Oullahan Family Papers, 1885-1975

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Summary

Creators:
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

The Oullahan Papers consist primarily of the correspondence, speeches and writings of Alexander C. Oullahan (1890-1930). Among his correspondents were: Grover Cleveland; James P. Phelan; William Gibbs McAdoo; Luther Burbank; and, Franklin D. Roosevelt. There are also letters between Oullahan and his fiancée describing political and social matters in San Francisco and Stockton during the 1890s. The Papers further include: transcripts of Stockton civil suits involving Denis J. Oullahan (1885); correspondence, financial records, writings and notes of free-lance journalist, Leanore J. Oullahan (1930-1970); and, a few family photographs.

Biographical / historical:

Alexander C. Oullahan (1871-1941), merchant, politician and Mayor of Stockton (1916-1920), was an important figure in the California Democratic Party from 1915 until his death. Son of Denis Joseph Oullahan, a pioneer Sonora teamster (1850-67), San Francisco real estate salesman (1868-73), liquor merchant and Stockton Democrat (1873-1886), Alexander Oullahan began his career as secretary to J.D. Peters, a leading Stockton grain merchant. In 1897 he married Katherine V. River (1873-1955) of San Francisco. The Oullahans had a daughter, Leanore (1898-1978) who later wrote for the Stockton Record (1930s-40s). Oullahan was elected to the Stockton City Council during the Progressive era as a reform candidate. As Mayor, and later as Secretary-Manager of the Stockton Chamber of Commerce (1921-1925), Oullahan championed the creation of the Stockton Deep Water Channel. He was also instrumental in facilitating the construction of the Stockton Civic Auditorium and in promoting Stockton as the "gateway" to Yosemite National Park. He arranged for Luther Burbank to visit Stockton in conjunction with a major celebration of San Joaquin County's importance as a potato producing region (1924). Oullahan led a flood control movement (1925-1926) that culminated in the passage of a bond issue that made possible the construction of Hogan Dam. He also fostered community support for the College of the Pacific's move from San Jose to Stockton (1924).

Physical location:
For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.
Physical description:
7.5 linear ft.

Access and use

Location of this collection:
University of the Pacific, Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections, University Library
Stockton, CA 95211, US
Contact:
(209) 946-2404
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