Forster-del Valle family papers, 1804-1975, bulk 1880-1930

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Forster-del Valle family
Abstract:
The collection contains handwritten correspondences, telegrams, family photographs, and religious ephemera complied by the Del Valle and Forster families between 1804 and 1931.
Extent:
1 Linear Feet (3 document boxes)
Language:
The majority of this collection is in Spanish and English.
Preferred citation:

Forester-del Valle Family Correspondence. MS-R048. Special Collections and Archives, The UC Irvine Libraries, Irvine, California. Date accessed.

For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains handwritten correspondences, telegrams, family photographs, and religious ephemera complied by the Del Valle and Forster families between 1804 and 1931. The majority of the material was written by or addressed to Reginaldo Del Valle (1854-1938), Josefa Del Valle Forster (1861-1943), or John F. Forster (1945-1901) between 1870 and 1931. The letters address family visits, weddings, deaths, religious ceremonies, and business transactions. Additionally there are several letters between Josefa Del Valle-Forster and various Catholic religious leaders. Included in the collection of religious ephemera are the funeral notices of several prominent religious figures and the Polish actress Helena Modjeska.

Biographical / historical:

The Del Valle and Forster families were prominent Californio landowners during the 19th century. John F. Forster was the son of California's largest land owner Don Juan Forster who owned Rancho Santa Margarita located in present day Orange County. Reginaldo and Josefa Del Valle were the children of California politician Don Ygnacio Del Valle who owned Rancho Camulos in present day Ventura County. Reginaldo Del Valle practiced law and was elected to the California State Senate. The marriage between Josefa Del Valle and John F. Forster joined these two prominent families together.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Lorenita Forster Weisenburg, 1973.
Processing information:

Processed by L. Viveros, 1998 and Manuel Escamilla, 2009.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged in 4 series:

  • Series 1. Clippings and family records, 1877-1975 and undated
  • Series 2. Correspondence, 1804-1931 and undated
  • Series 3. Photographic materials, ca. 1880s-1940s
  • Series 4. Religious ephemera, ca. 1840s-1970s

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Property rights reside with the University of California. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

Preferred citation:

Forester-del Valle Family Correspondence. MS-R048. Special Collections and Archives, The UC Irvine Libraries, Irvine, California. Date accessed.

For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.

Location of this collection:
P.O. Box 19557
Irvine, CA , US
Contact:
(949) 824-3947