D.R. Jeffers Collection

Title: D.R. Jeffers Collection

Dates: 1924-1952

Collection Number: ARC 540

Creator/Collector:

Extent: 1 album and folders; 0.5 linear ft.; stored in box and document case; 30 x 25 cm.

Repository: Monterey Public Library

Abstract: Mrs. Frances Jeffers created the scrapbook to document important personal and professional activities of Mr. Jeffers. The scrapbook includes clippings, brochures, and a few photographs.

Language of Material: English

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

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

[Identification of item]. D.R. Jeffers Collection. Collection Number: ARC 540. Monterey Public Library

Gift from Joan Jeffers McCleary

Delbert Raymond Jeffers born Nov. 7, 1912, Morrisonville, Illinois; son of Rev. Delphus Leaton Jeffers and Edith Adelle Echard; died June 29, 1951. Jeffers married Francis Bradley Wheeler, daughter of Mrs. Orie Walter Fowler of Chula Vista, California, and Orville Gould Wheeler, on June 15, 1937, at Stanford Memorial Chapel, Stanford University. They had two children, Joan and John. After receiving his graduate degree, Mr. Jeffers began his professional career at the University of Michigan Library and as a reference librarian, became head of the reference department at Ann Arbor Public Library. In 1941, he accepted the position of assistant professor of bibliography and library science at the University of Buffalo (1941-1942). During the Second World War, Jeffers served as a lieutenant commander with the U.S. Navy. In 1946, Jeffers was appointed City Librarian of Monterey, California. As city librarian, he was active in local community organizations and projects, and was instrumental in organizing education and library programs, including reading programs at the library, then located in the Carnegie library building at 425 Van Buren Street. Govenor Earl Warren recognized Jeffers as "one of the ten outstanding librarians in the state", appointing him to a commission for selecting a new state librarian. During his tenure, voters approved $350,000 to fund the building of a new library building, which was dedicated in June 1952. Jeffers' efforts resulted in the creation of several important features in the new Library building; the history room, the community meeting room and other program and service areas designed for the library. He was greatly involved in the planning and promotion of the modern library until his sudden death in June 1951.

The clippings report on Jeffers' early academic achievement, various speaking engagements, participation in city events and programs, library activities, as well as announcements of new teaching and library positions. Materials also document Jeffers activities in planning, supporting and promoting the construction of a new "modern" library to house the already crowded library collection. Jeffers' unflagging work resulted in the erection of the new library, designed in the Second Bay tradition by noted California architect, William Wurster, and located at 625 Pacific Street in Monterey. Jeffers was also a member of several local civic organizations. The scrapbook includes materials related to membership and materials dating from his service as a lieutenant commander. As City Librarian and a Naval Reserve officer, he also attended social events at the United States Naval School (later named the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey), that are represented in announcements and news clippings. Among the items included is a receipt from the Del Monte Hotel, Monterey, where the Jeffers stayed after their wedding at Stanford University.