Inventory of the California Highway Commission Records
Processed by Lisa DeHope
California State Archives
© 2010
1020 "O" Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Phone: (916) 653-2246
Fax: (916) 653-7363
Email: archivesweb@sos.ca.gov
URL: http://www.sos.ca.gov/archives/
California Secretary of State. All rights reserved.
Inventory of the California Highway Commission Records
Record Group number: R295
California State ArchivesOffice of the Secretary of State
Sacramento, California
- Processed by:
- Lisa DeHope
- Date Completed:
- June 2010
- Encoded by:
- Sara Kuzak
© 2010 California Secretary of State. All rights reserved.
Title: California Highway Commission Records
Dates: 1911-1978
Collection number: R295
Creator:
California Highway Commission
Collection Size:
157 cubic feet
Repository:
California State Archives
Sacramento, California
Abstract: The records of the California Highway Commission consists of 157 cubic feet of textual records with selected photographs interfiled
reflecting the Commission's study, review, planning, and funding of California's highway projects. The records, dated from
1911-1978, cover the entire period of the Commission's existence and their efforts to extend, improve, and maintain state
highways.
Physical location: California State Archives
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
Collection is open for research.
For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication
is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility
for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives
collections.
[Identification of item], California Highway Commission Records, [identification number]:[folder number], California State
Archives, Office of the Secretary of State, Sacramento, California.
Acquisition and Custodial History
The California State Archives acquired the records of California Highway Commission according to state law.
The first state agencies formed for the purpose of constructing roadways were established in 1895. In that year, the Bureau
of Highways was created to study the laws, physical features, and economic and legal status of highways in the State (Stats.
1895, ch. 203). In addition, a Tahoe Wagon Road Commissioner was appointed to investigate the possibilities of construction
of a road to Lake Tahoe (Stats. 1895, ch. 128). In 1897, the Department of Highways (headed by three Commissioners, reduced
to one in 1898) assumed the functions of the Bureau of Highways (Stats. 1897, ch. 272). Both the functions of the Department
of Highways and the Lake Tahoe Wagon Road Commissioner were absorbed into the Department of Engineering in 1907 (Stats. 1907,
ch. 183). Highway work was handled by a subdivision of the Engineering Department called the Highway Department.
Three members were added to the Advisory Board of the Department of Engineering in 1911 (Stats. 1911, ch. 409), who were vested
with direct control over the Highway Department. On August 8, 1911, the Advisory Board designated these members the California
Highway Commission (hereafter CHC) and delegated to them powers necessary to the work of constructing the state highways under
the State Highways Act.
On October 9, 1911, the newly created CHC appointed a Highway Engineer to act as chief executive of the Highway Department
and created seven highway districts, each with a district office headed by a division engineer (hereafter referred to as district
engineers). District engineers were responsible for the location, construction, and maintenance of roads within their district
(see series entry 1, MINUTES). At that time, the Highway Department contained five major organizational units: legal, disbursing,
accounting, and headquarters engineering.
When the Department of Engineering was reorganized in 1915, the designation Bureau of Highways was officially used in place
of Highway Department, but the CHC continued to act as the executive body and the organization remained unchanged.
In 1921, the Bureau of Highways was re-designated the Division of Highways and along with the CHC was placed under the newly
created Department of Public Works (Stats. 1921, ch. 607). The director of the Department acted both as State Highway Engineer
and as Chief Executive of the CHC.
In 1923, however, highway activities were removed from the Department of Public Works and placed under the CHC which became
a totally independent body (Stats. 1923, ch. 289). The Statutes of 1927 (ch. 252) again amended the Political Code relating
to the Department of Public Works. The Department succeeded to the power and duties of the Commission, although the CHC was
re-created with more limited powers including: the routing of highways, the funding of projects, the abandonment of routes,
the inclusion of roads within the State highway system, and the condemnation of property.
The CHC reorganized the Division of Highways in 1923. The Disbursing Department ceased to exist. In addition, six new Departments
were added: Bridges, Construction, Maintenance, Equipment, Prison Road Camps, and Surveys and Plans. Although the Division
was placed under the control of the Department of Public Works again in 1927 (Stats. 1927, ch. 252), its organization remained
essentially unchanged until 1947, with the following exceptions: in 1928, the Testing and Research Laboratory was removed
from the Construction Department and renamed the Materials and Research Department; in the same year the Department of Prison
Road Camps was placed under the Construction Department; in 1933, the City and Cooperative Project Department was created;
and in 1938, the Department of Traffic and Safety was formed.
