Frank Freeman Papers, 1931-1975

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Summary

Creators:
Freeman, Frank G.
Abstract:
Extent:
8 linear feet (17 boxes)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Frank Freeman Papers. History San Jose Research Library

Background

Scope and content:

Frank Freeman wrote the local news "Here 'Tis" column for the San Jose Mercury from February 22, 1941, to August 31, 1975. His papers consist predominately of background information supplied to him by way of personal note or letter. Other reference material includes publications of organizations, invitations, advertisements, bulletins, programs, newsletters and press releases. His column and the information on which the column was based mirrors life in the Santa Clara Valley between 1941 and 1975. The collection also contains original manuscripts by Freeman, a small number of photographs, and a collection of local business cards.

Biographical / historical:

Freeman was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and enlisted in the Navy at age 16, serving in the Pacific theater during World War I. After attending the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Denver, he worked as a newspaper reporter in Prescott, Arizona, for 12 years before joining the Mercury Herald in 1938. He was a copy editor for nearly three years before putting himself forward for a local column. The New York Times in 1944 said of Freeman, "He gives interesting comments about people and daily turns out columns of universal human interest." Freeman retired at age 75, and passed away in 1989 at the age of 89.

Acquisition information:
The papers were donated to the San Jose Historical Museum in 1993 by Russell Freeman.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The papers are open to the public by appointment.

Terms of access:

Property rights reside with History San Jose. For permission to reproduce or to publish, please contact History San Jose Research Library.

Preferred citation:

Frank Freeman Papers. History San Jose Research Library

Location of this collection:
1661 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112, US
Contact:
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
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