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