The CHC originally created seven highway districts to oversee construction and maintenance. By January 1924, increased construction
demands made necessary the addition of three new districts, bringing the total to ten. An eleventh district was added in 1935.
Increased highway funding in 1947 necessitated the revamping of the Division of Highways in August of that year. The Departments
of Construction, Maintenance, Equipment, and Research were made functions of a new Department of Operations. Traffic and Surveys
and Plans (renamed Design) were placed under the newly formed Department of Planning. An Administrative Department was established
encompassing the Office Engineer, County and Cooperative Projects (created in 1945), City and Cooperative Projects, Highway
Stores (in 1951 the name changed to Service and Supply), and the Federal Secondary Engineer (created June 1, 1945). Further,
the Department of Rights of Way was formed to handle right of way functions first centralized in 1941, and an Assistant State
Highway Engineer was made responsible for personnel matters and the prequalification of contractors.
The following additional changes were made to the 1947 organization before the elimination of the Division of Highways in
1973: in 1948, the Advanced Planning Department was established under the Department of Planning; the Department of Public
Relations and Personnel was formed in 1951; and 1962 brought the creation of the Office of Urban Planning under the Department
of Planning, and the renaming of the Accounting Department as the Department of Fiscal Management.
In 1973, the functions of the Division of Highways were assumed by the Department of Transportation ( Stats. 1971, ch. 1400
and Stats. 1972, ch. 1253). The California Highway Commission ceased to exist as of July 1, 1978 (Stats. 1977, ch. 1106).
The California Highway Commission Collection consists of 157 cubic feet of textual records with selected photographs interfiled
reflecting the Commission's study, review, planning, and funding of California's highway projects. The records, dated from
1911-1978, cover the entire period of the Commission's existence and their efforts to extend, improve, and maintain state
highways. The records are organized into twenty-two series: Minutes, Meeting Files, Records of Commission Hearings, General
Correspondence, Correspondence of Commissioner Harrison R. Baker, Correspondence of the Commission Secretary, Press Releases,
Condemnation Resolutions, Cooperative Agreements, Proposed Highway Contract File, Progress Reports, Report on Additions to
the Highway System, Seminar Transcript, County Files, Subject Files, State Highway Finance Board Minutes, Highway Budget,
Reports, Commissioner Files, Administrative Files, Project Files, and Financial Files.
The records of this agency are useful in tracing the development and growth of California's highway system. The minutes,
transcripts, and background material collected for meetings demonstrate the debates and concerns of the Commission over the
quality and funding of highways as well as the needs and concerns of the local communities affected by the roadways. Series
are organized according to county and district (as determined by the Commission) and relate to specific projects and programs
initiated in those counties and districts. Prominent projects include the Century Freeway and Mulholland Scenic Drive in Los
Angeles County, Route 39 in Orange County, Doyle Drive in San Francisco County, and the Manteca Bypass in San Joaquin County.
When researching the history of transportation in California the reports, minutes and corresponding materials, and committee
files will offer great insight about projects and priorities within the Commission itself. Progress reports for 1912-1913
contain a chart listing each segment of road under construction, the date of the survey, the layout, and the contract number.
In the Minutes series, resolution summaries and reports from the Highway Engineer on proposed building projects relate to
the feasibility of various proposals and frequently include maps. Records of bids, contracts, letting of funds, condemnation
of property and the abandonment of highway routes, tabulations of federal funds obtained for state highway construction and
monthly lists of all employees hired, terminated, or granted a raise and their salaries (to 1924 only) illuminate for researchers
the process and people involved in the planning and construction of highways. Of special interest is a report on the orderly
addition of new roads to the state highway system which appears in the July 24, 1930 minutes of the Commission. After 1935,
verbatim transcripts are frequently available for conferences in which municipal and county officials as well as automobile
clubs' representatives presented their opinions and concerns to the Commission. Also of interest is a verbatim transcript
of a meeting between the Commission and the State Board of Prison Directors to discuss the use of road gangs in the building
of highways, which appears in materials relating to the October 21, 1943 meeting of the CHC.
