Descriptive Summary
Access
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Acquisition Information
Biography/Administrative History
Scope and Content of Collection
Indexing Terms
Descriptive Summary
Title: George and J. Howard Payne Papers
Dates: 1870-1936
Collection Number: 2011-56
Creator/Collector:
Extent: .5 linear feet
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: Ledger of orchard accounts from the Payne ranch (1870-1892) located near Campbell, California, and Local Secretary-Treasurer's
Minute Books from Moreland Local No. 92, Farmers' Educational and Co-operative Union of America, California Division (1927-1936).
Language of Material: English
Access
The collection is available to the public for research by appointment with the Curator of Library & Archives. The ledger has
been photographed and can be viewed through History San Jose's online catalog.
Publication Rights
For reproduction and publication permission, please contact the Curator of Library & Archives.
Preferred Citation
George and J. Howard Payne Papers. History San Jose Research Library
Acquisition Information
Materials were donated to History San Jose in 2011.
Biography/Administrative History
George C. Payne was a well-known Santa Clara Valley horticulturist and orchardist from a pioneer family, who operated a 100-acre
ranch with his brother J. Howard near Campbell, California. The land was originally established by James F. Payne, who came
to California from New York in 1852. George spent time with Luther Burbank in Santa Rosa learning the art of hybridizing,
and became an authority in grafting, of walnut trees in particular. He married Helen Schultz of San Jose.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection comprises one 87-page, hand-written ledger of Payne orchard accounts (1870-1892), containing handwritten notes
about orchard plantings, including an orchard plot dated March 1, 1886, followed by accounts for other businesses and orchardists,
with index at front by last name. At the back of the ledger are pages detailing well depths, haying operations, hops record,
crops and sheep, stock births and sales, wheat stockings for multiple years, and several notations about rainfall.
In addition, three notebooks contain the membership roll and minutes for Moreland Local No. 92 of the Farmers' Educational
and Co-operative Union of America (1927-1936), of which J. Howard Payne was Secretary, and Mr. and Mrs. George C. Payne members.
