Inventory of the Irene and John Burns Family Collection SPC.2022.002
Jesus J. Padilla
California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections
2022-04; 2023-01
University Library South -5039 (Fifth Floor)
1000 E. Victoria St.
Carson, CA 90747
Business Number: 310-243-3895
archives@csudh.edu
Contributing Institution:
California State University Dominguez Hills, Gerth Archives and Special Collections
Title: Irene and John Burns Family Collection
Creator:
Burns, John J.
Creator:
Jennings, Irene
Identifier/Call Number: SPC.2022.002
Physical Description:
10 boxes
(six document boxes; two oversized boxes; two photograph boxes)
Physical Description:
6.25 Linear Feet
Date (inclusive): 1890s- 1960s, 1987, 1989, 1997, 2007, 2015, 2020-2021; undated
Date (bulk): 1940s-1960s
Abstract: This collection contains material belonging to the Burns family who are based in Southern California. A majority of the collection
contains letters that were written from 1943-1946 by John J. Burns and sent to Irene Burns while John was serving in the United
States Marine Corps. Also included are material related to John and Irene's wedding such as RSVPs and greeting cards; as well
as family photograph albums, Woodrow Wilson High School yearbooks (1940, 1942), and a personal diary belonging to Irene.
Language of Material:
English
.
Conditions Governing Access
There are no access restrictions on this collection.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged into eleven series
- Series I: Hardcover Bound Books, 1940-1944; 2015
- Series II: John and Irene Burns Personal Papers and Family History, 1862, 1871, 1909, 1897, 1942-1977, 1987, 2007, undated
- Series III: Letters, September 1943 - January 1944
- Series IV: Letters, January - June 1944
- Series V: Letters, July 1944 - February 1945
- Series VI: Letters, March - June 1945
- Series VII: Letters, July - November 1945
- Series VIII: Letters, December 1945 - April 1946, October - November 2020
- Series IX: John and Irene Burns Wedding, 1943, 1946, 1950; undated
- Series X: Burns Photo Album, 1890s, 1900s, 1910, 1933, 1940s-1960s, 1987, 1989, 1997, 2020-2021, undated
- Series XI: Scrapbooks, 1934-1948; undated
Biographical / Historical
John Joseph Burns was born to John Joseph and Nora Mary Burns on September 6, 1922, in New York. John was raised in New York
City, NY. and lived there until he enlisted into the United States Marine Corps in 1942. John served 19 months in the South
Pacific. By career, John was a Marine Clerk in the Port of LA/Long Beach and proud member of the ILWU Local 63, Elks 888,
and American Legion 327. Lillian Irene Jennings was born to Raleigh and Emma Mary Jennings on January 31, 1925, in California.
She prefered the name Irene and signed her name, L. Irene Burns. Irene lived most of her life in Long Beach, CA. and held
a deep fondness for the city. Irene went to Fremont Grammar School, Jefferson Junior High School, Wilson High School. Irene
also attended Long Beach City College in 1944 and the 1950s. During World War II, Irene started her working life as a clerk/typist
at the Los Angeles Port of Embarkation. Insight into her work experience at the port is seen in John's letters, found in this
collection. John and Irene met on a blind date at a USO dance while John was stationed in California. The two went on no more
than a dozen dates before John realized that Irene was the love of his life and proposed. John and Irene were married on February
23, 1946, after John returned from his service. Irene worked in the Intelligence and Security Division but later stepped in
to help John support the family by working at Southern California Edison and the General Telephone Company. Irene later passed
the security hurdle at North American Aviation. Irene's work experience and educational training in the use of a slide rule
and a chronometer helped transition her into a career as an industrial engineer at Robertshaw Controls Company. John and Irene
were married for 60 years. John J. Burns passed away on March 10, 2006 and L. Irene Burns passed away on October 13, 2021.
The two are survived by their three children, John James "Jim" Burns, Kathleen "Kathy" Mary Burns, and Maureen Anne Burns,
as well as four grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and their extended family and friends.
Preferred Citation
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Jesus Padilla in April of 2021.