The Commission had the authority to condemn property for the right-of-way of highways and condemnation resolutions make up
a large percentage of the Commission's later records. Resolutions of condemnation were voted on at CHC meetings, and a summary
of the resolutions appear in the Commission minutes. The series of condemnation resolutions include a copy of the Commission
resolution, a description of the lands being condemned, and maps showing the exact location of the condemned property which
are useful for tracing how highways have changed the natural landscape and personal property lines.
Subject files contain budget information and records of committees appointed by or charged by the CHC with specific tasks
related to the gathering and presenting of information regarding programs, construction, and policy procedures. In the report
series, reports from 1912, 1921, and 1934 (which includes a report on the California state highway system prepared by Automobile
Club of Southern California and the California State Automobile Association) provide the early history of California highways
and will offer early reference points for changes over time.
The Commissioner files and Administrative files give insight into the functions and process of Commission work including policy,
staff duties, members and their biographies, policy, and clarification on the distinction between the Public Works Department
of Transportation and the Highway Commission. As part of the Administrative Files series, two file folders pertaining to
the naming of highways, freeways, and expressways reflect the shift in the legislative authority away from the Commission.
Peripherally interesting to the researcher may be the Commission decals, branding irons, and Commission and commissioner
photos within the Commissioners Files series which include photos of the commission with Governor Ronald Reagan when the Commission
was dissolved by the Legislature.
The Project Files and Financial Files series relate to specific projects and corresponding financial needs of the highway
system. The Project Files series includes 1977 status reports for projects in progress and those projected for future construction,
organized by district. Other significant files are the four file folders relating to the Six-year highway program proposed
by the Commission which took considerable critique from the Department of Transportation. The Financial File contain the
budgets, audit reports, and cost-benefit analysis considered by the Commission.
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Roads Design and construction
California. Highway Commission
F3779:1-337
Series 1 Minutes 1911-1950
Physical Description: 337 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by year.
Scope and Content Note
Contains bound copies of the minutes of all CHC monthly meetings (Vols. 1-52, Vol 19 is missing), and the original initiated
copies of resolutions before the Commission.
Minutes of Meetings (1911-1950) are arranged chronologically by year. Includes copies of all resolutions voted on by the Commission
dealing with the awarding of contracts, the laying out of highway routes, the letting out of funds, the allocation of funds,
the condemnation of property and the abandonment of highway routes; summaries of conferences with municipal and county officials
and representative of automobile clubs requesting revisions or additions to proposed highway routes (after 1935, frequently
verbatim transcripts); lists of bids received and contracts and work orders let; calendars of correspondence received (including
a brief statement of the content); tabulations of Federal funds obtained for State highway construction and monthly lists
of al employees hired, terminated, or granted a raise and their salaries (to 1924 only). Minutes from 1911-1927 frequently
contain summaries of meetings of the Advisory Board of the Department of Engineering (often attended by the governor) called
to discuss the State's highway program and the letting out of major construction contracts. (1928-1945) - minutes no longer
contain calendars of correspondence or lists of bids, contracts and work orders, but do contain copies of the proposed budget
of the Division of Highways. Of special interest is a report on the orderly addition of new roads to the State highway system
which appears in the July 24, 1930 minutes of the Commission.
Original Resolutions and Correspondence (1912-1950) are arranged by date of meeting and are filed directly after the volume
of minutes to which they relate. Original copies of Resolutions, which include the signature or initials of Commission members
approving of the resolution and in some cases additional information which does not appear in the bound volumes of the minutes
(frequently after 1930, maps of proposed highway routes). Also incoming correspondence from the Highway Engineer containing
construction proposals for consideration and action by the Commission (largely from 1911 to 1915).Resolutions of the Commission
presented at Advisory Board meetings from 1912-1914 are filed separately after all other materials relating to 1914. Resolutions
presented at Commission meetings from 1913-1915 are filed separately after all other materials relating to 1915. Of special
interest is a verbatim transcript of a meeting between the Commission and the State Board of Prison Directors to discuss the
use of road gangs in the building of highways, which appears in materials relating to the October 21, 1943 meeting of the
CHC.
