Jump to Content

Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Patricia A. Etter Papers
2009.M.1.Etter  
View entire collection guide What's This?
Search this collection
Collection Details
 
Table of contents What's This?
  • Conditions Governing Access
  • Immediate Source of Acquisition
  • Biographical / Historical
  • Preferred Citation
  • Scope and Contents
  • Processing Information

  • Contributing Institution: Chinese Historical Society of Southern California
    Title: Patricia A. Etter Papers
    Creator: Etter, Patricia A., 1932-2013
    Identifier/Call Number: 2009.M.1.Etter
    Physical Description: 0.83 Linear Feet 2 boxes
    Date (inclusive): 1973-1994
    Date (bulk): 1976-1979
    Abstract: The collection documents Etter's research about 19th century Chinese opium pipes and smoking at two sites: Donner Summit, California and Virginia City, Nevada.
    Language of Material: English .

    Conditions Governing Access

    The collection is open for qualified researchers.

    Immediate Source of Acquisition

    Donated by Patricia A. Etter in May 2009.

    Biographical / Historical

    Patricia A. Etter had a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Arizona in 1986; a Bachelor of Arts from California State University in 1979; and an Associate of Arts degree from Santa Monica College in 1977. She also received a Certification in Archives Management from the National Archives and Records Association in 1987; and a recognition as an Outstanding Anthropology Alumnus from California State University from 1991-1992. She was recipient of two Coke Wood Awards from Westerners International for the best journal article (both published in Overland Journal). She was author of To California on The Southern Route: A History and Annotated Bibliography. She was also the editor of An American Odyssey; and California Odyssey: A Journey of Southern Trails. Etter briefly worked under Paul G. Chace and Associates in California. She later served as a Manuscripts Librarian at the University of Arizona. Between 1989 and 2006, she was the curator of the Labriola National American Indian Data Center at Arizona State University (ASU); the center is a part of the American Indian Research Library. At ASU, she was a member of Emeritus College; was on the advisory board of the University Club; and was affiliated with ASU's sponsorship with the Pima County Public Library's Southwest Books of the Year program. In addition, Etter was on the Board of Directors of the Oregon California Trails Association and its Editorial Advisory Board; and was on the Editorial Board of the Western Historical Quarterly. Etter passed in 2013.

    Preferred Citation

    Patricia A. Etter papers. Chinese Historical Society of Southern California.

    Scope and Contents

    The collection contains correspondence, research materials, photographs, bibliographies, presentations, scrapbooks, published materials, and manuscripts dealing with the collection and study of opium pipes and opium smoking material. The two manuscripts included were used for William S. Evans' classes who was the Professor of Archaeology at Santa Monica College from 1976-1878. Material were collected at two sites: Donner Summit, California; and Virginia City, Nevada. Also included is a copy of "West Coast Chinese and Opium Smoking," Archeological Perspectives on Ethnicity in America. These materials document one of the first in-depth studies of opium pipes, accompanying paraphernalia and containers.

    Processing Information

    Arranged and described by Patricia A. Etter. Additional description by Gladys Garcia.

    Subjects and Indexing Terms

    Chinese Americans
    Opium
    Chinese Americans -- History -- 19th century
    Chinese Americans -- California -- History -- 19th century