Collection Guide
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Clinton (Clifford) Papers
mssClinton
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Clifford Clinton papers
Creator:
Clinton, Clifford, 1900-1969
Identifier/Call Number: mssClinton
Physical Description:
0.41 Linear Feet
(1 box)
Date (inclusive): 1938-1987
Abstract: Papers belonging to Los Angeles politician, and founder of Clifton's Cafeteria restaurant chain, Clifford Clinton.
Language of Material: Materials are in English.
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more
information.
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material,
nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and
obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
[Identification of item]. Clifford Clinton papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Edmond J. Clinton, III, M.D. and Diane J. Clinton, May 2017.
Clifford Clinton (1900-1969) was a major figure in Los Angeles politics in the 1930s and 1940s. He led the campaign to oust
corrupt mayor Frank Shaw and District Attorney Buron Fitts from office. In addition, he started and owned "Clifton's Cafeterias,"
an iconic chain of restaurants in Los Angeles. Through this chain, he implemented his Christian philosophy of feeding the
indigent, a hallmark of his business life and work in the Great Depression.
The collection contains photocopies of 49 autobiographical letters written by Clifford Clinton for his children documenting
his activities and covering his life to the late 1940s; two sheets of Clifford Clinton stationery; a pamphlet for Clifford
Clinton's mayoral campaign of 1945 "We Have a Big Job - Let's Do It"; a copy of the 1937 Los Angeles County Grand Jury Report
on graft and corruption in Los Angeles; "Clifford Clinton's Derricks of Faith" (six-page essay on Clifford Clinton's faith
and politics); seven radio speeches of Clifford Clinton from 1938; a copy of a chapter regarding speeches from Edmond Clinton's
book on Clifford Clinton; one postcard of Clifton's Cafeteria; genealogical information on the Clinton family; a rough draft
of the funeral program for Clifford Clinton, including a photocopy of his biography.
Processed by Gina C Giang in June 2017. In October 2023, Brooke M. Black created a finding aid.
Former call number: mssClintonCliffordpapers.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Political activists -- California -- Los Angeles
Reformers -- California -- Los Angeles
Restaurateurs -- California -- Los Angeles
Los Angeles County (Calif.) -- Politics and Government -- 20th century
Letters (correspondence)
Printed ephemera
Speeches (documents)
Clifton's (Restaurant chain)