Matt Garcia Papers, 1883-2016 and undated

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Summary

Creators:
Garcia, Matthew
Abstract:
The collection consists of research, writing, and teaching materials created by author, educator, and historian Matthew J. Garcia. The materials document Dr. Garcia's work on topics related to agriculture, labor, food, immigration, ethnicity, and popular culture in California. Primary subjects of interest include the citrus industry and Mexican-American laborers in Southern California, especially the Farm Labor movement under Cesar Chavez. The collection is comprised of research materials, oral histories, correspondence, photographs, academic writings, and conference presentations, as well as course materials from classes taught by Garcia at various universities. The research materials and writings in this collection were created in the process of writing two books, A World of Its Own: Race, Labor, and Citrus in the Making of Greater Los Angeles, 1900-1970 and From the Jaws of Victory: The Triumph and Tragedy of Cesar Chavez and the Farm Worker Movement.
Extent:
16.4 linear feet (13 record boxes, 1 document box, 1 oversize document box, 1 oversize flat box, 1 shoe box)
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English and Spanish .

Background

Scope and content:

The Matt Garcia Papers contains research materials, oral histories, newspaper clippings, photocopies, photos and written work pertaining to the preparation of two of Dr. Garcia's books. The first book, titled A World of Its Own: Race Labor, And Citrus in the Making of Greater Los Angeles, 1900-1970, surveys the social and cultural underpinnings of Los Angeles through the lens of the citrus industry and its workers. The second is titled From the Jaws of Victory: The Triumph and Tragedy of Cesar Chavez and the Farm Worker Movement, and investigates the United Farm Workers Union and their leader Cesar Chavez using oral histories and UFW primary source materials. The collection covers the years 1883 to 2016. This collection also contains written work from several of his students, pertaining to social and cultural histories of Chicana/o individuals, as well as several papers written by Matt Garcia himself.

The bulk of the collection consists of research materials, with two smaller series of biographical and teaching materials. The biographical materials include Matt Garcia's personal papers and correspondence, including employment information from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign. These also include fellowship requests and letters, Claremont Graduate School registration documents, school notes, and assignments dating to 1992. The teaching materials include class syllabi, assignment descriptions, and written work turned in by students of Matt Garcia who took part in the undergraduate courses he taught. These include class papers on Latin and American history, as well as Chicana/o studies courses. The research materials Dr. Garcia gathered and created in preparation for writing his books are significant in terms of both their volume and content. Many of the notes and newspaper clippings are associated with "Arbol Verde" and the history of the area, close to Claremont, which became the subject of debate when Claremont McKenna College released plans to build housing in this area of historically Latina/o influence. This led into a larger debate on gentrification in the area. Along with these materials, a large part of Garcia's research centers on several oral history interviews conducted by Dr. Garcia himself, as well as transcribed copies of interviews performed by others. There are also many photocopies of The California Citrograph, a citrus industry publication which dates back to the early 20th century.

Regarding the materials relating to his second book, many of the materials cover the history of the United Farm Workers Union (UFW), their conflict with the Teamsters Union, and their numerous boycotts and labor activism. These materials come in the form of oral history interviews, publications and articles, as well as correspondence from Cesar Chavez and other UFW members. There is also a considerable portion of materials regarding Chicana/o education rights, specifically bilingual education, in the Coachella Valley region. Of particular note are profiles and oral history transcripts of two Chicana women who participated in student walkouts and supported the rights of Chicana/o students in the Coachella Valley Unified School District. There are also significant transcripts of interviews with various UFW members, who describe their experience with the union. These accounts highlight both postive and negative aspects of the union, the leadership, and management practices.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Matt Garcia, 2017.
Arrangement:

This collection is organized into the following series:

  • Series 1: Biographical Materials, 1991-2014
  • Series 2: Research Materials and Writings, 1883-2016 and undated
  • Series 3: Teaching Materials, 1992-2014 and undated

The collection is arranged alphabetically by folder title.

Physical location:
Please consult repository.

Access and use

Location of this collection:
800 N. Dartmouth Ave.
Claremont, CA 91711, US
Contact:
(909) 607‑3977
specialcollections@claremont.edu
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