Descriptive Summary
Administrative Information
Biography
Scope and Content
Descriptive Summary
Title: Richard Coke Wood Papers,
Date (inclusive): 1930-1978
Collection number: Mss70
Creator:
Richard Coke Wood
Extent: 6 linear ft.
Repository:
University of the Pacific. Library. Holt-Atherton Department of
Special Collections
Shelf location: For current information on the location of
these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Language: English.
Administrative Information
Access
Collection is open for research.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Richard Coke Wood Papers, Mss70, Holt-Atherton
Department of Special Collections, University of the Pacific Library
Biography
Richard Coke Wood (1905-1979), California historian, author, teacher,
was born in Oklahoma and was raised in Owens Valley, California. He attended
the University of Hawaii, College of the Pacific (B.A. 1932, M.A. 1934), and
the University of Southern California (Ph.D., 1950). A high school teacher in
the 1930's, he developed a lasting interest in Mother Lode history while
recovering from tuberculosis at the Bret Harte Sanitarium in Murphys
(1938-1941). During his career he held many administrative and teaching
positions, including that of proprieter of the Old Timers Museum in Murphys
(ca. 1949-1978); Education Director, Bret Harte Sanitarium (1941-1950);
Instructor and Chairman of the Social Sciences Division at Stockton and San
Joaquin Delta College (1950-1971); holder of the Rockwell D. Hunt Chair in
California History at the University of the Pacific (1951-1971); and, Director
of the Pacific Center for Western Historical Studies (1976).
His writings include Murphys, Queen of the Sierra (1949); Calaveras,
Land of Skulls (1957); The California Story (co-author, 1958); Stockton Album
Through the Years (co-author, 1959); Stockton Memories (co-author, 1977); and,
Mother Lode Memories (co-author, 1979). His many awards and honors include:
Award of Merit, California Historical Society (1965); and the honorary title,
"Mr. California," California State Legislature (1969).
Scope and Content
The Coke Wood papers contain biographical material, including diaries,
scrapbooks and photographs, as well as the writings and teaching materials of
Richard Coke Wood (1930-1978).