Francisco
circa 1925
1.1.9:
Correspondence of P.H. McCarthy,
1910-1911
Physical Description:
Boxes 34-35
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically and then chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains routine correspondence from Rolph's predecessor's final
months in office, as well as City Attorney opinions and
correspondence.
Box 35, Folder 7
City Attorney Opinions and Correspondence
1910 December-1911
August
Subseries 1.2:
Speeches and Publicity,
1907-1934
Physical Description:
Boxes 36-38; Volumes 1-18; Oversize box 1, folder 4
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically. Further divided into four sub-subseries: 1.2.1:
Speeches, Proclamations, and Statements for Press; 1.2.2: Correspondence
with Press; 1.2.3: Clippings; and 1.2.4: Scrapbooks.
Scope and Content Note
Contains Rolph's speeches and remarks for various occasions, as well as
statements released from the Mayor's office and proclamations, with
related correspondence, honoring people, events, products, and
endeavors. Includes correspondence with members of the press, loose
clippings and scrapbooks.
1.2.1:
Speeches, Proclamations and Statements for Press,
1912-1926,
1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 36-37; Oversize box 1, folder 4
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Includes notes, drafts and final transcripts of speeches at public
events, addresses to the Board of Supervisors, and remarks on
various occasions, such as laying cornerstones and fraternal
banquets. Mayor Rolph was noted for his ability to speak
extemporaneously, but complete transcripts appear more frequently in
his second two terms as requests for quotations for publication
increased. Proclamations were often a call to community action and
include correspondence requesting proclamations and designations for
special weeks and days. His statements released to the press cover a
vast array of subjects.
box OV Box 1, Folder 4
Poster: Lecture for Benefit of Youths' Directory Subject
My Trip Thro' Ireland and
Scotland
1915 November 2
1.2.2:
Correspondence with Press,
1911-1930
Physical Description:
Box 38, folders 1-5
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains correspondence with writers and editors of local newspapers,
such as the
San Francisco Chronicle, the
Examiner, and
Bulletin, Los
Angeles papers, weekly bulletins such as
The Monitor,
published by the Archdiocese of San Francisco, and journals such as
The Wasp. A frequent correspondent was Henry
Hammond of the
Byron Times in Contra Costa
County.
1.2.3:
Clippings,
1907,
1911-1930
Physical Description:
Box 38, folders 6-16
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains loose clippings, many likely separated from the
correspondence it originally accompanied.
1.2.4:
Scrapbooks,
1907-1927
Physical Description:
Volumes 1-18
Scope and Content Note
Mayor Rolph employed several clipping services and kept scrapbooks
documenting his initial campaign in 1911 and subsequent terms in
office, and his campaign and term as governor. Contents include
newspaper articles from around the state as well as local papers.
There is one scrapbook devoted to Islais Creek and one to the
Preparedness Day Bombing.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Volume 1
California Clippings
1907 September-October
Volume 3
India Basin and Islais Creek
1907-1911
March
Volume 5
Includes
Municipal
Achievement Edition
of
Organized Labor, September 2, 1911
1911 August 5-September
14
Volume 6
1911 September 15-November
10
Volume 7
1911
October-1912 January 30
Volume 10
Preparedness Day Bombing
1916 May-September
Volume 14
1918
November-1919 August
Subseries 1.3:
Financial,
1908-1930
Physical Description:
Box 39; Oversize box 1, folder 5
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains draft budgets, an incomplete series of printed budget material
for the City and County, correspondence regarding the budget, and
material about bond issues and holdings. There are significant gaps
throughout this series.
Box 39, Folder 1-3
Budget files
1916-1920,
1922-1925
box OV Box 1, Folder 5
1913 Budget and Tax Rate Analysis
1914
Box 39, Folder 4-5
Correspondence Regarding Budget
1912-1920,
1923
Box 39, Folder 6
Budget Printed Material
1917-1920
Subseries 1.4:
Office Files,
1907-1928
Physical Description:
Boxes 40-49; Volumes 20-25
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically. Further divided into four sub-subseries: 1.4.1:
Administrative Records and Correspondence; 1.4.2: Appointment Books;
1.4.3: Invitations; and 1.4.4: Public Events.
Scope and Content Note
Contains correspondence related to the mayor's schedule, invitations, and
planning for public events and receptions. Includes material concerning
office management, personnel and equipment, administrative records and
miscellaneous material, as well as drafts of correspondence, notes and
calling cards. Also includes personal correspondence of Ed Rainey, the
mayor's executive secretary, and assistant secretaries Eugene Shelby,
Sylvester F. McAtee, and Edward F. Benedict, "Benny."
1.4.1:
Administrative Records and Correspondence,
1907-1928
Physical Description:
Boxes 40-42; Volumes 20-25
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically and then chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains correspondence regarding office personnel, furnishings,
remodeling plans, and the mayor's automobile and traffic
accidents.
