Robert and Betty Franklin Collection, 1953-2001, bulk 1977-1997

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Summary

Creators:
Franklin, Robert and Betty
Abstract:
The Robert and Betty Franklin Collection documents 20 years of Robert and Betty Franklin's collaborative work as a husband and wife newspaper team working in the Northeastern portion of the San Fernando Valley, especially Sylmar, Pacoima, and the City of San Fernando, from 1961 through 1997. Robert Franklin worked as an independent news photographer and Betty as a journalist for the local Herald Corporation newspaper group, most notably the San Fernando SunandBreeze. The collection consists primarily of newspaper clippings and photographs.
Extent:
10.38 linear feet
Language:
English Spanish; Castilian
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 Robert and Betty Franklin Collection documents the careers of the Franklins through their writing and photography. Materials cover 1953-2001 and focus on community service, social organization, local politics, infrastructure expansion projects, business, and education, and include the Hansen Dam Recreation Area, Pioneer Cemetery, and the Sylmar and San Fernando Chambers of Commerce. The direct relationship of Robert Franklin's photographs to the newspaper articles written by Betty Franklin provide additional photographic content of events beyond the single photograph represented in articles, and a more extensive and deeper portrait of daily life of the cities of Sylmar, Pacoima, and San Fernando. The collection has been divided into three series: Newspaper Clippings (1961-2001), Photographs (1961-2000), and Subject Files (1953-1990).

Series I, Newspaper Clippings, documents Betty Franklin's work as a reporter, and consists entirely of clippings from the newspapers for which the Franklins worked. Originally arranged in binders they include Betty Franklin's articles, Robert Franklin's photographs, and few supporting document such as brochures or correspondence. These clippings have been photocopied and are arranged chronologically.

Series II, Photographs, documents Robert Franklin's photographic work, and includes negatives, contact sheets, and prints. Slides have been moved to the end of the series. Folder one contains images of Robert and Betty Franklin. The remaining folders include shots taken as a part of Robert's work as a photographer for local newspapers in the northern San Fernando Valley. Images are arranged chronologically.

Series III, Subject Files, deals with such topic as the Sunset Farms area development project, Lopez Adobe, the San Fernando Mission, and Pioneer Cemetery. The series is arranged alphabetically.

Biographical / historical:

Robert Franklin, an orphan raised in the Sylmar area and a WWII veteran twice decorated with the Silver Star married his wife, Betty, in 1945. The Franklins worked collaboratively as a husband and wife newspaper team for 20 years. They covered the Northeastern portion of the San Fernando Valley, primarily Sylmar, Pacoima, and the City of San Fernando for the local Herald Corporation newspaper group, most notably the San Fernando SunandBreeze. Robert Franklin worked as an independent news photographer and Betty as a journalist. In 1989, Betty was recognized for her public service as the Odd Fellows Citizen of the Year.

Acquisition information:
Robert Franklin. 03/2003.
Processing information:

Zac Burgenbauch, April Feldman, Fran Griffin, 2013

Arrangement:

Series I: Newspaper Clippings, 1961-2001

Series II: Photographs, 1961-2000

Series III: Subject Files, 1953-1990

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Documents
Photographs

Access and use

Restrictions:

This 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 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:
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330, US
Contact:
(818) 677-4594
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