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Register of the Lawson (F. Melvyn) Papers, 1924-1994
Mss240
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Title: Lawson (F. Melvyn) Papers,
Date (inclusive): 1924-1994
Collection number: Mss240
Creator:
Floyd Melvyn Lawson
Extent: 6 linear ft.
Repository:
University of the Pacific. Library. Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections
Stockton, CA 95211
Shelf location: For current information on the location of these
materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Language:
English.
Collection is open for research.
[Identification of item], Lawson (F. Melvyn) Papers, Mss240, Holt-Atherton Department of
Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library
Lawson, Floyd Melvyn (1907-1998)
Lawson, Verna K.
Rotary International (Sacramento, Calif.)
Schools -California -Sacramento
World War, 1939-1945 -Campaigns -New Guinea
School administrators -California -Sacramento
Poets -California -Sacramento
Composers -California -Sacramento
"Mel" Lawson (1907-1998) was born in Sacramento, California and educated at the College
of Pacific (B.A. 1929; M.A., 1935). From 1930, Lawson taught at Sacramento High School,
ultimately becoming Principal of the school (1941). During World War II he was a
pre-flight instructor in the U.S. Navy, serving for three years--chiefly in the South
Pacific--and attaining the rank of lieutenant. After the War Lawson returned to
Sacramento where he continued his career as a secondary school administrator. In 1948 he
was appointed Deputy Superintendent, and from 1960 until his retirement (1968), Lawson
was Superintendent of the Sacramento City Schools. In this capacity, Lawson was
instrumental in accomplishing the racial integration of the Sacramento Schools. Mel
Lawson was active in several civic and fraternal organizations, including: the Sacramento
Rotary Club; the Ben Ali Shrine Temple; the Sacramento Community Forum; the Sacramento
Christmas Seal Association; and, the United Crusade's educational division. He was also
president of the Camellia Festival and a member of the board of directors of the Crocker
Art Museum and of KVIE -Channel Six, Public Television.
Lawson has authored books and articles on a variety of topics. His works include A Saga
of Service, the history of Sacramento's Rotary Club. Together with his wife, Lawson
co-authored a study guide used in the Sacramento public schools history program. He was
also an amateur poet and song writer.
The Lawson Papers consist of biographical material; professional writings and
correspondence; original poetry and music; photographs and memorabilia relating to the
life and career of Sacramento educator, F. Melvin Lawson (1907-1998).