Bell Family Collection, circa 1930-1946

Summary

Creators:

Bell Family

Abstract:

Kitty Bell was born in Paris, but moved to Shanghai at eight years of age to live with her new adoptive parents. At age 15, she was sent to an internment camp in China by the Japanese, where she met her husband, Chris Bell, who was interned at the Chapei camp outside of Shanghai. They were married soon after their release, and immigrated to the United States where they had four children. The collection mainly consists of photographs of Shanghai, the Bell family, and Chris Bell's extended family during the 1930s and 1940s. Also included are postcards from China and California, print materials saved by the Bell family, and the board game "Shanghai Millionaire."

Extent:

1.96 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materialsguide.

Background

Scope and content:

The Bell Family Collection mainly consists of photographs of Shanghai, the Bell family, and Chris Bell's extended family during the 1930s and 1940s. Also included are postcards from China and California, a pamphlet on the Medal of Immaculate Conception, a transcript of a toast given by Francisco Noodtosan, and a Monopoly knockoff board game called "Shanghai Millionaire."

Biographical / historical:

Kitty Bell was born in Paris, France, but moved to Shanghai at eight years of age to live with her new adoptive parents. She attended Sacred Heart and the Holy Ghost Convent in Tsingtao among other schools. At age 15, she was sent to an internment camp in China by the Japanese, where she met her husband, Chris Bell, who was interned at the Chapei camp outside of Shanghai. The Bells were married shortly after their release, then immigrated to the United States, where they had four children. Most of the family now resides in the San Francisco Bay area.

Acquisition information:

Kitty Bell.

Processing information:

Jessica Geiser, 2013

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Ephemera
Documents
Photographs

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research use.

Terms of access:

Copyright for unpublished materials authored or otherwise produced by the creator(s) of this collection has not been transferred to California State University, Northridge. Copyright status for other materials is unknown. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.) beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owners. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.

Preferred citation:

For information about citing items in this collection consult the appropriate style manual, or see the Citing Archival Materialsguide.

Location of this collection:

California State University, Northridge, Old China Hands Archives

18111 Nordhoff Street

Northridge, CA 91330, US

Contact:

(818) 677-4594

Website