Spanish American Institute records, 1913-1971

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Summary

Creators:
Spanish American Institute (Gardena, Calif.)
Abstract:
The Spanish American Institute records consist of individual student files who enrolled at the boarding school from 1913-1971.
Extent:
1 unit (22 boxes)
Language:
The records are in English and Spanish.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Spanish American Institute records, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

There are over 2,000 student records in this collection. Although the institute provided assistance for primarily boys of Hispanic descent, there are records for students from Asia, Africa, and Europe. Some of the records contain more details than others. For example, one file may only contain a record of only S.A.I. credits, while other files may include a case summary, correspondence, medical records, family history, and/or probation reports. The letters written to the institution may concern tuition or perhaps, additional background information about the student. The letters from the institute are mostly written by the director, Dr. Richard Silverthorn. His letters may be regarding the student's progress at the school, general concerns, or why the student received disciplinary action. At the end of the collection, there are miscellaneous folders containing additional unsorted student records, photographs, and printed matter. Box 22 consists of lantern slides and photographic plates.

Biographical / historical:

The Spanish American Institute is a Methodist establishment located in Gardena, California. The Institute has provided a connection between the churches in Mexico and the United States for the Spanish-speaking community in Southern California. Since 1909, the Institute has provided academic and vocational training for boys primarily of Hispanic descent. In 1971, the Institute closed down the boarding school. Today, the Institute offers college and vocational scholarships to Hispanic students in Southern California.

Acquisition information:
Gift of the Spanish American Institute, September 2015.
Arrangement:

Arranged alphabetically.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. Due to the nature of the collection and the amount of personal information that is present, many parts of the collection are sealed for 75 years after the individual's birthdate. This material is noted in the finding aid.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Spanish American Institute records, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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