Volume 20
Record of Resolutions and Ordinances Received at Mayor's
Office
1907-1909
Volume 21
Record of Demands Received at Mayor's Office
1909-1911
Volume 22
Record of Resolutions and Ordinances Received at Mayor's
Office
1909-1912
Volume 23
Record of Demands Received at Mayor's Office
1911-1913
Volume 24
Record of Resolutions and Ordinances Received at Mayor's
Office
1912-1917
Volume 25
City Account Book
1906-1907
Box 40, Folder 1-5
Correspondence Logs
1917-1920,
1922-1928
Box 40, Folder 6-7
Administrative Correspondence
1911-1916,
1918-1923
Box 40, Folder 8
Administrative Correspondence and Notes
1924-1927,
1930
Box 40, Folder 9-11
Bonding for City Employees
1912-1920,
1923-1925
Box 41, Folder 3
Notes, Cards, and Envelopes
1914-1928,
undated
Box 41, Folder 4
Lists and Petitions
undated
Box 41, Folder 5
Printed Materials
1913-1928,
undated
Box 41, Folder 10
Sylvester J. McAtee
1913-1917
Box 41, Folder 11
Edward F. Benedict
1917-1926
Box 41, Folder 12
San Francisco Business
1921 February-March
Box 41, Folder 13
San Francisco Observer,
Antioch Notes
1916,
1926
Box 42, Folder 1-12
Receipts and Canceled Checks
1912 March-1925,
undated
1.4.2:
Appointment Books,
1918-1919,
1924-1928
Physical Description:
Boxes 43-45
Arrangement note
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contain entries made by Rolph and his secretaries regarding
appointments, birthdays and anniversaries, and meetings and
conferences in the Mayor's office. Includes some calling cards,
notes and an undated book with names of unions and workers.
Box 45, Folder 3
Unions and Workers' Names
undated
1.4.3:
Invitations,
1911-1925
Physical Description:
Boxes 46-47
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Includes invitations to social and fund-raising events of various
clubs, civic groups, churches, and fraternal organizations, with a
large volume of invitations in 1915 relating to PPIE. Contains
correspondence regarding speaking engagements and requests for the
mayor's presence at meetings. Of note are a hand-painted invitation
(May 20, 1912) to a banquet for Commissioner of Cuba and an exchange
of telegrams between Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Edison regarding a visit to
Luther Burbank in Santa Rosa. Also includes some souvenir programs
and menus.
Box 46, Folder 1-9
1911 October-1915
October
Box 47, Folder 1-14
1915 November-1925
December
1.4.4:
Public Events,
1912-1925
Physical Description:
Boxes 48-49
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
The mayor's office was responsible for organizing public celebrations
of holidays and special events. Contains lists of committee members
appointed by Rolph to organize these occasions and correspondence
regarding planning and logistics. Includes 1912-1913 correspondence
regarding nomination of a committee of residents to work for civic
improvement. Patriotic and religious holidays were marked by public
gatherings, as well as other events such as the Path of Gold
Festival of Illumination in 1916, California's Diamond Jubilee
celebration in 1925 and the Portola Festival of 1913.
Series 2:
City Agency Files,
1910-1934
Physical Description:
Boxes 50-77; Oversize box 1, folders 6-12
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by agency into twenty subseries: 2.1: Board of
Censorship; 2.2: Board of Education; 2.3: Board of Fire Commissioners; 2.4:
Board of Police Commissioners; 2.5: Board of Supervisors; 2.6: Bureau of
Efficiency; 2.7: Bureau of Public Works; 2.8: City and County Offices; 2.9:
City Planning Commission; 2.10: Civil Service Commission; 2.11: Department
of Elections/Registrar; 2.12: Department of Electricity; 2.13: Department of
Public Health; 2.14: Judicial; 2.15: Park Commissioners; 2.16: Playground
Commission; 2.17: Public Library Trustees; 2.18: Public Pound/SPCA; 2.19:
Sealer of Weights and Measures; and 2.20: Miscellaneous Agencies.
Scope and Content Note
Contains routine correspondence received by the mayor and designated for
specific city agency files. Also includes some intradepartmental
communications as well as correspondence between city agencies. In general,
includes material related to administration of the agency, such as personnel
matters, including filling vacancies, and requests for leave of absence, and
material related to the department's areas of responsibility, such as
departmental reports and meeting minutes.
Subseries 2.1:
Board of Censorship,
1911-1916
Physical Description:
Box 50, folder 1
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains petitions (1915-1916) protesting the showing of
Birth of a Nation, including objections to
the film filed by the Board of Censorship at Rolph's request, and a copy
of an Ordinance Regulating Motion Picture Exhibitions and
Entertainments.
