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Guide to the Milton D. Eisner Papers, 1854-1961 (bulk 1933-1958)
BANC MSS C-R 155
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Collection Title: Milton D. Eisner Papers,
Date (inclusive): 1854-1961
Date (bulk): (bulk 1933-1958)
Collection Number: BANC MSS C-R 155
Creator:
Eisner, Milton Daniel, 1886-1959
Extent:
Number of containers: 2 cartons, 1 box, 4 oversize folders
Linear feet: 3.1
Linear feet: 3.1
Repository: The
Bancroft Library
Berkeley, California 94720-6000
Abstract: Consists of papers from the Eisner/Reinstein family and subject files collected by Eisner regarding postal and express services
in early California and the West, philatelic and numismatic materials, miscellaneous materials relating to San Francisco and
the Bay Area, Californiana, and Americana. Also includes transcript of a radio interview with Eisner about express mail pioneer
Pilsbury "Chips" Hodgkins and a biographical sketch of Hodgkins. Formats include: printed ephemera, clippings, publications,
and correspondence.
Physical Location: For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Languages Represented:
English
Collection is open for research.
Copyright has not been assigned to The Bancroft Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts
must be submitted in writing to the Head of Public Services. Permission for publication is given on behalf of The Bancroft
Library 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 reader.
Milton D. Eisner papers, BANC MSS C-R 155, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.
Title: Photographs from the Milton D. Eisner Papers,
Identifier/Call Number: BANC PIC 1962.025
Title: Page, Bacon & Co. Records,
Identifier/Call Number: BANC MSS C-G 297
- Printed materials have been transferred to the book collection of The Bancroft Library.
- Photographs have been transferred to Pictorial Collections of The Bancroft Library.
The Milton D. Eisner Papers were given to The Bancroft Library by Mrs. Milton D. Eisner in 1961.
Milton Daniel Eisner was born in San Francisco on July 15, 1886. His father, Milton S. Eisner was a prominent San Francisco
attorney, his mother, Lena Reinstein Eisner was a member of a prominent San Francisco family, her brother Jacob B. Reinstein,
having served as a Regent of the University of California at the turn of the century. Both of Eisner's parents were native
Californians. He obtained his primary education in the San Francisco schools, graduating from Lowell High School in 1905.
He was a student at the University of California during a part of 1905 and 1906. He married Belle Bluckman, a schoolmate,
on September 11, 1910, and they had three children, Robet H. Eisner, Helen Eisner Rice, and Willard B. Eisner.
Eisner worked in real estate, and his business activity included long service with Citizens Federal Savings & Loan Association.
Eisner served as Cititzen's director in 1921, its president from 1932-1953, and was the chairman of the board of directors
until his death.
Notwithstanding his dedication to business activities, Eisner devoted much of his time to helping others. A leading member
of the San Francisco Pacific Philatelic Society, Eisner conceived of the idea of introducing patients in Children's Hospital
to stamp collecting. When that program was well established, Eisner then undertook to establish a similar program at Letterman
General Hospital, becoming known as "Mr. Stampman" to the sick and wounded servicemen there. Eisner was also deeply involved
in Boy Scouts of America, and served that organization for 35 years. In recognition of his services he was made a member of
BSA's Court of Honor.
Eisner also took great interest in the accumulation of documents relating to the early history of the West, particularly California.
He was an enthusiastic member of the California Historical Society for 25 years.
Milton Eisner died on Sunday, December 17, 1959.
(Adapted from Colbert Coldwell's tribute to Milton D. Eisner in the
California Historical Society Quarterly, Vol. XXXLIX, No. 1, March 1960, pp. 77-79.)
The Milton D. Eisner Papers, 1854-1961 (bulk 1933-1958), consist of correspondence, clippings, and ephemera from Eisner and
his mother, Lena Reinstein Eisner, but the papers are primarily composed of subject files gathered by Eisner. Much of Eisner's
philatelic collectibles were sold, and some of the notable Californiana collectibles (such as the Page, Bacon & Co. Records)
have been cataloged separately.
The bulk of the subject files are in regard to postal and express services in early California and the West. Additional subject
files include philatelic and numismatic materials, and materials relating to the San Francisco Bay Area, California, and America.