James R. Welch Papers
Finding aid created by History San Jose Research Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
History San Jose Research Library
2023
1661 Senter Road
San Jose, California 95112
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
http://www.historysanjose.org/
Title: James R. Welch Papers
Dates: 1870-1953
Collection Number: 1987-150
Creator/Collector:
Welch, James R. (1860-1931)
Welch, Ione
Extent: 1 linear foot
Online items available
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: Small selection of personal papers of Hon. James R. Welch (1860-1931) of Santa Clara County, primarily documenting his involvement
in the planning and implementation of Skyline Boulevard and Bayshore Highway.
Language of Material: English
Open to the public for research by appointment.
Contact History San Jose's Research Library for information on publication and reproduction.
[Identification of item]. James R. Welch Papers. Collection Number: 1987-150. History San Jose Research Library
According to available records, the papers were part of a donation to the San Jose Historical Museum in 1961 by Ione Welch
that came from the estate of the Hon. and Mrs. Welch.
Biography/Administrative History
Born in Illinois, Welch came to San Jose in 1882 to attend the University of the Pacific. He served as city attorney of San
Jose between 1894-1897, and was elected to the California State Superior Court in 1904 where he remained until his sudden
death in 1931. He was also on the board of the California Prune and Apricot Growers Association as the owner of an active
fruit ranch. He is remembered for his campaign for Skyline Boulevard to run along the summit ridge of the Santa Cruz Mountains
Scope and Content of Collection
Small collection of papers of Judge James R. Welch and his daughter Ione Welch, donated by Ione after his death. A good portion
of the papers document his involvement in the planning and championing of Skyline Boulevard as well as Bayshore Highway, but
there are a number of folders of general correspondence, household receipts and invoices, property transfer records, and clippings.
After his death, the Welch-hurst Ranch on Sanborn Road in Saratoga was operated by Ione Welch. Several ledgers and financial
statements document its operation in the early 1950s.
In addition to personal papers, the collection includes approximately 50 family photographs.
Judges
Highway planning
Fruit growers
California. Superior Court (Santa Clara County)
Saratoga (Calif.)
San Jose (Calif.)
Santa Clara County (Calif.)
newspaper clippings
ledgers (account books)
correspondence
deeds
invoices
receipts (financial records)
photographic prints
membership cards