Subseries 2.2:
Board of Education
1910-1934
Physical Description:
Box 50, folders 2-13; Boxes 51-52; Oversize box 1, folder
6
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains material related to operating and expanding the San Francisco
school system, including criteria for teachers, compensation, curriculum
and student health. Includes some budget and financial information as
well as letters from the City Attorney regarding property purchases for
new schools, fire insurance policies, and material related to bond
issues for school construction and maintenance. Also includes
correspondence with teachers, support for school principals and other
personnel, and some letters from students. Contains petitions on a
variety of issues, such as establishing kindergartens, as well as
personnel matters, correspondence from groups concerned with the school
system, such as Public School Defence (sic) League and the Teachers'
Association.
Box 50, Folder 2
Rules and Regulations
1910
Box 50, Folder 3
Directory of the Public Schools
1912-1913
Box 50, Folder 4
Letter from Poly High Students
1915 May 7
Box 51, Folder 1-7
1918 August-1919
December
Box 51, Folder 8
Petitions
1919 December-1924
December
Box OV Box 1, Folder 6
Resolution Honoring Rolph
1934 June 6
Subseries 2.3:
Board of Fire Commissioners,
1912 January-1930
December
Physical Description:
Box 53, folders 1-16
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains material concerning fire protection, including the introduction
of new equipment, procedures and building materials. Controversial
events include the suspension of John Donohoe from the Board and Lt.
Frank Smith from the Department, charges against Commissioner William
Hassima, and the resignation of Henry Brandenstein, President of the
Board of Fire Commissioners from 1912-1914. Contains correspondence
regarding medals of honor, funerals for firemen and arrangements for
surviving family members, as well material regarding the Mary Scanlon
resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors in 1919. Includes
correspondence with the War Department regarding fire protection at Fort
Miley, letters from neighborhood groups regarding local fire stations,
and other groups concerning pensions and relief assistance for
firemen.
Box 53, Folder 1-16
1912 January-1930
December
Subseries 2.4:
Board of Police Commissioners,
1911-1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 54-56
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically and then chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains correspondence regarding routine police matters such as permits,
including complaints about permits for liquor sales and saloons;
detective reports and witness statements; complaints about littering and
police use of excessive force; letters about missing persons, labor
strife and large crowd gatherings; and material about protecting
servicemen in the city during World War I. Much correspondence concerns
demands for a Barbary Coast Clean-up and objections to the moral
conditions in San Francisco prior to the PPIE, with an organized
write-in campaign from churches across the country calling for a boycott
of the fair. Also includes discussion of the controversial City Clinic
along with correspondence of J.C. Westenberg, organizer of the group San
Francisco and Purity Before 1915 and superintendent of the
Whosoever-Will Rescue Mission.
Box 54, Folder 4
Permit of Marcus de Bow
1913-1914
Box 54, Folder 7
I. Magnin Night Watchman Reports
1914
Box 56, Folder 4-8
Barbary Coast Clean-up
1911-1915
Subseries 2.5:
Board of Supervisors,
1912-1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 57-58; Box 59, folders 1-13
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically and then chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
As the legislative branch of city government, the Board of Supervisors
was responsible for city policy and adopting ordinances and resolutions,
and was comprised of many standing committees. Contains correspondence
on a wide variety of topics and Rolph's addresses to the Board of
Supervisors summarizing his accomplishments and goals. Also includes
correspondence of various interim mayors during Rolph's absences,
including Thomas Jennings and Ralph McLeran.
Box 59, Folder 2-4
Vacancy
1925 November-December
Box 59, Folder 6-7
Industrial and Commercial Development Committee/Airport
Committee
1916-1925
Box 59, Folder 8
Finance Committee
1912-1921
Box 59, Folder 9
Finance Committee Budgets
1912-1916,
1923
Box 59, Folder 10
Miscellaneous Resolutions
1913-1924
Box 59, Folder 11-12
Journal of Proceedings
(incomplete)
1914-1917,
1922-1923
Box 59, Folder 13
Printed Materials
1913-1915
Subseries 2.6:
Bureau of Efficiency,
1912-1913
Physical Description:
Box 59, folder 14
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
The Bureau of Efficiency was a short-lived agency whose responsibilities
were likely assumed by the Purchaser of Supplies. Contains
correspondence regarding ordering equipment and streamlining payroll
procedures as well as a discussion of how to locate owners of vacant
lots in the city.
Subseries 2.7:
Bureau of Public Works,
1911-1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 60-69; Oversize box 1, folders 7-10
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically. Further divided into three sub-subseries: 2.7.1:
General Files; 2.7.2: Bureau of Architecture; and 2.7.3: Municipal
Railway.
