Collection Guide
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Lukens (Theodore Parker) Papers
mssLukens
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Theodore Parker Lukens papers
Creator:
Lukens, Theodore Parker,
1848-1918
Identifier/Call Number: mssLukens
Physical Description:
5.5 Linear Feet
(8 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1869-1942
Abstract: A collection of professional and
personal papers of Theodore Parker Lukens, Southern California conservationist, real estate
investor, and community leader.
Language of Material: Materials are in
English.
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.
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.
[Identification of item]. Theodore Parker Lukens papers, The Huntington Library, San
Marino, California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased from Mrs. Helen Lukens Gaut, January 1954.
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.
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.
Processed by Huntington Library Staff, circa 1960. In 2020, Gayle Richardson created the
finding aid derived from a legacy summary report.
Organized in the following series: 1. Family papers; 2. Correspondence; 3. Diaries; 4.
Manuscripts; 5. Miscellaneous; 6. Photographs.
Former call number: mssLukens papers.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Conservation of natural resources -- California
Forest reserves -- California
Forests and forestry --
California
National parks and reserves --
Caifornia
Natural resources -- California
Pasadena (Calif.) -- History -- Sources
San Gabriel Mountains
(Calif.)
Wilson, Mount (Calif. :
Mountain)
Business papers -- California, Southern
Diaries -- California, Southern
Ephemera -- California, Southern
Letters (correspondence) -- California, Southern
Photographs -- California, Southern
Bard, Thomas Robert,
1841-1915
Hale, George Ellery,
1868-1938
Kinney, Abbot,
1850-1920
Muir, John,
1838-1914
Otis, Harrison Gray,
1837-1917
Pinchot, Gifford, 1865-1946