Gordon House - Palms Collection, 1900-1994

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Summary

Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:
1 portfolio (10 photoprints); 10 photographic prints. 4 x 37 x 41.5 cm. Portfolio case.
Language:
Preferred citation:

Gordon House - Palms Collection. Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives

Background

Scope and content:

Collection consists of a photographic portfolio of the Gordon House, created for Mr. and Mrs. Francis Palms, Jr., by Morley Baer. The portfolio includes interior photographs of furnishings, as well as exterior views of the house. In addition, the collection includes loose photographs of the house, notes and letters from Mrs. Connie [Cornelias] Palms to cartoonist Hank Ketchum, clippings, and rough drawings and a layout plan for the house.

Biographical / historical:

Shortly after their marriage, the Palms moved into the Gordon House. The Gordon House was reportedly an early milled lumber house, built about 1850 by Philip Roach. Roach sold the property to William S. Johnson, a town and county official. The fourth owner, for whom the house was named, was Samuel B. Gordon, president of the Monterey Board of Trustees, 1877-1883. The house had many subsequent owners. In 1948-1949, the owner, Neville M. J. Cramer, made some modifications to the interior and exterior. The Palms enhanced the interior design with fine furnishings and cultivated the house gardens. During the Palms’ residence, the house was listed as 526 Pierce Street, and is located on present-day Dutra between Jefferson and King Street, near Colton Hall. In 1988, cartoonist Hank Ketchum purchased both the Palms house and the adjacent studio, with the provision that Mrs. Palms could remain in residence as long as she lived. Ketchum used the studio until 1995, when the City of Monterey acquired both buildings.

Acquisition information:
Transferred from the Monterey Housing Dept. in 2003.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Access by appointment only; contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.

Terms of access:

Reproduction by Local History Librarian or other designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of the materials.

Preferred citation:

Gordon House - Palms Collection. Monterey Public Library, California History Room Archives

Location of this collection:
625 Pacific Street
Monterey, CA 93940, US
Contact:
(831) 646-2091
libchr@monterey.gov
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