F3779:338-1793
Series 2 Meeting Files 1957-1977
Physical Description: 1,456 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically by meeting date.
Scope and Content Note
The series contains notices, agenda and minutes from the Commission's monthly meetings. It also includes selected correspondence,
rescission or recycling of adopted routes, financial resolutions on projects to be added or removed from the budget, right-of-way
leases, resolutions of necessity to acquire certain real property, abandonment resolutions, director's deeds (conveyance of
excess state-owned real property and exchanges), transcript of proceedings, and exhibits relating to the hearings.
F3778:11-27
Series 3 Records of Commission Hearings 1954-1956
Physical Description: 17 file folders
Arrangement
This series contains materials collected during public hearings to discuss the proposed routing of two controversial freeways
in Southern California: the Riverside-Ventura Freeway and the Olympic Freeway.
Scope and Content Note
Records relating to the Riverside-Ventura Freeway (VII-LA-2-161-LA) are placed first (1954); records of the Olympic Freeway
(VII-LA-173-Smca) are placed second (1955-1956). Records relating to both freeway are then organized into findings, transcripts,
supplements to transcripts, correspondence, and petitions. Finding contain copies of the conclusions reached by the hearing
Commissioners at the end of the public hearing, summarizing testimony and making recommendations to the full Commission.
Transcripts contains testimony of the state highway engineers, and statement and testimony of interested parties. Testimonies
address the need for a freeway and its probable effects on the surrounding area. Supplement to Transcripts contain copies
of maps, statements, and articles submitted at hearings. The maps illustrate proposed routes, traffic flow, and population
density. Transcripts are followed by a sampling (A, D, G, M, W) of Correspondence arranged alphabetically by name of sender.
The correspondence consists of letters received from the public protesting proposed freeway routes, and copies of Commission
replies. Placed in the front of the first folder of Olympic Freeway correspondence are copies of form letters sent in reply
to all incoming correspondence. Placed last are petitions. A sampling (1 in 10) of petitions protesting the routing of freeways
are also included.
F3778:28-129, F3779:2058-2071, R295.05, Box 2/10-2/11
Series 4 General Correspondence 1933-1950 1970-1978
Physical Description: 118 file folders
Arrangement
Organized into the following categories in the following order: correspondence-outside, correspondence-internal, minute records,
chairman's correspondence, commissioner's correspondence, and commissioner's correspondence received. Thereunder arranged
chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Correspondence-Outside. 1933-1934. 5 file folders. F3778:28-32. Contains resolutions, protests, petitions, requests to appear
before the Commission, requests for information on building programs, and invitations largely received from municipal and
county officials; and replies prepared by the Commission Secretary.
Correspondence-Internal. 1933-1949. 13 file folders. F3778:33-45. Copies of letters sent by the Chairman to the Director
of Public Works describing the future of the Commission; memoranda from the Secretary to members describing issues to be discussed
at meetings and transmitting petitions, resolutions, and in some cases maps; incoming and outgoing correspondence with the
Highway Engineer requesting information on the progress of building programs; and scattered copies of addresses delivered
by members.
Minute Records. 1938-1950, 1958-1959. 2.75 cubic feet. F3778:46-129. Materials sent to the Commissions in advance of meeting
including memoranda summarizing resolutions to be voted on, and reports from highway engineer on proposed building projects,
the feasibility of various proposals, and providing information requested by the Commission (maps frequently included). Also
contains copies of resolutions, petitions, plans, maps, and related correspondence submitted in conjunction with conference
with municipal and county officials to discuss future building proposals. Transcripts of conferences appear in the minutes
(see series entry 1, Minutes, 1911-1950). Of special interest is a progress report on prison labor camps (Minute Records,
August 29, 1949).
Chairman's Correspondence. 1970-1976. 2 file folders. F3779:2058-2059. Chairman's Correspondence is arranged chronologically
and contains letters of Fred C. Jennings, Maynard Munger, Winston R. Fuller and Joseph F. Sinnott.
Vice Chairman's Correspondence. 1973-1975. 2 file folders. R295.05 Box2/10-2/11. Vice Chairman's Correspondence is arranged
chronologically and contains incoming and outgoing correspondence from William E. Leonard pertaining to Transportation Finance.
