Collection context
Summary
- Title:
- Henry J. Martens research collection
- Dates:
- 1907-1990
- Creators:
- Enns-Rempel, Kevin, 1959- Harder, Leland, 1926-
- Abstract:
- Extent:
- 0.4 linear ft.
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
Henry J. Martens research collection. Fresno Pacific University Mennonite Library and Archives
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Includes material collected by Kevin Enns-Rempel while researching the land projects of Henry J. Martens. This research resulted in an article entitled "The Henry J. Martens Land Scheme," in Anabaptist/Mennonite Faith and Economics, edited by Calvin Redekop, et al. (University Press of America, 1993). The article was co-authored with Leland Harder, who compiled some of the material found in this collection.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Henry J. Martens was a prominent real estate developer in the early 20th century who focused his efforts on settling Mennonites in Kansas and California. His most infamous project was in Kern County, California, where he helped a few hundred Mennonites establish the short-lived town of Martensdale in 1909-1910. The settlement existed for only a few months, when it was discovered that Martens did not actually own the land that he "sold" to his unsuspecting clients.
Indexed terms
About this collection guide
- Date Prepared:
- 1907-1990
- Date Encoded:
- This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Open for research
- Preferred citation:
-
Henry J. Martens research collection. Fresno Pacific University Mennonite Library and Archives
- Location of this collection:
-
1717 S. Chestnut AvenueFresno, CA 93702, US
- Contact:
- (559) 453-3437