Scope and Content
Preferred Citation:
Provenance
Conditions Governing Use
Conditions Governing Access
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: Walter Bordwell papers
creator:
Bordwell, Walter
Identifier/Call Number: M0256
Physical Description:
3.5 Linear Feet
(8 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1835-1929 (inclusive), 1890-1912 (bulk)
Date (bulk): bulk
Scope and Content
The Judge Walter Bordwell Papers concern both his private and professional life as lawyer and judge. The collection spans
the years 1835-1929, with the bulk of the material occurring from 1890-1912, during which his career was most active. There
is little material from 1915-1925 - the years between his retiring as Los Angeles Superior Court Judge and his death. The
material is grouped and arranged generally, but not strictly, in alphabetical order. Items within the groups are arranged
chronologically but with attached items left attached.
The first half of the collection (boxes 1-4) deals with his personal holdings. Included are diaries, memorandum books, financial
records and receipts, business cards, a Bible, and a 1928-29 edition of Whos's Who in California, in which is a biographical
sketch of Bordwell. There is little personal correspondence, most of which is between him and his cousin Charles Bordwell
during the years 1897-1902. There is no original photograph of Judge Bordwell; there are, however, several articles with pictures
of him dispersed throughout the newspaper clippings.
Material from his professional life is contained in the second half of the collection (boxes 5-8). Included are his certificates
to practice law, correspondence, pamphlets, dockets, lists, handwritten drafts, and marriage contracts. His most publicized
case within the collection is the McNamara Brothers - Burning of the L.A. Times Building Investigation. Although few of the
actual court proceedings for this trial are included, there is a variety of correspondence from the public to the Judge, newspaper
clippings, and a journal kept by the Judge during the trial. Much information is also contained on the Helena M. Granger vs.
Henry W. Robinson case.
Included within the bulk of newspapers are a considerable number of clippings on World War II events.
Notable correspondents and others involved with his cases include Clarence Darrow, Governor James Hawley of Idaho, and U.S
Senator John D. Works.
Preferred Citation:
[Identification of item] Walter Bordwell Papers (M0256). Department of Special Collections and University Archives, Stanford
University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Provenance
Gift of Walter B. Lull, 1976.
Conditions Governing Use
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not
an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission
or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns. See: http://library.stanford.edu/spc/using-collections/permission-publish
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research. Note that material is stored off-site and must be requested at least 36 hours in advance
of intended use.
Index
Index of Names (Box - Folder)
Bernard, Obed
(Box 6)
Bordwell, Charles
(2-12)
Bordwell, Eliza
(2-12)
Bordwell, George
(2-4)
Bordwell, J. L.
(5-10)
Bordwell, Mrs. Walter,
(2-2, 2-6)
Bordwell, Midad (?)
(2-11)
Chubb, Amand
(5-17)
Darrow, Clarence
(Box 7)
Diehm, Ferdinand
(5-1)
Dunbar, E.G.B.
(5-9)
Folsom, E.W.
(5-10)
German American Savings Bank
(2-4, 2-11, 5-11, 5-15)
Granger, Helena M.
(Box 6)
Habl, Ferdinand
(5-11)
Harriman, Job
(7-4)
Hawley, Governor James
(5-13)
Ingersoll, George
(2-12, 5-2, 5-16)
McDonald, E.N.
(5-14, 5-15)
McNamara, J.J. & J.B.
(Box 7)
McNamara, John A.
(7-2)
Nightingale, Newell
(5-16)
Palmer, F.E.
(5-17)
Penn, William
(2-4)
Robinson, Henry W.
(Box 6)
Robinson, Eliza A.
(Box 6)
Satterwhite, Thomas D.
(5-10)
Stohr, Silvester
(5-11)
Windsor, Herbert E.
(2-2, 5-7, 5-2)
Winternitz, J.U. Dr. Oscar Winternitz
(5-12)
Works, Senator John D.
(5-13)
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Lawyers -- California.
Judges -- California -- Sources
Bordwell, Walter