Commissioner's Correspondence. 1976-1978. 4 file folders. F3779:2060-2063. Commissioner's Correspondence is arranged alphabetically
by commissioner and chronologically there under. Subject matter includes testimony before legislative committee, presentations
at conferences, position statements regarding a particular legislative bill, Proposition 5, and procedures to increase public
involvement in CHC matters. (note: "*" indicates persons who served as Chairman)
*Bistrin, Herman. 1976-1977, F3779:2060
Brito, Joaquin. 1977, F3779:2060
Fuller, Winston R. 1977, F3779:2060
Howard, Bruce. 1977, F3779:2060
*Leonard, William E. 1979-1977, F3779:2061
Sarguis, Francis. 1976-1978, F3779:2062
Sinnott, Joseph F. 1977, F3779:2063
*Vetter, Kenneth E. 1977, F3779:2063
Walker, Jean K. 1977-1978, F3779:2063
Commissioner's Correspondence Received. 1975-1977. 8 file folders. F3779:2064-2071. Commissioner's Correspondence Received
is arranged chronologically and covers subject matter pertaining to construction of specific routes, highway safety, legislative
bill analysis and funding. Also included are news clippings and news releases.
F3778:130-222
Series 5 Correspondence of Commissioner Harrison R. Baker 1943-1952
Physical Description: 93 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
The records are arranged chronologically by meeting date with meeting background memoranda placed first and the correspondence
from that year proceeding thereafter.
Meeting background memoranda contain materials distributed to Commissioners in advance of meetings, including summaries of
proposed resolutions regarding the budget, condemnations, abandonments, and Director's Deeds; reports by the Highway Engineer
on the progress of specific highway projects, proposed highway routing, the acquisition of rights-of-way, repair programs,
and roads, added to the highway system (reports frequently include alignment maps); financial status reports; statistical
reports on prison labor projects; petitions from municipal and country governments dealing with highway proposals before the
Commission; and miscellaneous related correspondence. Of special interest is a history of the State road gang labor system
(October 5, 1943 meeting).
Correspondence consists of letters and resolutions received from municipal and county officials, associated or interested
in highway construction (i.e. the Central Valley Highway Association), and from the general public requesting revisions in
highway construction plans, citing hazardous points along roads, or complaining about the effects of highway construction
on the surrounding countryside; replies from Baker, communication between Baker and the Highway Engineer and District of Engineers
of District V and VII requesting specific information on the highway construction program in Southern California; notes on
inspections tours made by the Commission; State Chamber of Commerce recommendations for building programs; and monthly statistics
on the cost of prison and road gangs. Filed directly after the general correspondence relating to 1951 is a folder dealing
with the opposition of the City of El Monte to the construction of the Pomona Freeway through that city. Folder contains
feasibility reports, copies of memoranda between Commission members and the Highway Engineer, and copies of transcripts of
hearings held by the Commission on the subject.
F3778:223-267, F3779:2086-2134, R295.06, Box 2/12-Box 2/14
Series 6 Correspondence of the Commission Secretary 1951-1958 1963-1968 1976-1976
Physical Description: 45 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged into the following categories in the following order: general correspondence placed first, arranged alphabetically
by name of sender (incoming), addressee (outgoing), or subject and chronologically thereunder; district correspondence thereafter
organized by district number in ascending order and chronologically thereunder; and lastly, county correspondence organized
alphabetically by name of county.
Scope and Content Note
General Correspondence. 1950-1959, 18 file folders, F3778:223-240. 1963-1968, 2 file folders, F3779:2086-2087. 1975-1976,
3 file folders, R295.06 Box 2/12-2/14. Scattered letter received from the general public and copies of the Secretary's replies
to public questions about highway programs; Attorney General's opinion on highway laws, opinions by the Division of Contracts
and Rights of Way on the legal authority of the Commission; copies of resolutions and petitions of municipalities and counties
transmitted by the Secretary to the Commission; press releases and itineraries of filed trips by the Commission.
