Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Gillingham, Robert C. (Robert Cameron), 1896-
- Abstract:
- Robert C. Gillingham was a historian who focused on the South Bay, specifically the Rancho San Pedro, the Dominguez family, and Compton. This collection consists of correspondence, drafts, and manuscript copies related to his work on The Rancho San Pedro and Yesterdays of Compton.
- Extent:
- 1 linear foot and 3 boxes
- Language:
- English .
- Preferred citation:
-
For information about citing archival material, see the Citations for Archival Material guide, or consult the appropriate style manual.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
A majority of this collection is manuscript drafts and copies of sections of The Rancho San Pedro and Yesterdays of Compton. Also included are Gillingham's notes and correspondence to and from local historians, the Dominguez Estate Company, Compton pioneers, and others.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Robert C. Gillingham was born in Michigan in 1896 and moved to Compton, California in 1906. He attended Compton Union High School, earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees from Pomona College, and served in the first World War. Gillingham later earned his PhD from the University of Southern California and, in 1927, became Dean of Compton Junior College, a position he held for 35 years. During this time, he also spent 17 years as the chairman of the Compton City Planning Commission. His interest in local history led him to write The Rancho San Pedro, first published in 1961 and financed by the Dominguez Estate Company. He also published over sixty articles on Compton history for the Compton News-Tribune, which were later compiled into the book Yesterdays of Compton.
- Acquisition information:
- Likely donated by Robert Gillingham in the 1970s or 1980s.
- Processing information:
-
Materials in this collection were removed from the Rancho San Pedro Reference Collection and the Compton History Collection. This collection was created in 2006 during the processing of the above collections.
- Arrangement:
-
Arranged in two series:
- Series I. Compton, 1932-1960
- Series II. Rancho San Pedro, 1944-1983
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
There are no access restrictions on this collection.
- Terms of access:
-
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
- Preferred citation:
-
For information about citing archival material, see the Citations for Archival Material guide, or consult the appropriate style manual.
- Location of this collection:
-
University Library, 5th Flr (5039)1000 E. Victoria StreetCarson, CA 90747, US
- Contact:
- (310) 243-3895