Johnston (Tess) papers, 1929-2014

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Summary

Title:
Tess Johnston papers
Dates:
1929-2014
Creators:
Johnston, Tess
Abstract:
Correspondence, writings, printed matter, and photographs relating to Western communities and architecture in Shanghai and elsewhere in China. Mainly collected research material for publications by Tess Johnston.
Extent:
32 manuscript boxes, 14 oversize boxes, 1 oversize folder (17.9 Linear Feet)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Tess Johnston papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Background

Scope and content:

The Jess Johnston papers contain correspondence, writings, printed matter, and photographs relating to Western communities and architecture in Shanghai and elsewhere in China, mainly collected as research material for publications by Johnston.

The Personal Materials primarily contains correspondence and articles regarding Johnston's writings and research materials, including inquiries regarding various topics, as well as press and promotional materials for Johnston's various writings. The Shanghai History File includes books, articles, newsletters, clippings, expatriate association membership directories, printed matter, and various publications from the Old China Hand Press. Of note are the various memoirs written by family members detailing their experiences living as expatriates in China. The Photographs includes photographs of architecture and buildings taken by Johnston in various cities around China in preparation for her books regarding European architecture in China.

Biographical / historical:

American writer and former Foreign Service Officer.

Chronology
Date Event
1953
Joined the foreign service as an office secretary and was promoted to secretary to the consulate general in Dusseldorf, Germany
1949
Graduated from Harrisonburg High School in Charlottesville, Viriginia
1958-1967
Received Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in German from the University of Virginia
1978
Transferred to New Delhi, India
1967
Joined the Agency for International Development in Vietnam
1986
Named Foreign Service Secretary of the Year for her work coordinating the visit of President Ronald Reagan to Shanghai
1986-1989
Acted as secretary to the administrative counselor at the United States Embassy in Paris, France
1989
Second tour of duty in Shanghai
1996
Retired from the American Foreign Service
1993
Co-founded Old China Hand Press with Er Dongqiang (also known as Deke Ehr)
1981-1986
First tour of duty in Shanghai
1994
Published Near to Heaven : Western Architecture in China's Old Summer Resorts with Dongqiang Er
1993
Published A Last Look : Western Architecture in Old China with Dongqiang Er
1996
Published Far From Home : Western Architecture in China's Northern Treaty Ports with Dongqiang Er
1996
Published God And Country : Western Religious Architecture in Old China with Dongqiang Er
2000
Published Frenchtown Shanghai : Western Architecture in Shanghai's Old French Concession with Dongqiang Er
1997
Published Welcome to Shanghai : A Guide for New Expatriate Residents To Help Them Make The Most of Their Shanghai Experience and The Last Colonies : Western Architecture in China's Southern Treaty Ports with Dongqiang Er
1962-1967
Taught at the University of Virginia and at the College of William and Mary in Virginia
1975
Rejoined Foreign Service, assigned to Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany
1976
Transferred to Embassy in East Berlin, Germany
Acquisition information:
Materials were acquired by the Hoover Institution Library Archives in 2015.
Physical location:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by The Hoover Institution Library and Archives staff
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2022-02-09 13:58:55.215663

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research; materials must be requested in advance via our reservation system. If there are audiovisual or digital media material in the collection, they must be reformatted before providing access.

Terms of access:

For copyright status, please contact the Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], Tess Johnston papers, [Box no., Folder no. or title], Hoover Institution Library & Archives.

Location of this collection:
Hoover Institution Library & Archives, Stanford University
Stanford, CA 94305-6003, US
Contact:
(650) 723-3563
hooverarchives@stanford.edu
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