This collection consists of over 5,000 files containing over 100,000 materials documenting the challenges and concerns of the city managers of Long Beach, California from 1922 to 1953. These materials are a unique repository of local history, exposing the workings of municipal government regarding local to national concerns.

Starting in April 1921 the city managers of Long Beach collected records and correspondence that documented the challenges that each faced in administrating the city. When each manager departed, they left behind the papers that they and other city administrators had accumulated. Initially, these files were located in the 1930s City Hall. Later they moved into the Loynes Garage (also known as the City Garage), a building that the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency (LBRDA) acquired while it was revitalizing downtown. When the City of Long Beach constructed a new administration building in 1976, the files in this collection remained in the City’s working automobile Garage until it was demolished in 1998. The files were then transferred on the advice of the City’s Neighborhood and Historic Preservation Officer, Ruthann Lehrer, to the Historical Society of Long Beach (HSLB), led by Executive Director, Julie Bartolotto. HSLB has attempted to preserve the files in the organization of each city manager.

Approximately 148 Linear Feet (142 Boxes).

Collection is open for research. Permission to reproduce, quote from, or otherwise publish the materials in this collection needs to be be obtained from the Historical Society of Long Beach as the rights holder of the physical materials. The researcher is responsible for securing any other relevant rights. Contact a HSLB staff member for details.

There are no access restrictions; this collection is open to researchers with an appointment. Please allow HSLB staff 24 to 36 hours before your visit to retrieve the materials. Research and use fees apply.