Lukens (Theodore Parker) Papers, 1869-1942

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Summary

Title:
Theodore Parker Lukens papers
Dates:
1869-1942
Creators:
Lukens, Theodore Parker, 1848-1918
Abstract:
A collection of professional and personal papers of Theodore Parker Lukens, Southern California conservationist, real estate investor, and community leader.
Extent:
5.5 Linear Feet (8 boxes)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Theodore Parker Lukens papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

A collection of 3,600 items from 1869 to 1942, it consists of letters, diaries, manuscripts, photographs, and clippings related to Lukens's business affairs; conservation; the study of local forests; commercial tree farming; and the establishment of the Mount Wilson Observatory. Correspondents in the collection include: Thomas Robert Bard, George Ellery Hale, Abbot Kinney, John Muir, Harrison Gray Otis, and Gifford Pinchot. The collection also includes personal papers, biographical material, diaries, and correspondence.

Biographical / historical:

Theodore Parker Lukens (1848-1918) was a conservationist, real estate investor, and pioneer community leader in Pasadena, California. Born in Ohio, he came to California with his wife in 1880. He became active in business and municipal affairs, serving as mayor of Pasadena from 1890 to 1892 and from 1894 to 1895. Lukens was a friend of John Muir and promoted many conservation causes. He served as supervisor of the Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains from 1905 to 1907 and throughout his career held various positions in private and government forestry organizations. Lukens remained prominent in civic affairs in Pasadena until his death in 1918.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Mrs. Helen Lukens Gaut, January 1954.
Processing information:

Processed by Huntington Library Staff, circa 1960. In 2020, Gayle Richardson created the finding aid derived from a legacy summary report.

Arrangement:

Organized in the following series: 1. Family papers; 2. Correspondence; 3. Diaries; 4. Manuscripts; 5. Miscellaneous; 6. Photographs.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Gayle Richardson
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2021-08-27 09:26:47 -0700 .

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]. Theodore Parker Lukens papers, 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
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