Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Smith, Clifton F.
- Abstract:
- Research notes, correspondence, photographs, maps, field notebooks, and other materials of regional botanist and collector Clifton Smith.
- Extent:
- 15 linear feet 23 boxes and 2 oversize folders
- Language:
- English.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Research notes, correspondence, publications, photographs, maps, printed matter, and memorabilia are included in this collection. The bulk of the textual materials constitute two series: Regional history files pertaining to the history of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties, and research materials and drafts for A Flora of the Santa Barbara Region in its two editions. Smith interfiled notes, correspondence, and published materials into subject folders, instead of keeping separate files for different types of materials. Ephemeral materials, such as advertisements, newspaper clippings, promotional brochures, menus, napkins, invitations, and stationery are interspersed throughout the subject files, although there are several separate ephemera folders. Subjects pertaining to regional history represented in the collection include education, events, missions, ranching, art, organizations, and business. Research materials for Smith's books focus on the natural history and vegetation of Santa Barbara County and the northern Channel Islands, with an emphasis on plant distribution, ethnobotanical uses of native plants, rare plants, and the history of exploration and plant collection in the region. A separate series of field notebooks and card files on individual plants is kept in the Garden Herbarium and corresponds to plant specimens collected by Smith.
The photograph series contains approximately 380 items depicting the Santa Barbara region from the late 1800s to the present. Topics include landscapes, plants, buildings, missions, transportation, events, and people. Formats are mostly black and white prints of various sizes with some transparencies.
The memorabilia series contains personal items used by Smith, such as his typewriter, or items, often humorous, created for him by friends.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Botanist, author, librarian, and collector of regional historical materials. Born Feb. 25, 1920 in Santa Barbara, where he lived his whole life until his death March 6, 1999.
- Acquisition information:
- Bequest, 1999.
- Arrangement:
-
Arranged in 8 series: 1. Biographical materials; 2. Correspondence; 3. Regional history files; 4. Publications; 5. Field notebooks and card files; 6. Photographs; 7. Oversize materials; and 8. Memorabilia.
- Physical location:
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Librarian.
Access and use
- Location of this collection:
-
1212 Mission Canyon RoadSanta Barbara, CA 93105, US
- Contact:
- (805) 682-4726