Scope and Content Note
Contains material reflecting the major areas of responsibility of this
agency, including building projects such as City Hall and Civic Center,
street construction and maintenance, municipal railway lines and
tunnels, garbage disposal and water supply, including sewers, wells and
reservoirs.
2.7.1:
General Files,
1912-1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 60-63
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically.
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence and reports by City Engineer M.M.
O'Shaughnessy and correspondence from residents regarding condition
of city streets, inadequacy of public transportation, and problems
with uncollected garbage. Contains correspondence and memos
regarding work teams, job responsibilities, working conditions and
hours. Includes some accompanying photographs, blueprints and
drawings.
City Engineer Correspondence
Box 60, Folder 2-6
O'Shaughnessy, Michael M.
1912-1919,
1921-1926
Box 60, Folder 8-13
Investigation of Michael Casey; Correspondence Regarding
Twin Peaks Reservoir
1912
Box 61, Folder 4
Arnold, Bion J., Consultant
1912-1914
Subseries 2.7.2:
Bureau of Architecture,
1912-1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 64-65; Oversize box 1, folders 7-9
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains material regarding the design competition for the City
Hall project, Bureau of Architecture personnel and San Francisco
Hospital construction. Contains correspondence regarding Civic
Center development, including plans for a State office building
and Opera House and management of Exposition Hall following
PPIE. Includes correspondence from architects Willis Polk, John
Galen Howard, and John Reid, Jr., as well as copies of
architectural drawings by Willis Polk for the proposed Opera
House in Civic Center.
Box 64, Folder 3
Investigation of Work at City and County
Hospital
1913
Box OV Box 1, Folder 7
Suggestion for Extension of Pan-Handle to Civic
Center, C.T. Ryland, Architect
1911 December 30
Box 64, Folder 10
"Contents of Copper Box Which is 12 Inches High
by 12 Inches wide by 21 Inches Long" [Contents of
cornerstone box of City Hall]
October 1913
Box 65, Folder 13
Willis Polk Correspondence Regarding State
Building
1912-1919
Box OV Box 1, Folder 8
Architectural Drawings, Opera House
1913 April 24
Box OV Box 1, Folder 9
Drawing of Old Building on New City Hall
Site
1913 July 17
2.7.3:
Municipal Railway,
1911-1927,
1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 66-69; Oversize box 1, folder 10
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains material related to the operations and expansion of
city-owned transportation, including negotiations with United
Railway, the Geary Street Railroad, strikes and employment matters,
and budget material. Includes letters of complaint and suggestions
for improving service and route changes from local neighborhood
groups as well as concerns regarding property assessments and
damages from construction projects. Contains plans for a Fillmore
Street tunnel to serve the PPIE that was never constructed and
correspondence regarding transit lines crossing Golden Gate Park.
Also includes material regarding bond measures to finance expansion
of municipal ownership.
Box OV Box 1, Folder 10
Plan for Tunnel and Appurtenances Under Twin Peaks; Plan
of Proposed Rapid Tunnel Through Twin Peaks
1912 February,
undated
Box 66, Folder 6-7
Fillmore Street Tunnel
1912-1913
Box 67, Folder 1-3
Extension Bond
1913 April-September
Box 68, Folder 1
Board of Supervisors Meeting
1917 April 7
Box 68, Folder 2
Public Utilities Committee Proceedings
1917 July 25
Box 68, Folder 3-5
Board of Supervisors Meetings
1917 August 1-13
Subseries 2.8:
City and County Offices,
1912-1930
Physical Description:
Box 70
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically and then chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains files for the Auditor, Assessor, Tax Collector, Coroner,
Recorder and Treasurer. Includes material regarding all aspects of city
finances, including rent payments and bond investments, correspondence
from auditor Thomas Boyle and Assessor
John Ginty, and budget estimates and various
printed reports. Tax Collector file includes a 1913 petition to
investigate J.O. Low for failing to collect license
fees, and an audit of the office under Edward F.
Bryant, who replaced him. Scant material for the
Coroner's office includes jury verdict reports, such as the tong
war-related shooting death of Lee Sing. Recorder's
file contains the annual report from 1919, listing the number and type
of documents filed. Treasurer's files include budget material and
several monthly cash reports, correspondence of Treasurer John
E. McDougald, including his June 21, 1916 letter on the
occasion of moving into the new City Hall, and material from
Samuel Buckbee of Buckbee, Thorne
& Co., who acted on behalf of the city in real estate
matters.
Box 70, Folder 5-6
Assessor
1912-1920,
1924-1925
Box 70, Folder 9
Recorder
1912-1920,
1924-1925
Subseries 2.9:
City Planning Commission,
1912-1926
Physical Description:
Box 71, folders 1-4
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
The City Planning Commission was established in 1912 as an outgrowth of
the City Beautiful campaign and Rolph's Committee of 50, whose focus was
preparing the city for the 1915 Exposition. Responsibilities of the
Commission include zoning laws and use of public space. Includes the
1920 Proposed Zone Plan for San Francisco as well as correspondence from
city residents regarding zoning issues.