District Correspondence. 1950-1958. 27 file folders. F3778:241-267. Letters received from the public and copies of Secretary's
replies to questions and complaints about highway projects in specific highway districts; memoranda sent to Commissioners
and Director of the Department of Public Works providing information requested on specific building projects; communications
with district engineers (frequently containing project maps); resolutions, petitions, and reports submitted by municipal and
county governments; and transcripts, Commission findings, reports, and press released relating top public hearings held by
the Commission to receive comments on proposed building projects.
County Correspondence. 1967-1968. 45 file folders. F3779:2088-2134. Includes both letters received from the public-including
area businesses, city administration and local residents in potential project areas-along with copies of Secretary's replies
to questions and complaints about highway projects in specific counties. Letters reflect concerns, petitions, or requests
for projects or changes to highway projects changes relating to a number of counties.
For a detailed list of counties, see Appendix A in the master finding aid at the California State Archives.
F3778:268
Series 7 Press Releases 1921-1923
Physical Description: 1 file folder
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Announcements of the completion of projects, the results of road building experiments, the letting out of contract, and the
assets and obligations of the road building program.
F3778:269-271, F3779:1794-1933, 2135-2162
Series 8 Condemnation Resolutions 1945-1947 1964-1977
Physical Description: 171 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
The Commission had the authority to condemn property for the right-of-way of highways. Resolutions of condemnation were voted
on at CHC meetings, and a summary of the resolutions appear in the Commission minutes. The files contains a copy of the Commission
resolution, a description of the lands being condemned, and maps showing the exact location of the condemned property. A
sampling of resolutions from one meeting per year is available for the years 1945-1947.
F3778:269-271, 1945-1947
F3779:1794-1889 #C6325-#C10194, Jan. 1964 - Aug.1971
F3779:2135-2162 #C10195-#C101518, Sept. 1971 - Sept. 1973
F3779:1890-1933 #C10687-#C11339, Oct. 1973-Dec.1977
F3779:1934
Series 9 Cooperative Agreements 1972-1973
Physical Description: 1 file folder
Arrangement
Arranged numerically by internal numbering system.
Scope and Content Note
Sampled agreements with outside agencies on right-of-way, transportation study, contract work, and Federal Aid Urban System
Projects (FAU).
F3778:272-287
Series 10 Proposed Highway Contract Files 1921-1926
Physical Description: 16 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged by district, county, route, and section and chronologically thereunder.
Scope and Content Note
Records submitted to the Highway Commission by the State Highway Engineer containing information on proposed highway construction
contracts, including memoranda from the Highway Engineer describing the proposal, a report by the district engineer comprising
recommendations and estimate of cost, a copy of the proposed contract, notices to contractors, bond forms, and specifications.
II-Las-28-A
II-Las-29-B
II-Las-29-C
II-Las-23-C and D
III-Sac-3-B
III-Pla-37-A,B,C
IV-Mrn-1-B
V-S.B.-2-J
VI-Tul-10-F
VII-Imp-27-A
VII-Ora-60-A and B
VIII-S.Bd.-26-A
F3778:288
Series 11 Progress Reports 1912-1913
Physical Description: 1 volume
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Reports submitted to the Commission by the Highway Engineer containing a chart listing for each segment of road under construction
the date of the survey, the layout, and the contract number; a brief narrative statement of the progress being made on each
segment of road under construction; statement s of the assets, liabilities, and expenses of the Commission; and reports by
the Highway Engineer on the problems and accomplishments of the construction programs-including criticisms of its weaknesses.
F3778:289
Series 12 Report on Additions to the Highway System 1930
Physical Description: 1 file folder
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Bound 165 page report prepared by the Division of Highways titled, Report on the Orderly Addition of New Roads to the California
State Highway System. Contains recommendations by the Division for additional road construction and supportive data including
traffic studies, descriptions of on-site investigations, and estimates of the probable cost of additional construction. An
early draft of this report may be found in the minutes of the State Highway Commission for July 24, 1930 (see series entry
1, Minutes, 1911-1950).
F3778:290
Series 13 Seminar Transcript 1914
Physical Description: 1 file folder
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
Transcript of March 26 and 27, 1914 seminar of the Highway Bureau department heads called by the California Highway Commission.
