Comprises a wide variety of ephemera documenting the natural, social, political, economic, and cultural life of California -- and particularly San Francisco -- in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Collection materials are organized into hundreds of subjects, representing different places (cities, neighborhoods, streets, buildings, and geographic features); events (natural disasters, migrations, holidays, and wars); commercial enterprises (businesses, trades, and industries); and political, educational, and cultural organizations and activities (schools, churches, political parties, labor unions, and clubs). Particularly well documented are diverse and specific industries, businesses, technologies, schools, churches, and clubs that flourished in San Francisco and throughout the state during and after the Gold Rush.

42.6 Linear feet

Property rights reside with The Society of California Pioneers. All requests for permission to reproduce or publish must be submitted in writing to the Librarian.

Collection is open by appointment for research.