Collection Guide
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A guide to the Arvid T. Peterson papers, 1929-1986
HDC0328 (SAFR 17245)
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Title: Arvid T. Peterson papers
Date: 1929-1986
Date (bulk): 1930-1945
Identifier/Call Number: HDC0328 (SAFR 17245)
Creator:
Unknown
Physical Description:
3 linear ft.
Repository:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Abstract: The Arvid T. Peterson papers collection (SAFR 17245, HDC 328) consists of correspondence, proceedings, newspaper clippings,
technical publications, memoranda, posters, artwork, and other ephemera documenting Captain Peterson's activities in California
politics, trade unions, and the West Coast fishing industry from the early 1930s to the mid 1940s. The collection is available
for research use without restriction.
Physical Location: San Francisco Maritime NHP, Historic Documents Department
Language(s):
In English.
This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.
Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other
case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.
The descriptions in this collection guide were compiled using the best available sources of information. Such sources include
the creator's annotations or descriptions, collection accession files, primary and secondary source material and subject matter
experts. While every effort was made to provide accurate information, in the event that you find any errors in this guide
please contact the reference staff in order for us to evaulate and make corrections to this guide.
Please cite the title and collection number in any correspondence with our staff.
[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item
Number], HDC0328 (SAFR 17245), Arvid T. Peterson papers, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
SAFR-00001
This collection was transferred from Golden Gate National Recreation Area to San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park.
Historical or Biographical Note
Captain Peterson was apparently quite involved with the San Francisco Bay Area operations of Upton Sinclair's gubernatorial
campaign, working out of the Haight Street office of Sinclair's publication Epic News. A one page biography is attached to
the finding aid in the collection file.
The Arvid T. Peterson papers collection (SAFR 17245, HDC 328) consists of correspondence, proceedings, newspaper clippings,
technical publications, memoranda, posters, artwork, and other ephemera documenting Captain Peterson's activities in California
politics, trade unions, and the West Coast fishing industry from the early 1930s to the mid 1940s. The collection is available
for research use without restriction.
Of interest is the material relating to Upton Sinclair's 1934 campaign, including pro- as well as anti-Sinclair propaganda,
and a number of booklets advocating unionism as a general cause, including a 1937 publication of the Western Summer School
for Workers in Berkeley. Also noteworthy, is the correspondence relating of the defeat of the 1937 Sardine Initiative; the
account in union-meeting minutes of the attempted ousting of O.E. Rolstad, president of West Coast Local 90; National Organization
of Masters, Mates, and Pilots of America; and the proceedings to the 1935, 1937, and 1938 conventions of the Maritime Federation
of the Pacific Coast.
The collection is arranged in series by topic: Venola Peterson (letter); Trade Union and labor materials; Maritime Federation
of the Pacific Coast; West Coast fishing industry materials; World War II shipping bulletins, circulars, and instructions
(including War Shipping Administration materials); miscellanea (San Francisco disaster preparedness materials, plan of Motor
Ship FRANK LYNCH, receipts and political materials); Upton Sinclair Campaign materials (including Epic News copies and clippings).
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Correspondence
World War, 1939-1945
Political activity
Trade-unions
Sinclair, Upton, 1878-1968
United States. War Shipping Admininstration
Maritime Federation of the Pacific Coast
National Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots of America
United States Coast Guard
Correspondence
Clippings