Online content
Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Willys Peck Papers
- Dates:
- 1950-1988
- Creators:
- Peck, Willys I. American Newspaper Guild. Local 98 (San Jose, Calif.) San Jose Mercury-news
- Abstract:
- Extent:
- 5 linear feet (5 boxes)
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
Willys Peck Papers. History San Jose Research Library
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Papers from the estate of Willys I. Peck related to his work for the San Jose Mercury News and the American Newspaper Guild. Includes performance evaluations, letters from the public, and Mercury News employee publications, as well as American Newspaper Guild Local 98 publications, Guild memoranda, Gridiron Dinner programs, Gridiron skits, and several comedic plays written by Peck.
- Biographical / historical:
-
According to his Mercury News obituary, Peck graduated from UC Berkeley in 1949 with a degree in journalism, and began his career as a journalist for the San Jose Mercury Herald as a copy editor and assistant city editor. Years later he wrote a column for the Saratoga News. In 1962 he graduated from Santa Clara Law School and practiced law until returning to the Mercury where he continued to work on the city desk even after his official retirement in 1989 for a total of 55 years. He was born August 21, 1923, and served in World War II as a member of the 20th armored division. He died at his Saratoga, California, home on April 16, 2013, survived by his wife Betty, and two children.
- Acquisition information:
- Donated to History San Jose after Peck's death in 2013. The collection is comprised of several accruals over a period of eight years as Peck's estate was processed.
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Prepared:
- 1950-1988
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Open to the public for research by appointment.
- Terms of access:
-
Contact History San Jose Research Library for information on publication and reproduction.
- Preferred citation:
-
Willys Peck Papers. History San Jose Research Library
- Location of this collection:
-
1661 Senter RoadSan Jose, CA 95112, US
- Contact:
- (408) 287-2290