Bessie Sheppard Collection, 1874-1975

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Summary

Creators:
Sheppard, Elizabeth (Bessie) Sheppard, Christopher
Abstract:
Extent:
15 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Bessie Sheppard Collection. Ontario City Library, Robert E. Ellingwood Model Colony History Room

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of personal, financial, and medical correspondence and records including postcards, announcements, cards & letters, correspondence, documents, minutes and reports of the Humane Society of the Chaffey Community, financial receipts, bank statements, check stubs, and stock information for the Sheppard's, social and service club programs and minutes, and photographs and personal papers. Also included are library related materials from Ms. Sheppard's library career, as well as early medical records from Dr. Sheppard's practice.

Biographical / historical:

Bessie Sheppard was born in Ontario, Canada Jan. 17, 1895. In 1899, her father, Dr. Christopher Sheppard, decided to move to Ontario, California permanently, as the family had been wintering here for a few years. He took over the medical practice of the late Dr. Orville Ensign and rented his home on South Laurel. In 1906, Dr. Sheppard bought a house on the northwest corner of “C” and Euclid and remodeled it to accommodate his practice. Elizabeth “Bessie” Sheppard graduated from Chaffey High School in 1913 and went to the Riverside Library Service School, graduating in either 1917 or 1918. By 1925 she was employed as a cataloger at Pomona Public Library. She held several different positions until her retirement in 1973. Dr. Sheppard bought a lot in 1923 on the southeast corner of El Morado Court for a house and office but died in 1924 before they were built. Plans for this house are in the Model Colony Architectural Files. Bessie and her mother moved into a smaller residence at 112 El Morado Court. Bessie lived there until her death Sept. 15, 1985. She is buried at Bellevue Cemetery. She was involved with the Shakespeare and Friday Afternoon Clubs and was on the Board of Directors of the Chaffey Community (now West End) Humane Society.

Acquisition information:
Collection was donated by Skip Pace in the late 1980s.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research during the operating hours of the Robert E. Ellingwood Model Colony History Room, or by appointment. Please contact the history room in advance for access.

Terms of access:

Collection is open for research.

Preferred citation:

Bessie Sheppard Collection. Ontario City Library, Robert E. Ellingwood Model Colony History Room

Location of this collection:
215 East "C" Street
Ontario, CA 91764-4111, US
Contact:
(909) 395-2206
localhistory@ontarioca.gov
Website