Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Edwards, E. I. (Elza Ivan), 1897-1984.
- Abstract:
- This small collection contains correspondence and some ephemera of Elza Ivan “Eddie” Edwards (1897-1984), who authored several books on the history of Death Valley, California. The letters primarily date from the late 1960s to 1980 and are chiefly personal in nature though some discuss history-related activities.
- Extent:
- 53 items in 1 box
- Language:
- English.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The majority of the 43 pieces of correspondence are written by Elza Ivan Edwards and are personal in nature; however, several of the letters discuss in detail the activities and publications of the Los Angeles Corral of the Westerners and the Death Valley '49ers. The letters also discuss Edwards‟ various books on Death Valley as well as the publications of George Koenig, Anthony Kroll, and Earl F. Nation (fellow Westerners and the addressees of Edwards‟ letters). One letter by Edwards recounts a hiking trip in Nevada and provides a good description of the area around Dayton, Nevada, as well as the ghost towns Delamar and Genoa. The ten pieces of ephemera include biographical information about Edwards and newspaper clippings.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Elza Ivan “Eddie” Edwards (1897-1984) was born in Idaho in 1897. Later he moved to California where he opened an accounting advisory service for medical offices. Edwards‟ hobby was Death Valley history and he was the author of several books including The Valley Whose Name is Death, Desert Voices: A Descriptive Bibliography, and The Enduring Desert. He was an active member of the Los Angeles Corral of the Westerners and served as Sheriff in 1966. In 1964, he and his wife, Beryl, retired and moved to Yucca Valley, California. Edwards died in 1984.
- Acquisition information:
- Gift of Earl F. Nation, September 8, 2000.
- Arrangement:
-
Correspondence arranged alphabetically by author, followed by ephemera.
- Rules or conventions:
- Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.
- Location of this collection:
-
1151 Oxford RoadSan Marino, CA 91108, US
- Contact:
- (626) 405-2191