Contains copies of all addresses delivered at the seminar. Topics include: county bridges, rights of way, day labor vs. contract
labor, publicity, accounting, purchasing, surveys and drafting, testing materials, drainage, mountain roads, inspection on
contract work, extra work orders, various types of road construction, collecting of cost data, and maintenance.
F3779:1935-2043
Series 14 County Files 1965-1978
Physical Description: 109 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by county and chronologically thereunder.
Scope and Content Note
One of the functions of the California Highway Commission (CHC) is to determine the location of a highway after the Legislature
designates the termini. The CHC works in conjunction with local county and municipal authorities in developing a recommendation
for a specific freeway route. This series contains reports on factors considered on the adoption of a highway location; resolutions
passed by county boards of supervisors, city councils, boards of education and private enterprises; correspondence from the
general public concerning needed improvements such as sound barriers, planting, rest stops, directional signs and traffic
signals; letters from legislators writing on behalf of their constituents voicing their support or opposition to the routing
of a freeway or highway in their district or their concern over a dispute on the value of property which the Department of
Transportation wishes to acquire for route improvement. When highway funding was scarce, many local government agencies expressed
their displeasure regarding the apportionment of funds in the CHC 6-year Highway Program.
For detailed list of Counties, see Appendix B in the master finding aid at the California State Archives.
F3779:2044-2057
Series 15 Subject Files 1966-1977
Physical Description: 14 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by subject.
Scope and Content Note
Subject files consist of minutes, resolutions, memoranda, correspondence, circular letters and news clippings. Greater description
follows each of the individual files, listed below.
Advisory Committee on Freeway Route Locations and Design Procedures. 1969-1972. 1ff. F3779:2044. The Committee was appointed
by the Highway Commission and the Director of Public Works to study and make recommendations on the Commission and policy
and procedures in route determinations and on the Department's policy and procedures in highway design. Chaired by Robert
Boles.
Airspace Advisory Committee. 1968-1977. 1 file folder. F3779:2045. Charged by the Highway Commission and the Director of
Public Works to develop a program for multiple use of freeway right-of-way, advise on formats for leasing airspace sites for
advertising, parking, recreational uses. (Formerly known as the Citizen's Airspace Advisory Committee).
Federal Highway Funds. 1966-1975. 1 file folder. F3779:2046. Correspondence regarding proposed reduction in Federal Highway
Funds allocations and President Ford's release of $2 billion of Federal Highway Trust Funds.
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Proposed Rules on Highway Location Procedures. 1968-1969. 1 file folder. F3779:2047
Land and Buildings Committee. 1968-1975. 3 file folder. F3779:2048-2050. Committee is responsible for seeing to major and
minor construction and improvements of maintenance stations (e.g. building facilities for sand/salt storage, establishing
communication lines) and district office buildings (e.g. improving heating or electrical power systems) on state owned or
leased land.
Mass Transit Guideway Projects (Proposition 5). 1975-1976. 1 file folder. F3779:2051. Correspondence pertaining to proposals
to change means of finding transit guideway work with state gas tax funds provided by Proposition 5 (1974).
Miscellaneous. 1971-1976. 2 file folders. F3779:2052-2053. 1976 Six-Year Highway Program comments, effect of Small Business
Procurement and Contract Act, 1975-76 Fiscal Year State Highway Budget, Address by CHC Vice-Chairman Joseph F. Sinnott before
State Transportation Board, February 7, 1974; resolutions; comments on Departmental Directive Draft on subject of Legislative
Liaison and Contract.
Roadside Rest and Highway Planting Committee. 1972-1977. 2 file folders. F3779:2054-2055
Trucking. 1973-1974. 1 file folder. F3779:2056. Commission's stance on the proposal to increase truck weight limits on state
and federal highways.
Washington D.C. Visit. 1977. 1 file folder. F3779:2057. Contains briefing paper and position statement to inform California
congressional delegation and Carter Administration transportation officials of the state's transportation needs and policy
in order to influence the outcome of the Federal Highway Act (FHWA) and the Urban Mass Transportation Act (UMTA). Includes
notes from meetings of California Highway Commission with member of the Washington D.C. delegation.
F3779:2072
Series 16 State Highway Finance Board Minutes 1920-1924
Physical Description: 1 file folder
Arrangement
Arranged chronologically.