Subseries 2.10:
Civil Service Commission,
1911-1930
Physical Description:
Box 71, folders 5-10
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Consists of correspondence regarding all aspects of civil service,
including adding new positions, charter amendments, questions about
eligibility and examinations; alleged violations of civil service rules
and support for and objections to employee dismissals; and letters and
petitions regarding new appointments and resignations of commission
members.
Subseries 2.11:
Department of Elections/Registrar,
1911-1925
Physical Description:
Box 72, folders 1-2; Oversize box 1, folder 11
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Department responsible for organizing and overseeing elections, including
preparing ballots and tallying returns, and managing draft registration
during World War I. Contains correspondence regarding protocol for
submitting ballot items, tally sheet for the November 11, 1913 General
Municipal Election results, and the 1914 Declaration of Policy regarding
cemetery removal. Correspondents include Thomas V.
Cator and J.H. Zemansky,
Registrar.
Box OV Box 1, Folder 11
Election Workers by Assembly District
1913 August 26
Subseries 2.12:
Department of Electricity,
1912-1919,
1921-1925
Physical Description:
Box 72, folders 3-4
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Agency responsible for electrical inspection of old and new buildings,
operation of city fire alarms and police signals. Contains
correspondence regarding personnel shortage and relations with the union
as well as requests for salary increases. Includes 1922 publication,
Electrical Ordinances and Local Rules of the Department of
Electricity regarding installation of wiring
.
Subseries 2.13:
Department of Public Health,
1912-1930
Physical Description:
Box 72, folders 5-11; Box 73; Oversize box 1, folder 12
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains material regarding various public health issues including
rabies, the influenza epidemic of 1918, and tuberculosis, including
plans for a sanitarium. Includes correspondence regarding city
physicians and surgeons as well as specific cases and city liability.
Includes referrals for charity care from the Inspector of Indigents,
material regarding San Francisco hospitals and attempts to initiate
preventative care for children in conjunction with public schools, as
well as vital statistics reports.
Box OV Box 1, Folder 12
Poster:
To Avoid Influenza, Wear a
Mask
1918 October
Subseries 2.14:
Judicial,
1911-1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 74-75
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains material for the City Attorney, District Attorney, Public
Administrator, County Clerk, Sheriff and Public Defender. Includes
correspondence of City Attorneys Percy V. Long and
George Lull as well as their formal Opinions on
a wide range of issues, including legislation proposed by the Board of
Supervisors, interpretation and application of City Charter rules, and
purchasing city property. City Attorney opinions were also requested for
legal matters between the city of San Francisco and individuals
regarding employment issues, property disputes and liability, contracts
and franchise activities. Topics of significance include the 1912 Grand
Jury report on San Francisco city government and establishment of a
public utilities commission. Contains 1916-1917 City Attorney's Report
by George Lull, letters of support for possible
candidates to replace Percy Long following his
resignation, correspondence regarding the Charter Revision meetings held
in the City Attorney's office, and a 1925 campaign statement by
George Lull summarizing his accomplishments
after eight years in office.
Box 74, Folder 1-9
City Attorney Opinions
1911-1922,
1925
City Attorney Correspondence
Box 75, Folder 3-6
Police Court
1913,
1919-1921,
1926
Box 75, Folder 8
District Attorney
1912-1925
Box 75, Folder 9
Public Defender
1921-1924
Box 75, Folder 10
Grand Jury
1912-1925,
1930
Box 75, Folder 11
Superior Court/Juvenile Court
1913-1925
Subseries 2.15:
Park Commissioners,
1911-1927
Physical Description:
Box 76, folders 1-11
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains routine correspondence regarding job placement and various
projects, including thinning the buffalo herd in Golden Gate Park and a
new museum building. Contains correspondence with the Spreckels family
and other material related to the Palace of the Legion of Honor.
Subseries 2.16:
Playground Commission,
1912-1927
Physical Description:
Box 76, folder 12
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains correspondence from David Wooster Taylor
and Angelo Rossi. There were only two public
playgrounds when Rolph took office; this number increased to nine
through the efforts of this commission. Includes correspondence
regarding establishing a playground in Chinatown.
Subseries 2.17:
Public Library Trustees,
1913-1926
Physical Description:
Box 77, folders 1-4
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains correspondence regarding the library and its management,
including the need for new branches, departmental reports, circulation
statistics, inventory, and a poem by Library Director, Edward
Robeson Taylor.
