Descriptive Summary
Access
Publication Rights
Preferred Citation
Acquisition Information
Biography/Administrative History
Scope and Content of Collection
Indexing Terms
Descriptive Summary
Title: F. Ralph Rambo Collection
Dates: 1883-1985
Collection Number: 2004-36
Creator/Collector:
Extent: 10 boxes (approx. 10 linear feet)
Online items available
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: Original illustrations, cartoon drawings, manuscripts, photographic prints, and other ephemera created by Santa Clara Valley
illustrator and author F. Ralph Rambo. Rambo was known for his work with Muirson Label Company from 1916-1966 and later as
an author and cartoonist of local history publications.
Language of Material: English
Access
The collection is open to the public for research by appointment. Contact History San Jose's Research Library for more information.
Most of the scrapbooks have been scanned and can be viewed on the Internet Archive.
Publication Rights
A large portion of the collection was created for published material to which History San Jose does not hold copyright. Anyone
wishing to use the collection for publication is advised to investigate copyright before publication.
Preferred Citation
F. Ralph Rambo Collection. History San Jose Research Library
Acquisition Information
Donated to History San Jose in 2004 by Rambo's family.
Biography/Administrative History
Francis Ralph Rambo was born in San Jose, California, on May 16, 1894. He worked as an illustrator, and later served as an
art director at San Jose's Muirson Label Company circa 1914-1966. After retiring, he began writing books (many humorous) and
map posters on the history of the Santa Clara Valley, illustrated with his original pen and ink cartoons. Rambo had a large
local following, who often corresponded with him, and he collaborated with other individuals and groups interested in local
history. Rambo's design was featured on the First Civil Settlement in California U.S. postage stamp in 1977. He died in Palo
Alto, CA on May 19, 1990.
Scope and Content of Collection
The collection comprises scrapbooks and binders of original illustrations, cartoon drawings, manuscripts, photographic prints,
and other ephemera created by Santa Clara Valley illustrator and author F. Ralph Rambo. Rambo was known for his work with
Muirson Label Company in San Jose from 1916-1966 and later as an author and cartoonist of local history publications. One
scrapbook is devoted to his work with Muirson Label Company, including details of the fruit label printing process. The scrapbooks
also detail Rambo's work with the O'Connor Hospital '89ers, and letters from Santa Clara County school children. In addition
to the Rambo-focused material, there is one photograph album documenting Rambo's wife Katherine Coker's family. Related material
can be found in other collections at History San Jose, including the Leonard McKay Collection, and the Muirson Label Company
collection.