Scope and Contents
The Irene and John Burns Family Collection (1890s-1970s; 1987, 1989, 1997, 2007, 2015, 2020-2021; undated) contains ten boxes
and 2.04 linear feet of mixed materials, including letters, photographs, greeting cards, scrapbooks, and bound books. Most
of the letters were written by John J. Burns and sent to Irene Burns while John was serving in the United States Marine Corps.
John enlisted in 1942 and began writing to Irene while stationed in North Carolina. John was transferred to El Centro, CA
before being shipped overseas to serve in the South Pacific where he continued to write to Irene. The letters John sent from
the South Pacific were reviewed by Naval censors and sensitive information was redacted from the letters. The letters contain
information about how John spent his time on base, with a large majority of the letters including his expression of his love
for Irene. Also included in the collection are photographs from Burns Family albums and a set of photographs that detail and
capture the aftermath of the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Long Beach, CA in 1933. This collection
houses dozens of greeting cards John and Irene received from family and friends congratulating them on their engagement and
marriage. Lastly, this collection contains bound books: Irene Jennings' diaries, and yearbooks from Woodrow Wilson High School
in Long Beach, CA.; and two scrapbooks created by Irene [Jennings] Burns during her childhood.
Conditions Governing Use
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives
and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical
materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
World War, 1939-1945 -- Japan
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point (N.C.)
Marine Corps Air Station New River (N.C.)
Marine Corps Air Station Miramar (Calif.)
South Pacific Islands
Earthquakes -- California -- Long Beach
Long Beach (Calif.)
Correspondence
United States. Marine Corps
United States. Marine Corps Women's Reserve
Hardcover Bound Books
1940-1944; 2015
Scope and Contents
This series contains seven hardcover books from the Burns Family Collection. The first four are yearbooks from the Woodrow
Wilson High School graduating classes of 1940-1943. The fifth and sixth are personal diaries of Irene Jennings [Burns] from
the years 1941-1944; and the seventh is a memory book from Irene's 90th birthday celebration.
box 1, folder 3, box 10
Irene Jennings Diaries
1941-1944
box 10
Irene's 90th Birthday Memories
2015
John and Irene Burns Personal Papers and Family History
1862, 1871, 1909, 1897, 1942-1977, 1987, 2007, circa 2018, 2023, undated
Scope and Contents
This series contains biographies and obituaries for both John and Irene Burns. The biographies contain information of their
family and marriage together, as well as information from their individual lives, including their childhood, friends, and
careers. The Irene Burns Records folder contains Burns' academic report cards, Long Beach Junior College transcript, and employment
record from North American Aviation in Downey California. Also included in this series are materials regarding genealogy for
both the Jennings and Burns families; family and baby records for Irene Burns; certificates and union cards belonging to John
Burns; John and Irene's dating history; and material related to Raleigh E. Jenning's retirement. Also included in this series
is a file dedicated to Nelson Meachan; Maureen Burns' cousin, and Irene Burns' nephew. This file included photographs, biographical
information, and material related to his celebration of life.
box 2, folder 2
Irene Burns Records
1942-1943, 1951, 1964, undated
box 7, folder 3
Irene Burns baby records, baby book, and birth certificate
1925, 1929
box 7, folder 4
family history record book for Jennings family
1962
box 7, folder 5, box 8, folder 2
Genealogy records for Jennings family
1862, 1971, 1909, 1916, 1982, undated
box 7, folder 6
Genealogy records for Burns family
1952, 1961, 1980; undated
box 7, folder 7
John Joseph Burns
1922, 1942-1945, 1948, 1957, 1967, 1971-1972,
Scope and Contents
Contains port security cards; Marine Clerks Association Local 63 I.L.W.U membership, picket, and clearance cards; ILWU membership
card; Ancient Order of the Deep card; birth certificate; baptism certificate; Marine Corps certificates; Northrop Aeronautical
Institute and North American Aviation Inc. certificates; and Veterans Administration certificate of eligibility.
