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Chester (Mortimer) Papers
mssChester
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Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: Mortimer Chester papers
Creator:
Chester, Mortimer
Identifier/Call Number: mssChester
Physical Description:
0.21 Linear Feet
(1 half box)
Date (inclusive): 1912-1933
Abstract: Diaries and photographs of Mortimer Chester, documenting trips to California and his service as a chaplain with the California
Civilian Conservation Corps.
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]. Mortimer Chester papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Robert C. Johnson, April 2020.
Mortimer Chester was a priest with the Episcopal church. Born in Massachusetts, he moved to southern California at the age
of 22 after visiting an uncle who had relocated to Pasadena. Chester settled near Corona, California and became involved with
the Episcopal church there. He was ordained as a priest in 1919 and ministered at churches in Hemet, Santa Maria, and Woodland,
California. As a reserve officer in the Army, he helped establish the Civilian Conservation Corps camps in the Sierra Nevada
mountains from 1933 to 1937. He served as an Army chaplain during World War II and was sent to Utah, where he remained after
the war ended.
Two diaries, one documenting Mortimer Chester's first trip to California in 1912 and his permanent move there in 1914, and
another describing his experiences with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the Depression.
His travel diary chronicles two cross country trips from Boston and demonstrates how he became convinced to move to California.
Chester's account of the CCC camps describes camp operations, living conditions, and the character of the workers there. Photographs
are undated but depict people and buildings, and some are labeled with locations, including Texas, Arizona, and Utah. Other
photos are most likely of the CCC camps in the Sierra Nevadas, and depict snow removal and camp personnel, including a group
of Black workers.
Processed by Kelly Kress in February 2022.
Materials arranged chronologically by subject.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
California -- Description and travel
Civilian Conservation Corps (U.S.) -- California -- History
Diaries -- California -- 20th century
Photographs -- United States -- 20th century