Theodore Payne collection, 1909-2003

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Summary

Creators:
Payne, Theodore, 1872-1963
Abstract:
Extent:
1.0 linear foot (1 box)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Theodore Payne collection. California Botanic Garden

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains the nursery and seed catalogs, articles, and correspondence of nurseryman Theodore Payne with Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (California Botanic Garden) founder Susanna Bixby Bryant and Executive Director, Philip A. Munz. The materials cover his mid- to late career in California. Major topics include California botany, horticulture, seeds, native plant conservation, and wildflowers. The nursery catalogs in this collection span from 1909 to 1972. Also included are reprints of articles authored by Payne and published in Golden Gardens and other publications and assorted plant and price lists.

Biographical / historical:

Born in 1872 in England, Theodore Payne was trained in the nursery and seed business at J. Cheal & Sons Company and gained familiarity with California native plants at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. In 1893, Payne immigrated to the United States and became the head gardener at the ranch of Madame Helena Modjeska in Santiago Canyon, Orange County, California. In 1896, Payne left the ranch and was employed as flower seedsman for the Germain Fruit and Seed Company in Los Angeles. Payne was responsible for Germain’s flower, tree, and palm seed department; his duties included preparing the annual catalog of seed offerings. In 1903, Payne purchased property at 440 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, and started his own nursery business with a special focus on California native plants and wildflowers, where he produced numerous plant and seed catalogs. Payne became concerned with the loss of native habitat due to housing developments and began to campaign to preserve California native plants. He developed a five acre native plant garden in Los Angeles, assisted Susanna Bixby Bryant with the creation of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (now California Botanic Garden) in Orange County, and was involved in the development of a native plant section of Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Payne died in Glendale, California in 1963.

Acquisition information:
The materials in the Theodore Payne collection were collected by the founder of California Botanic Garden Susanna Bixby Bryant, and former Executive Director, Dr. Philip A. Munz.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open to research.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection remain with the creator.

Preferred citation:

Theodore Payne collection. California Botanic Garden

Location of this collection:
1500 N College Avenue
Claremont, CA 91711, US
Contact:
(909) 625-8767
info@calbg.org
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