The collection comprises 12 reels of original 16mm home movies of rice and almond farming in Colusa and Yolo counties, California, from the mid 1940s though to 1964. The silent films show Elmer Johnson and farm workers on the Johnson's rice farm and almond orchards in the Central Valley and document farming activities including planting, harvesting, fertilizing and cropdusting, as well as the almond orchards in full bloom. The films also include footage of Elmer Johnson and his wife, Vivienne, and their son Edward at the family home and enjoying various recreational activities. The majority of the films were taken by Vivienne Johnson. Along with the films is a typewritten family history by Elmer and Vivienne's son, Edward Johnson.

Elmer Johnson was the son of Swen John Johnson and Elise Pearson, Swedish immigrants who came to the US with their parents as young children. After WWI, the Johnsons, along with Elmer and his three young siblings, moved from Minnesota to California's Central Valley, where they purchased about 55 acres of farmland on Mumma Road near Arbuckle in Colusa County.

.5 Linear Feet 1 box

Any rights (including copyright and related rights to publicity and privacy) held by the Johnson family were transferred to the California Historical Society (CHS) in October 2021 by Ed Johnson. Reproduction or publication of materials in this collection beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of CHS. Please contact rights@calhist.org.

Due to the fragile nature of the format, access to the original film reels is restricted. Researchers must use digital copies that are available on California Revealed's website. https://californiarevealed.org/partner/california-historical-society