Subseries 2.18:
Public Pound/Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(SPCA),
1912-1926
Physical Description:
Box 77, folders 5-9
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
(SPCA) served as the animal control agency for San Francisco. Includes
correspondence, chiefly with Matthew McCurrie,
Secretary, about problems with free-ranging goats, horses, and cows, as
well as rabid dogs and the controversy over muzzle laws and licenses.
Contains anti-vivisection printed material.
Subseries 2.19:
Sealer of Weights and Measures,
1911-1926
Physical Description:
Box 77, folder 10
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains the ordinance creating a Bureau of Weights and Measures under
the Police Department. Includes correspondence about the position and
the benefits from having such standards and inspections.
Subseries 2.20:
Miscellaneous Agencies,
1914-1930
Physical Description:
Box 77, folders 11-20
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically and then chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains materials from various agencies, including the agency
responsible for management of Exposition Hall, which includes
correspondence regarding hiring a manager and scheduling events and the
1920s controversy concerning holding boxing matches in this venue.
Includes material about the position of City Organist, information about
public concerts, the City Orchestra and San Francisco Municipal Band.
Also includes a small amount of material for various city offices such
as County Clerk, Public Administrator, Purchaser of Supplies, City
Employees' Retirement System, Widows' Pension Bureau and the Water
Department.
Box 77, Folder 11
County Clerk
1919-1920,
1924-1925
Box 77, Folder 12
Public Administrator
1924-1925
Box 77, Folder 13
Purchaser of Supplies
1925-1926
Box 77, Folder 14
San Francisco City Employees' Retirement System
1925
Box 77, Folder 15
Widows' Pension Bureau
1914-1925
Box 77, Folder 17
Exposition Hall/Civic Auditorium
1915-1925,
undated
Box 77, Folder 18-20
City Organist and Orchestra
1915-1925,
undated
Series 3:
Civic Projects and Issues,
1911-1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 78-90; Volume 26; Oversize box 1, folders 13-16
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically. Divided into seven subseries: 3.1: Panama Pacific
International Exposition; 3.2: City Services; 3.3: Transportation and
Communication; 3.4: Charter Amendments and Consolidation; 3.5: Relief
Efforts; 3.6: Water; and 3.7: Labor and Unemployment.
Scope and Content Note
Includes files on large municipal projects in San Francisco during Rolph's
administration, often combining the efforts of business and cultural
organizations in conjunction with city departments and other agencies.
Projects include the Panama Pacific International
Exposition (PPIE); creation of municipal power and
transportation systems, including Hetch Hetchy and the
Spring Valley Water Company purchase; and other
franchises, such as United Railway and the telephone
system. Includes correspondence regarding relief efforts, often organized by
the Red Cross, in response to disasters in other parts
of the country and around the world, as well as ongoing and short-term
assistance to San Franciscans from Associated
Charities, and later the Community Chest and
other private agencies. Also contains materials about the removal of
cemeteries, bond measures and labor issues, including strikes.
Subseries 3.1:
Panama Pacific International Exposition (PPIE),
1911-1920,
1923
Physical Description:
Boxes 78-80; Volume 26; Oversize box 1, folders 13-16
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically and chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
PPIE files cover planning for the fair through its closure and
disposition of remaining pavilions and sculptures. Includes material
related to the Exposition Company, including a lawsuit against the State
of California, and plans of the Exposition Preservation Committee.
Mayor Rolph was Vice Chairman of the Exposition Company Board of
Directors. Files include President Charles C. Moore's Weekly Letters and
Notices to Directors from Rudolph J. Taussig, PPIE Secretary. Contains
information regarding daily operations, dedication schedules, loan of
the Liberty Bell, and finances. General correspondence from around the
country concerns questions about the PPIE, opportunities for employment
and the moral environment of San Francisco. Includes correspondence and
material relating to the San Francisco Art Association maintaining the
Palace of Fine Arts following the Exposition and correspondence
regarding establishment of an additional art museum in the city.
Box 78, Folder 1-9
General Correspondence
1912-1915
Box OV Box 1, Folder 13
Petition Regarding Fairmount Park Beautification
1912 December
Box OV Box 1, Folder 14
San Francisco Invites the World, song
score
1913 June 3
Box OV Box 1, Folder 15
Portland Rose Festival Proclamation
1914 June
Box 78, Folder 10
Commission Extraordinary to Europe
1912
President's Weekly Letter to Directors
Box 79, Folder 2-5
Notice to Directors
1911-1915
Box 80, Folder 1
Planning and Operations
1915
Box OV Box 1, Folder 16
Sketches of San Francisco Building
1914 March 24
Volume 26
La Filitrice, musical
score
1913
Box 80, Folder 3
Opening Day Logistics
1915
Box 80, Folder 4
Addresses of State and Foreign Commissioners
1915
Box 80, Folder 5
Dedication Schedules
1915
Box 80, Folder 8
Exposition Commission and Exposition Preservation
League
1912-1914
Box 80, Folder 9
San Francisco Art Association
1916-1920,
1923
Subseries 3.2:
City Services,
1912-1925
Physical Description:
Box 81
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains material related to the management of ongoing issues arising
from the growth and development of the city, including fire protection,
garbage management, street lighting, and residential housing
construction, particularly in connection with moving the cemeteries.
