Michael W. Fitzpatrick collection, circa 1927-1965, bulk 1927-1936

Printable guide [HTML]
Request items

Summary

Creators:
Fitzpatrick, Michael W., 1904 -
Abstract:
This collection consists of one scrapbook dated between 1929-1936 which was assembled by Michael Wellington Fitzpatrick, Chief Purser with the United Fruit Company Steamship Service. Also included is one service record book from the Marine Service Bureau that includes material dated between 1927 and 1965, and a framed photograph of Fitzpatrick and other crewmembers.
Extent:
1.43 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language:
Materials are almost entirely in English, with a very small amount in Spanish, German, and French.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Michael W. Fitzpatrick collection, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection consists of 1 scrapbook, 1 framed photograph, and 1 service record book from the Marine Service Bureau. The binding on the scrapbook is loose with some materials detached from the pages. The scrapbook contains photographs concerning Fitzpatrick's service in Cuba, Panama, and Nicaragua, as well as friends and family. Also included are several types of correspondence, marriage nuptials, and other ephemera. To note is a Tropical Radio-United Press piece titled "Cressy's History of California" (based on a tourist pamphlet by Will M. Cressy) as well as photographs of the 1931 Managua, Nicaragua earthquake. The framed photograph features Fitzpatrick on the deck of the ship Talamanca, along with other crewmembers.

The service record book contains descriptive information about Fitzpatrick and his time as a seaman. Enclosed within the book are 90 Certificates of Discharge dating between 1927 and 1936, and a December 1945 letter from Fitzpatrick's cousin Honora discussing the latest news out of Ireland. Also included is a Seaman's Protection Certificate as well and other ephemera.

The materials concern individuals or places associated with Fitzpatrick and his career. Among the primary subjects represented in the collection are Fitzpatrick's service in Cuba, Panama, and Nicaragua. The collection also includes information regarding Fitzpatrick's time as a student at Drury College, club memberships, and his family.

Biographical / historical:

Michael Wellington Fitzpatrick was born on May 20, 1904, in Missouri. He served as Chief Purser with the United Fruit Company Steamship Service circa 1927-1936. The United Fruit Company was an American multinational corporation which traded in tropical fruit grown in Latin America and sold in the United States and Europe.

Fitzpatrick attended Drury College in Springfield, Missouri and was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He married Christine Reed on March 2, 1931, and shortly thereafter they welcomed a son, Michael, Jr. and a daughter Mary. The Fitzpatricks settled in San Francisco, California.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Mary F. Johnson, June 2022 and January 2023.
Processing information:

Processed at the time of accessioning by Nichole L. Manlove in September 2022. In 2023, Kelly Kress processed the addendum.

Arrangement:

Arranged by format.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.

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]. Michael W. Fitzpatrick collection, 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
Website