Gordon House - Palms Collection
Finding aid created by Monterey Public Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
Monterey Public Library
2023
625 Pacific Street
Monterey, California 93940
(831) 646-3741
https://monterey.org/library/services/research/history_room/index.php
Title: Gordon House - Palms Collection
Dates: 1900-1994
Collection Number: ARC 519
Creator/Collector:
Extent: 1 portfolio (10 photoprints); 10 photographic prints. 4 x 37 x 41.5 cm. Portfolio case.
Repository:
Monterey Public Library
Monterey, California 93940
Abstract: In 1963, architect Francis Palms (1910-1982) and “Connie” Clampett Palms (1897-1992), a former actress, married. Connie Clampett
Palms had lived in Monterey and Carmel since 1906. Francis Palms (1910-1982) had worked on housing projects and office buildings
in New York, Virginia and Washington, D. C. Arriving on the Monterey Peninsula in 1952 he became involved in historic preservation
and community organizations, as well as local architectural designing and planning. He worked on the repair and restoration
of Colton Hall, the Rodriguez-Osio adobe and the French Consulate building, as well as other historic structures.
Language of Material: English
Access by appointment only; contact Local History Librarian or designated staff.
Reproduction by Local History Librarian or other designated staff; may be restricted due to condition of the materials.
[Identification of item]. Gordon House - Palms Collection. Collection Number: ARC 519. Monterey Public Library
Transferred from the Monterey Housing Dept. in 2003.
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
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.
Gordon House
Historic Buildings
Francis Palms
"Connie" Clampett Palms
Philip Roach
William S. Johnson
Samuel B. Gordon
Neville M.J. Cramer
Hank Ketchum
Morley Baer
Monterey Peninsula Herald
Sotheby Parke Intl Realty Corp
Gorden House
Monterey Peninsula
Clippings
Notes
Letters
Photographs
Portfolio
Cartoonist