Scope and Content Note
The State Highway Finance Board was created by an initiative which was passed at the general election held on November 2,
1920. The board consisted of the Governor, State Controller, State Treasurer, chairman of the State Board of Control and
chairman of the California Highway Commission. The minutes reflect the function of the committee to determine the amount
of bonds to be sold, the date such bonds shall bear, and the interest rate.
F3779:2073-2079
Series 17 Highway Budget Files 1927-1943
Physical Description: 7 file folder
Arrangement
Arranged in the following order: state highway fund, major project allocation for construction, minor improvement project
allocation, and federal aid feeder fund, grade separation fund, access highway fund, flight strip fund.
Scope and Content Note
Within Minor Improvement Project Allocation Funding, files are arranged alphabetically by district. Highway Budget Files
provide information regarding funding for various projects. Information includes county, route and section number; description
of work required, amount allocated; and dates request received and approved.
State Highway Fund. 1941-1943. 1ff. F3779:2073
Major Project Allocation for Construction. 1937-1943. 1ff. F3779:2074
Minor Improvement Project Allocation. 1927-1943. 4ff. F3779:2075-2078
Federal Aid Feeder Fund, Grade Separation Fund, Access Highway Fund, Flight Strip Fund. 1941-1943. 1ff. F3779:2079
F3779:2080-2085
Series 18 Reports 1912-1934
Physical Description: 6 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged alphabetically by report title.
Scope and Content Note
Reports are as follows:
California Highway Transportation Survey. 1934.
Light Asphaltic Oil Road Surfaces By C.L. McKesson, Materials and Research Engineer, California Highway Commission and W.N.
Frickstad, Highway Engineer, Bureau of Public Roads. (A Progress Report) [1928]
Report on California State Highways By Automobile Club of Southern California and California State Automobile Association,
1921.
Report on Organization and System of California Highway Commission By Klink, Bean & Co. Accountants. 1912
Report on the "Mecca Blythe" Route: Los Angeles, California to Phoenix, Arizona(Division VIII Riverside County 64).
Report to California Highway Commission on Organization and Progress of Work on State Highway System By Austin B. Fletcher.
1912
R295.01, Box 1/1 - Box 1/7
Series 19 Commissioner Files 1943-1977
Physical Description: 7 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged into the following categories in the following order: CHC members-biographies and appointments, Commissioners' terms
and status, Commission/Commissioner photos, Commissioner decals, Branding irons-CHC.
Scope and Content Note
The records contain files relating to the members of the Commission including biographies, records of their appointment by
the Governor, obituaries, news releases, correspondence, and photos. Also included are the official window decals given to
the Commissioners in 1968.
R295.02, Box 1/8 - Box 1/17
Series 20 Administrative Files 1959-1977
Physical Description: 10 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged into the following categories in the following order: CHC staff duty statements; Jan. 19 farewell dinner invitation;
policies and rules for CHC; Proposition 5; Relationship between the Department of Transportation and CHC; Little Hoover Commission;
Legislative affairs and policy; Naming highways, freeways, and expressways; and Microfilm information.
Scope and Content Note
Administrative files include news articles, resolutions, correspondence, reports, and memoranda relating to the policies regulating
the commission and their functioning activities.
R295.03, Box 1/18 - Box 2/4
Series 21 Project Files 1975-1977
Physical Description: 17 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged in the following categories in the following order: gas tax increase, project evaluation status of projects, office
of structures-status of projects, southern projects pulled, projects/routes of high interest, California transportation plan,
transportation plan task force issue papers, 1977 highway program, section 188.8, six-year highway planning program.
Scope and Content Note
Records relate to the project priorities and plans of the Highway Commission. Project files include correspondence reports,
summaries, charts, and maps.
R295.04, Box 2/5 - Box 2/9
Series 22 Financial Files 1975-1977
Physical Description: 5 file folders
Arrangement
Arranged in the following order: Budgets, Audit Files, Audit Reports, Costs and Revenues, Cost-Benefit Analyses.
Scope and Content Note
Records consist of correspondence, reports, publications, charts, notes, and graphs, used by the Commission and Department
of Transportation in establishing budgets for the Commission and allocating funds to various projects they determined eligible.
Files relate to both federal aid apportionment and state funds.