Includes reports of studies of these areas undertaken by the San
Francisco Bureau of Governmental Research and material regarding the
removal of cemeteries.
Box 81, Folder 1-5
Fire Protection and Insurance
1912-1917,
1920
Box 81, Folder 6-8
Garbage
1912-1916,
1918-1920
Box 81, Folder 10-12
Efficiency in Government
1917-1925
Box 81, Folder 13-17
Removal of Cemeteries
1912-1915,
1924
Subseries 3.3:
Transportation and Communication,
1912-1930
Physical Description:
Box 82, folders 1-7
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains material regarding United Railroads and the
process of transferring to city-owned transportation. Includes
suggestions for transbay crossings, including the San
Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and Golden Gate
Bridge.
Box 82, Folder 1-3
United Railroads
1912-1926
Box 82, Folder 4
Trackless Trolley Service Proposal
1915
Box 82, Folder 6
Senate Joint Resolution on Golden Gate Bridge
1925
Box 82, Folder 7
Telephone Franchise
1912-1916,
1925
Subseries 3.4:
Charter Amendments and Consolidation,
1912-1920
Physical Description:
Box 82, folders 8-10
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains material related to charter amendments proposed by the Board of
Supervisors, including incorporating part of San Mateo County with San
Francisco.
Subseries 3.5:
Relief Efforts,
1912-1925
Physical Description:
Boxes 83-86
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically. Further divided into two sub-subseries: 3.5.1:
Relief Committees, Including Red Cross and 3.5.2: Associated
Charities
Scope and Content Note
Contains material related to organized responses to natural disasters and
war in other parts of the country and the world, often led by the Red
Cross, as well as the efforts of local agencies to help city residents
in need.
Subseries 3.5.1:
Relief Committees, Including Red Cross,
1912-1922,
1924-1925
Physical Description:
Box 83, folders 1-6
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains material regarding membership and operations of the Red
Cross, as well as communications specific to relief efforts in
response to various events, such as the 1913 floods in Ohio, Indiana
and Kentucky; aid to the Belgians, Serbians, and French in 1914; the
1917 Halifax explosion; and earthquakes in Mexico and Santa
Barbara.
Subseries 3.5.2:
Associated Charities,
1912-1925
Physical Description:
Boxes 84-86
Arrangement
Arranged hierarchically and then chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains correspondence requesting assistance as well as follow-up on
specific cases and investigation of claims. Both the Finance and
Public Welfare Committees of the Board of Supervisors worked with
the Health Department and Associated Charities to address the needs
of the chronically ill and heads of households unable to work for
reasons of health or care taking obligations and the long-term
unemployed. Includes correspondence regarding coordination of these
efforts and long-range planning.
Robinson-Windel Bequest Fund Receipts
Subseries 3.6:
Water,
1912-1930
Physical Description:
Boxes 87-88
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Although the Hetch Hetchy project was begun prior to Rolph's election, he
was a strong supporter throughout his years in office and was actively
involved in promoting all components of the project. Rolph's trips to
Washington D.C. are documented through a series of telegrams, and he
campaigned for local bond measures to ensure funding.
Box 87, Folder 1-6
Spring Valley Purchase
1915,
1917-1918
Box 87, Folder 7-8
Citizens' Committee Materials
1915 April
Box 87, Folder 9-11
Spring Valley Purchase
1917-1921
Box 87, Folder 12
Executive Committee Materials
1921
Box 88, Folder 1-3
Executive Committee Materials
1921
Subseries 3.7:
Labor and Unemployment,
1912-1925
Physical Description:
Boxes 89-90
Scope and Content Note
San Francisco experienced labor tensions and periodic financial
depressions with a corresponding rise in unemployment, and attempts to
respond to these challenges were made at different times through the
coordinated efforts of various agencies. Includes material regarding
labor strikes involving printers and other industries, correspondence
regarding local efforts to provide returning servicemen with job
placement and housing assistance, and Rolph's correspondence with Andrew
Furuseth regarding the Seaman's Bill.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Box 89, Folder 1-9
Strikes
1912-1914,
1916-1925
Box 90, Folder 4
Army and Navy Placement Committee
1919
Series 4:
Political Papers,
1911-1934
Physical Description:
Boxes 91-92; Volumes 27-33; Oversize boxes 2-4
Arrangement
Divided into three subseries: 4.1: Mayoral Campaign Materials; 4.2:
Gubernatorial Papers and Scrapbooks; and 4.3: Miscellaneous Political
Materials.