box 7, folder 8
John and Irene Burns- dating history notes, home insurance title
1943, 1955; undated
box 7, folder 9
Job's Daughters [programs]
1942-1946
box 7, folder 16
Nelson E. Meacham File
1913, 1914, 1928, 1964, circa 1980s, 2007, circa 2018, January, February 2023; undated
Scope and Contents
Includes celebration of life program, card, and DVD; photographs of Norman and Lois Meacham; Nelson with cousins and other
family members; Nelson in Lake Tahoe; Nelson and Lois; Nelson with childhood friends including Tom Mathiesen; Nelson playing
the organ; Nelson dressed as Braer Bear while working at Disney; Raleigh and Emma Jennings; childhood photographs of Lois
Jennings, and presumably Aunt Addie and grandmother; Nelson's high school graduation photograph; and others. This file also
includes family history and biography of Nelson, "A Childhood Reminiscence of Nelson E. Meacham" by Thomas J. Mathiesen; and
transcript of speech possibly from Nelson's celebration of life.
Biographical / Historical
Nelson E. Meacham (November 10, 1946-January 16, 2023) was the grandson of Emma and Raleigh Jennings; and son of Lois Jennings
and Norman Meacham. His aunt, was Irene Burns. Nelson graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Cal
Poly San Luis Obispo in 1970. He would go on to work WED (Walter Elias Disney) Enterprises, which later became Walt Disney
Imagineering.
box 7, folder 10
Raleigh E. Jennings
1897, 1962, 1966, 1977; undated
Scope and Contents
50th Anniversary with Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach programs, remarks, clippings; birth certificate; 100th birthday
invitation; article regarding high school play
box 7, folder 11
VMB 433 history
2007; undated
box 7, folder 12
Irene Burns- retirement photographs
1987
box 7, drawer 13
catalogs
1929; undated
Scope and Contents
Rodeheaver Co. 1929 catalog; "Treasure Chest of Books", "New Fiction" Long Beach Public Library
box 7, folder 14
theatre programs
1953, 1956, 1966, undated
box 7, folder 15
Tournament of Roses programs
1935, 1969
box 10
"Collier's National Weekly" Vol. 96, No. 11
September 14, 1935
box 10
painted animation panels
undated
Letters
September 1943 - January 1944
Scope and Contents
This series of John Burns' letters were written to Irene Jennings while in North Carolina. In mid-October 1943 John was transferred
from Cherry Point Air Station to New River Air Station, both in North Carolina. The letters speak of life on base, provide
detailed accounts of John's trips while on leave, and express the feelings he has for Irene. John is beginning to get more
honest and comfortable with his true feelings for Irene. Once he arrived at New River Air Station, John was assigned to a
squadron and began combat training. This series also contains a letter that was partially burned in transit but kept mostly
intact by the United States Postal Service. The letter reveals that marines left North Carolina and began their move to California
but were quickly turned around hours after their departure.
box 2, folder 3
September 3 - October 13
1943
box 2, folder 4
October 28 - December 18
1943
box 2, folder 5
"Damaged in Transit" Letter
January 10, 1944
Letters
January - June 1944
Scope and Contents
In January of 1944 John arrived at the Marine Corps Air Station in El Centro, California. This series of letters consists
of detailed accounts of John and other marines attempting to get back on base in time for check-in. With John and Irene both
in California, the early letters of this series consist of planning weekends together and recalling previous their previous
meetings. John admits his love for Irene in these letters and is now willing to get engaged. However, John understands the
reality of their situation and knows he will soon be shipped to the Pacific. John believes Irene should continue dating in
the meantime. In April of 1944, John received a promotion from Private First Class to Corporal. In May 1944, marines were
shipped overseas. John writes their destination in a letter, but the information is cut out as their letters are now being
censored and reviewed by Naval Intelligence. Letters in June begin to describe life on the island where his squadron is stationed.
