Oehler (Terry) Journals, 1979-2005

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Summary

Title:
Terry Oehler Journals
Dates:
1979-2005
Creators:
Oehler, Terry D.
Abstract:
Extent:
3 boxes (15 journals + 5 folders)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Terry Oehler Journals. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Background

Scope and content:

Oehler's meticulously detailed diaries provide a glimpse of his activities and thoughts. References include: bridge, chess, travel, and genealogy. The Lifedex is a partial index to his journals.

Biographical / historical:

Terry D. Oehler was born on June 30, 1940, in Newton, Iowa, the son of Charles and Myra (Awtry) Oehler. He lived most of his early life in Newton and graduated from Newton Senior High School in 1958. That same year, he enrolled at Harvard and graduated with honors with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy. He then attended Stanford University and graduated from law school in 1965. He practiced law for national and international firms, primarily in Arizona, California and Germany, until his semiretirement circa 1995, as senior regional counsel for Legal Services Corp. in San Francisco. Following that, he pursued his love of learning in his position of government information librarian at the San Francisco Public Library. He was an avid chess and bridge player, a dog lover, an amateur photographer, as well as the family genealogist. He was very detail-oriented and his travel journals and diaries are meticulous. He died of a malignant brain tumor on November 7, 2005.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Terry Oehler in 2005.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center staff.
Date Prepared:
1979-2005
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 for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit. The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Preferred citation:

Terry Oehler Journals. San Francisco Public Library, James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
Website