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains material related to Rolph's political career and campaign planning,
including ephemera such as posters and ballot cards, correspondence from
Rolph booster clubs, requests for campaign appearances and offers from
volunteers. Includes material regarding national conventions of both the
Republican and Democratic parties, as well as election races in other
locales for a variety of offices.
Subseries 4.1:
Mayoral Campaign Materials,
1911-1927
Physical Description:
Box 91; Box 92, folders 1-3; Volume 27
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Material regarding Rolph election clubs, speaking engagements and
campaign appearances, including letters of congratulations and copies of
thank you notes.
Box 91, Folder 1
Printed Ephemera
1911-1913,
undated
Box 91, Folder 2
Correspondence and Statements
1915 January-September
Box 91, Folder 3
Congratulations and Thank-you Notes
1915 September-December
Box 91, Folder 4
Correspondence and Clippings
1923
Box 91, Folder 5
Rolph for Mayor Clubs
1923
Box 91, Folder 7-9
Correspondence and Campaign Material
1927
Box 92, Folder 1-3
Other California Elections
1919-1926
Subseries 4.2:
Gubernatorial Papers and Scrapbooks,
1930-1934
Physical Description:
Box 92, folders 4-7; Volumes 28-33; Oversize boxes 2-4
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Primarily consists of letters earmarked for speech ideas, including a
"List of Gubernatorial Files and Subjects" along with some general
correspondence. Includes summary documents on campaign issues and topics
such as water and Prohibition along with some vertical file material.
Also includes transcripts of radio interviews and other gubernatorial
campaign material as well as Rolph's 1934 announcement that he would not
seek re-election. Scrapbooks document Rolph's years as governor,
including leading the delegation to the Republican convention in
Chicago, Roosevelt's election, the economic problems in California
during the Depression, and the move for Rolph's recall. Information
about Rolph's illness, death and memorial service at San Francisco City
Hall concludes with biographical articles and tributes. A portfolio with
a "Sunny Jim" campaign pin includes prints of autographed photos,
editorial cartoons and drawings honoring Rolph's election.
Box 92, Folder 4-5
Correspondence and Speech Topics
1930,
1934
Box OV Box 2
Portfolio of ephemera celebrating Rolph's
election
1931
Box 92, Folder 6
Loose Items from Scrapbooks
1933
Subseries 4.3:
Miscellaneous Political Materials,
1911-1929
Physical Description:
Box 92, folders 8-11
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains materials for the re-election of Governor Hiram Johnson and John
M. Eshleman in 1914, including correspondence and planning material
concerning the 1920 Democratic National Convention held in San Francisco
and the Republican National Convention in Chicago, which Rolph
attended.
Box 92, Folder 8
Johnson-Eshleman Non-Partisan Club
1914
Series 5:
Business and Personal Papers,
1904-1934
Physical Description:
Boxes 93-97
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Includes correspondence related to Rolph's business endeavors as well as
personal and family correspondence he received at the office.
Subseries 5.1:
Business Papers,
1913-1927
Physical Description:
Boxes 93-95
Scope and Content Note
Contains material related to Rolph's purchase of Bendixsen Shipping
Company in Humboldt County, a gala celebration in February 1918, ship
launching on July 4, 1918, and subsequent financial difficulties.
Includes financial statements, the Rolph Navigation and Coal Co. by-laws
and minutes, as well as stock books from James Rolph & Co.
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Box 93, Folder 1-9
Business Correspondence
1913-1926
Box 94, Folder 1
James Rolph & Co. Stockbook
1921
Rolph Navigation and Coal Co.
Box 94, Folder 2-4
By-Laws and Minutes, volumes 1-3
1914-1927
Subseries 5.2:
Personal Papers,
1904-1934
Physical Description:
Boxes 96-97
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Contains personal correspondence and greeting cards as well as material
related to his ranch, land purchases, dogs and horticulture, and various
memberships and charity appeals. Includes inquiries about his son's
health following his car accident while a student at the University of
California, Berkeley and later episode of typhoid. Also contains some
biographical material, a 1920 synopsis of James Rolph Jr.
Films, and condolences regarding Luther
Burbank and Rudolph Valentino
(1926). Includes the program from Rolph's memorial service and personal
diary of his last year.
Box 96, Folder 2
Charity Appeals
1916-1917
Box 97, Folder 3
Birthday Greetings
1926 August
Box 97, Folder 5
Family Correspondence
1914-1926
Box 97, Folder 7
Receipts and Cancelled Checks
1911,
1918-1930
Box 97, Folder 8
Check Books
1914,
1923-1924
Box 97, Folder 9
Memorial Service Program
1934