Two envelopes have notes on them that read: "June 15 2nd + 4th Marine Div. Launch assault on Saipan" and "Tiniaio Bombarded
From Saipan".
box 2, folder 6
January 30 - February 28
1944
Letters
July 1944 - February 1945
Scope and Contents
This series of letters was written entirely from the Pacific. John describes how he spends his days on the island. His days
include mess hall duty, playing baseball, getting planes combat ready, and movie nights. A recurring theme in the letters
is the love between John and Irene. John plans out his marriage and time back in the states, he recalls his early dates with
Irene, and expresses his love every chance he gets. A highlight from this series is a confession letter dated September 16,
1944, in which John shares aspects of his past that he fears will cause Irene to leave him. In mid-September John writes that
his squadron recently moved to another island and is now on Espiritu Santo Island in the New Hebrides Archipelago. Letters
dated after September 1944 show that they continue their relationship. John also made sure to send Irene a Christmas gift
for the holidays and a birthday gift in January. John does not know when he will have to move to a new island but speaks to
Irene about the different places he could be stationed when he returns to the United States. Even while in the Pacific, John
is looking for ways to see Irene on his furlough.
box 2, folder 13
September 3 - September 18
1944
box 2, folder 14
September 30 - October 27
1944
box 2, folder 15
October 30 - November 27
1944
box 2, folder 16
December 5 - December 25
1944
box 3, folder 1
January 1 - January 29
1945
box 3, folder 2
February 6 - February 28
1945
Letters
March - June 1945
Scope and Contents
In this series of letters, the topic of marriage is consistently covered. John expresses what marriage means to him and why
it is such a special event that he will only ever do once. In March of 1945, John also found out that Irene joined the Marine
Corps Women's Reserve. It is not clear how long Irene had been in the Reserve before she told John. In April and May of 1945,
John grew increasingly concerned with the process a marine goes through when their overseas service is done and that marine
returns to the United States with time remaining on his service. In May of 1945, John finds out that when he returns home,
he will only have one day of leave before having to report for transport to his station at Cherry Point, North Carolina. This
new information causes John and Irene to fight as they will not be able to get married right away, and John refuses to get
married on his one day leave because he does not want to get married and immediately leave his wife the very next day. In
late May, John says that he will be back overseas by December, while also mentioning that he should be on the West Coast of
the United Stated in August. In a letter dated June 10, 1945, John is breaking up with Irene and letting her go so that she
can find a man that will give her everything she deserves. He ends the letter asking her not to write back to him. On the
back of the envelope of the June 10 letter, there is writing that reads: "June 10, 1945, 2nd 'Dear John'". John and Irene
continue to write as John admits he regrets sending her the June 10 letter and apologizes.
Letters
July - November 1945
Scope and Contents
In this series of letters, John reflects on the June 10 letter he sent to Irene. He also begins to deal with the reality of
World War II coming to an end and the possibility of being sent home soon. On July 18, 1945, John writes that his tour of
duty had officially ended and is only waiting for relief to arrive. On the envelope of a letter dated August 13, 1945, John
writes "Aug 9 Atomic Bomb Dropped on Nagasaki". In that letter he expresses that the situation overseas has gotten mixed up
and he does not know when he'll start to head home. On the envelope of a letter dated August 19, 1945, John writes "1st letter
after cease fire end of War". On the envelope of a letter dated August 25, 1945, John writes "Aboard Ship to the [Philipines]".
On the envelope of a letter dated September 13, 1945, John writes "Sept 2, 1945 McArthur signs peace treaty aboard USS Missouri".
In September and October, John's day to day activities became more consistent and he had more time to play baseball and to
write to Irene. John eventually finds out that his squadron is to report to the West Coast as soon as possible and his ship
arrives on November 4, with expectations to be heading home by November 11. Among the notes that John writes on a portion
of the envelopes, his letters express that he and Irene are back to normal expressing their feelings with each other.
box 3, folder 8
August 13 - August 25
1945
box 3, folder 9
September 13 - September 28
1945
box 3, folder 10
Ocotober 8 - November 4
1945
Letters
December 1945 - April 1946, October - November 2020
Scope and Contents
This series of letters also contains Western Union telegrams from John as he travels back home to New York. In his early letters
from New York, John writes about how he has been spending his time with his family and friends. The topic of the letters quickly
changes to cover the wedding planning and the logistical plans for where John and Irene will live after they get married.
