Thomas W. Sefton Personal Papers, 1917-2006

View only results with digital items
Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Abstract:
Thomas W. Sefton was in the US Air Corps and President at the San Diego Bank and Trust.
Extent:
0.43 Cubic Feet 1 box, 10” x 5” x 15”.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum Library & Archives”]

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of 1 box, 10” x 5” x 15”. In this collection, there are a variety of documents including personal memorabilia. Of note, there are documents to and from Thomas W. Sefton regarding his work in the US Air Corps and this job as a President at the San Diego Bank and Trust. There are approximately 15 folders regarding his work and personal life.

Biographical / historical:

Thomas W. Sefton, born on October 8, 1917 in New York City New York city. Orphaned at a young age, he was adopted by Helen and Joseph W. Sefton. Thomas was then raised in the city of San Diego, California and resided in Point Loma suburbs. After graduating high school, Thomas started to accumulate flying hours at Speer Field with small planes. By 1938, Thomas started working at the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank where his father was President. He was a messenger until 1941 until he relocated at a near-by aviation plant. In 1942, Thomas left the aviation plant to join the U.S. Army Air Corps. He trained for many months across California and neighboring states until he was assigned to a carrier, which was sent to Italy, on assignment in the Mediterranean. He was honorably discharged in July 1946, having achieved the rank of Captain. When Thomas returned to San Diego, he resumed working at the San Diego Trust and Savings Bank as the President’s assistant. He then married to Donna Knox, daughter of then San Diego City Mayor Harley E. Knox on April 15, 1951. The couple had two children: Laurie Jo Sefton born on April 5, 1952 and Harley Knox Sefton born on November 17, 1953. Both children are still residents of San Diego. Thomas became President of the family operated bank after his father retired. During his time as bank president, he maintained a growth of 1.4 billion dollars in assets over 53 branches. He has been awarded with titles such as Mr. San Diego (1972), and Executive of the Year (1961). Since his death in 2006, his family still runs San Diego Trust and Savings.

Acquisition information:
The materials in this Collection were donated to the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open to researchers by appointment.

Terms of access:

Some copyright may be reserved. Consult with the library director for more information.

Preferred citation:

[Item], [Filing Unit], [Series Title], [Subgroups], [Record Group Title and Number], [Repository “San Diego Air & Space Museum Library & Archives”]

Location of this collection:
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 234-8291
archives@sdasm.org
Website