Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Downing, Bernice C. Downing, Bertha G.
- Abstract:
- Extent:
- 5 folders (.25 linear feet)
- Language:
- Preferred citation:
-
Bernice and Bertha Downing Collection of World War I Letters. History San Jose Research Library
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The collection contains handwritten and typed letters from servicemen, and possibly Red Cross volunteers, sent to twin sisters Bernice and Bertha Downing, who owned and operated the Santa Clara Journal. Letters were sent between 1917-1919, from both the U.S. and overseas, and are casual and familiar in nature, conveying personal news and operational news from the front.
- Biographical / historical:
-
Bernice C. Downing (d. 1940) and her twin sister Bertha G. Downing (d. 1925) are noted as being the first women in California to own, edit, and publish their own newspaper, the Santa Clara Journal, which they inherited from their father Nathan Hall Downing. Under their direction, the paper developed into a thriving semi-weekly newspaper. Bernice was appointed Santa Clara postmaster by President Warren Harding, and was also editor of the California Postmaster.
- Acquisition information:
- The donor of these letters is unknown. They are part of the original San Jose Historical Museum collection.
Indexed terms
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The collection is available to the public for research by appointment with the Curator of Research Library & Archives
- Terms of access:
-
Contact the Curator of Research Library & Archives for reproduction and publication information
- Preferred citation:
-
Bernice and Bertha Downing Collection of World War I Letters. History San Jose Research Library
- Location of this collection:
-
1661 Senter RoadSan Jose, CA 95112, US
- Contact:
- (408) 287-2290