The last letter Irene has from John was dated February 12, 1946. After John's last letter Irene received two letters, one
from a friend congratulating her on her engagement and a second from a ENS W.C. Sproul in the U.S. Navy. Sproul jokes about
being heartbroken that Irene is getting married but continues to detail his experience as he is still overseas in the South
Pacific. Also included are Western Union telegrams from friends and family congratulating Irene and John on their engagement.
This series ends with letters from a family friend named Gary, written in 2020. Gary writes about the COVID-19 pandemic, politics,
and how he and his family are handling it all.
box 3, folder 11
December 31 - January 14
1946
box 3, folder 12
January 18 - April 22
1946
box 3, folder 13
Letters from Gary
October 07 - November 23, 2020
John and Irene Burns Wedding
1943, 1946, 1950, undated
Scope and Contents
This series contains letters, RSVPs, greeting cards, and well wishes John and Irene received for their wedding. A large portion
of the greeting cards were received alongside gifts on their wedding day.
box 3, folder 14
Collection of Cards and RSVP Replies
1946, undated
box 3, folder 15
Wedding: Cards and Well Wishes 1
1946
box 3, folder 16
Wedding: Cards and Well Wishes 2
1946
box 3, folder 17
Wedding: Cards and Well Wishes 3
1946
box 3, folder 18
Wedding: Cards and Well Wishes 4
1946
box 3, folder 19
Wedding: Cards and Well Wishes 5
1946
box 7, folder 1
Wedding: Cards and Well Wishes; Invitations; Guest List; Marriage Certificate
1946
box 7, folder 2
Wedding: Scrapbook
1943, 1946, 1950
box 4, box 9, box 10
Burns Photo Albums
1890s, 1900s, 1910, 1933, 1940s-1960s, 1987, 1989, 1997, 2020-2021, undated
Scope and Contents
This series contains multiple sets of photographs from different Burns family photo albums and collections, with newspaper
clippings and remembrance cards of Irene Burns' life. Included are photos of the aftermath of the 6.4 magnitude earthquake
that hit off the shore of Long Beach, California in 1933. There are photos from the personal photo album of John and Irene
Burns with photos from 1943. Also included are candid Burns family photos from the holidays in 1987, 1989, and 1997; as well
as images of Jennings family members such as Raleigh and Emma Jennings; Cyrus and Orpha Jennings; D.W. Banker; Horace Banker;
Robert Banker; and others; Banker family homes in Minnesota; images of childhood and family friends; and images from John
and Irene's wedding.
General
oversized images are located in box 10.
box 6, folder 1
black-and-white photograph album
1947; undated
General
removed from photograph album for preservation
Scope and Contents
contains 34 black-and-white photographs of the Burns family. A majority of the photographs were taken in front of a home,
on the porch of a home, on the side walk, or in a yard and feature images of infants. None of the photographs are inscribed
or dated except for one: "Jim Lynch, Gene Kirk, 1st NY Visiters '47"
box 6, folder 2-31, box 5
Scrapbooks
1934-1948;undated
Scope and Contents
Scrapbook #1 (1934-1948) located in box 5: contains photographs; arithmetic, spelling, and grammar worksheets; letters; diary;
birthday, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and Easter cards; issues of "Junior Weekly"; clippings; "Diagnostic Tests and Practice
Exercises in Arithmetic for the 5th Grade"; issues of "My Weekly Reader the Junior Newspaper", and ephemera. Scrapbook #2
(1934-1936) located in box 6: contains school photographs featuring Irene Jennings; Golden Circle and Scholarship Honor Societies
of Jefferson Junior High School [programs]; greeting cards regarding Irene's graduation; varsity letters; Jefferson Junior
High School citizenship ratings and record; Woodrow Wilson High School report cards; theater and concert programs; Woodrow
Wilson High School student manual; invitations; letters; issues of Woodrow Wilson High School newspapers; material related
to Job's Daughters; and ephemera.
General
removed from original scrapbooks and placed into archival folders for preservation.
