Johnson Family Letters Collection, mid 1800s to 1980

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Summary

Title:
Johnson Family Letters Collection
Dates:
mid 1800s to 1980
Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:
3 boxes
Language:
Preferred citation:

Johnson Family Letters Collection. Contra Costa County Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

The collection holds family archived materials dating from the mid-1800s to as late as 1980. Notable documents include: Box 1: Seven folders of letters dated as early as 1866 with the bulk dated 1866—1879 to and from family and friends of the Webb/Johnson families. Box 2: Various assorted letters with accompanying stamped envelopes, the bulk from Frank Webb to his family when looking for employment in Portland & Tacoma during the 1890s, and correspondence between Mrs. Thaddeus Johnson and Mrs. Abbie Johnson with various family members. Many of Frank’s letters are on hotel letterhead. There are also copies of maps from 1827—1865 of railroads, War of 1812, Oregon Territory, Michigan Territory, and Wisconsin, Iowa & Minnesota territories. A newspaper folder holds The Thomaston Herald, September 1, 1904 and The Sunday Chronicle, August 5, 1885 that highlights the funeral of General Ulysses S. Grant. Box3: This box has a wider variety of materials that include commercial receipts (1920s), taxes (1907, City of Martinez; 1917, City of Walnut Creek), many letters and cards to and from Della (sister of Abbie Johnson), official documents (Declaration of Homestead, Division of Highways, CC Title Co., CCC taxes, Las Lomas report card), and newspaper sport articles all from the 1950s. Also notable are a Gunter’s Scale (used in navigation & precursor to the slide scale), Western Union Telegram, greeting pin-up cards by Gil Elvgren, and a marketing pamphlet showcasing four models of horseless buggy “Harvest Beauties” by Sears Roebuck & Co. with paint samples.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Contra Costa County Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
mid 1800s to 1980
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Contact the Contra Costa County Historical Society for publication permission.

Preferred citation:

Johnson Family Letters Collection. Contra Costa County Historical Society

Location of this collection:
724 Escobar Street
Martinez, CA 94553, US
Contact:
9252291042
info@cocohistory.com
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