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Guide to the Chambers Family Papers
MS 47
MS 47
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Title: Chambers Family Papers
Identifier/Call Number: MS 47
Contributing Institution:
San Diego History Center Document Collection
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
0.5 Linear feet
(1 box)
Date (inclusive): 1884-1935
Abstract: This collection contains correspondence, deeds, and business papers of the family of Olympic swimmer Florence Chambers, who
lived in San Diego in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
creator:
Chambers Family
Biographical / Historical Notes
George and Emily Chambers moved to the San Diego area in 1886. They left their business in Brooklyn, New York and moved to
Pacific Beach to open the Pacific Beach Hotel and a furniture store. In 1908 they had a daughter named Florence. At the age
of nine Florence was in an accident in which she had to receive extensive physical therapy. The doctors decided to put Florence
on a new experimental form of physical therapy, known as water therapy. From this experience Florence developed a love for
swimming. She started to win local San Diego swimming contests and gained recognition in San Diego as a formidable swimmer.
In 1924 at the age of sixteen she participated in the Paris Olympics and brought back a bronze metal for the 100-meter backstroke.
In the 1930s Florence formed the Florence Chambers Swimming Club in Mission Bay and made it her goal to teach young people
to swim.
After the death of George J. Chambers, Florence and Emily purchased a ranch in Poway and began to raise cattle for dairy purposes
and growing crops. Florence once again got county recognition, but this time for her work with agriculture. Florence held
multiple positions in many agricultural bureaus and numerous civic positions. She was also involved with the Pomerado Soil
Conservation District, and was a director of the San Diego Nutrition Society.
Emily Chambers died in 1948 and left all her belongings to Florence. In the 1970s, Florence donated most of her parent’s belongings
to the San Diego Historical Society. Along with multiple items of furniture from her parents’ store, Chambers donated her
ranch to Brigham Young University, after which she was awarded the University’s Presidential Medal of Honor. Florence Chambers
died September 28, 1979, at age 71.
This collection contains correspondence, deeds, and business papers of the family of Olympic swimmer Florence Chambers, who
lived in San Diego in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Included are letters to and from members of the Chambers’ extended family
throughout their lives. Some letters are in Spanish. There are also documents, deeds, and company papers related to George
Chambers’ activities in both San Diego and Brooklyn, New York.
This collection is arranged into three series, with materials arranged chronologically within each subject folder:
Series I: Family Papers;
Series II: Real Estate and Business Papers;
Series III: Miscellanea.
Chambers Family Papers, MS 47, San Diego History Center Document Archives, San Diego, CA.
This collection is open for research.
The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.
OH: Newkirk, Florence Chambers, March 8, 1975
This collection gives an account of the life of a San Diegan family from 1884-1935. The letters addressed to and from Florence
Chambers give insight into the life of a teenager at this time period.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Accession #841214A
Collection processed by Andrew Wolfson on January 23, 2008.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Chambers, Emily
Chambers, Florence
Chambers, George
Chambers, Joseph
Chambers, Sarah
Christensen, Mary
Christensen, Mollie
Hutton, Frank
Jordan Iron & Chemical Company.
Lyon, Albert
Nichols, Frederick
Nichols, Mary
Vulcan Manufacturing Company.
Correspondence
Deeds
Women swimmers