Stone Ishimaru Collection, 1970s - 2000s

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Title:
Stone Ishimaru Collection, 1970s-2000s
Dates:
1970s - 2000s
Creators:
Ishimaru, Stone S., photographer. Ishimaru, Stone S., Ç‚e photographer.
Abstract:
Extent:
2 Hollinger boxes
Language:
Preferred citation:

Stone Ishimaru Collection, 1970s-2000s. Los Angeles Public Library

Background

Scope and content:

Stone Ishimaru's collection is a compilation of various social events from the 2000s, showcasing significant and inclusive activities that have helped shape Los Angeles as a city. Additionally, it includes a photo archive of the public school system he once worked for, LAUSD, featuring portraits, school activities, campus construction, student body, and administrative staff captured on photoslides dating back to the 1970s. Ishimaru's archive of social events depicts protests and movements that were prominent during that era, such as the immigration protests of 2006-2007 and the 2007 Writers Guild Strike. Within the same collection, you'll find photographs of numerous festivities, including those at Placita Olvera in 2008, images from the 2007 LA Marathon, street views of Main Street in 2007, and the Downtown skyline in 2010, offering a snapshot of the experiences of LA residents. The collection is organized into two main subjects. Social events are stored together in their own Hollinger box, and LAUSD photos have their own dedicated box. Given the abundance of social event photos, the Hollinger box contains five manila folders, with the photos arranged in the order they were donated. The LAUSD Hollinger box comprises three manila folders, with the photoslides organized by both date and subject. For instance, within the folder GPC_229_F06, you'll find LAUSD high schools photo slides arranged chronologically, followed by slides featuring LAUSD elementary schools.

Biographical / historical:

This collection by Stone Ishimaru features a variety of photography, capturing different social events from the 2000s and portraits of LAUSD administration and staff in the 1970s. The photographs are in various formats, ranging from photo slides to 8 x 11 prints. Stone Ishimaru was born in El Centro, California on May 9, 1923. His passion for photography began during his internment in Arizona during World War II when he started documenting camp life with a Kodak 120 box camera that was gifted to him. After spending 2 years in the internment camp, he was offered a photography position in New York and subsequently volunteered for the army, where he served as a U.S. Army photographer, private first class, for Gen. Robert Eichelberger’s 8th Army Headquarters. His work focused on documenting the repatriation forces based out of Yokohama. Following his military service, Stone returned to California to pursue education, earning a BA in Cinema and Education and an MA in Cinematography. He became a lifelong educator, working as a teacher, media consultant, and archival/historical coordinator for the Los Angeles Unified School District for 46 years. This background explains the inclusion of LAUSD photo archives in this collection.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Los Angeles Public Library staff.
Date Prepared:
1970s - 2000s
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is stored on-site at the Central Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library. It is open for research by appointment only.

Preferred citation:

Stone Ishimaru Collection, 1970s-2000s. Los Angeles Public Library

Location of this collection:
Central Library
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071, US
Contact:
(213) 228-7355
specialcollections@lapl.org
Website