Edwards F. Ricketts Papers, 1897-1948

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Summary

Title:
Edwards F. Ricketts Papers
Dates:
1897-1948
Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:
3 document cases; 1.2 linear ft.
Language:
Preferred citation:

Edwards F. Ricketts Papers. Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives

Background

Scope and content:

Series I consists of personal correspondence and papers, as well as materials pertaining to publication of Between Pacific Tides and plans for the "Sea of Cortez" collecting expedition. Series II consists of catalogs, records and correspondence pertaining to business meetings and specimen orders of the laboratory. Organized by series and arranged chronologically within series.

Biographical / historical:

Edward Flanders Robb Ricketts was born on May 14, 1897, in Chicago, Illinois. After service during World War I, he entered the University of Chicago, where he was strongly influenced by ecologist Warder C. Allee. In 1923, Ricketts and family moved to Pacific Grove, where he and Albert Galigher established Pacific Biological Laboratories. Ricketts also conducted research on factors affecting ecological environments. In 1936, Ricketts moved into the laboratory at 800 Ocean Avenue, Monterey. In 1939, he and Jack Calvin produced Between Pacific Tides, a handbook of marine life along the north Pacific coastline. Ricketts also worked on a series of philosophical essays, focusing on holism, transcendence, and non-teleological thinking. In 1939, Ricketts and John Steinbeck planned an expedition to study the littoral of Baja, California, Mexico. In March 1940, they embarked from Monterey. The expedition resulted in the publication of the Log from the Sea of Cortez.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives staff.
Date Prepared:
1897-1948
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Access by appointment only; contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.

Terms of access:

Reproduction by Local History Librarian or other designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of the materials.

Preferred citation:

Edwards F. Ricketts Papers. Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives

Location of this collection:
625 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA 93940, US
Contact:
(831) 646-2091
libchr@monterey.gov
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