Larsen (Nora N.) Papers, 1886-1958

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Summary

Title:
Nora N. Larsen papers
Dates:
1886-1958
Creators:
Larsen, Nora N., 1869-1957
Abstract:
Papers and photographs belonging to Nora M. Larsen and her family. Larsen worked for Henry E. and Arabella Huntington on their estate in San Marino, California.
Extent:
1.2 Linear Feet (2 boxes)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Nora N. Larsen papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

This material includes letters, documents, clippings, and photographs, dating from 1910 to 1957, related to the employment of Nora N. Larsen at the estate household of the Huntington family in San Marino, California. The letters and documents, dating from 1913 to 1920, detail the working lives and responsibilities of the staff, including material related to Carrie M. Campbell, Arabella Huntington's long-time companion. Also included is Larsen family material written between 1886 and 1958, much of it from Wisconsin, in the form of letters, documents, and ephemera. Of special interest in the papers are the many photographs dating from 1897 to 1955; there are 35 loose black & white photographs and a photograph album with 79 black & white photographs and colored postcards. The photographs include the Huntington mansion, library, gardens, and staff.Of particular rarity in the album are photographs of the cottage Nora N. Larsen lived in on the Huntington grounds (now demolished) and the poultry pens once kept by the mansion. The album also contains Larsen family photographs taken in Wisconsin and California.

Biographical / historical:

Nora N. Larsen was born December 6, 1869, in Winneconne, Wisconsin. In 1910, she became housekeeper for Henry E. Huntington at his ranch in San Marino, California. She was joined in California by her sister Julia B. Larsen (who was also employed by the Huntingtons) and her brother Ludwig H. Larsen. Nora remained housekeeper until 1928 and Tea Room supervisor into the 1930s; when she retired as housekeeper, she was given a cottage on the Huntington grounds to occupy for her lifetime. Nora died on September 25, 1957, in Inglewood, California.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Robert King and Julie Williams, April 2019.
Processing information:

Processed by Gayle M. Richardson in 2019. In August 2025, Brooke M. Black created a finding aid.

Arrangement:

Organized in two series: Series 1. Letters, documents, ephemera and photographs, 1886-1958; Series 2. Photograph album, 1927-1954.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Brooke M. Black
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2026-02-11 12:55:33 -0800 .

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]. Nora N. Larsen 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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