Guide to the Harry C. Peterson Papers, ca. 1880-1944
Processed by Special Collections staff; machine-readable finding aid created by Steven Mandeville-Gamble.
Department of Special Collections
Green Library
Stanford University Libraries
Stanford, CA 94305-6004
Phone: (650) 725-1022
Email: specialcollections@stanford.edu
URL: http://library.stanford.edu/spc
© 2002
The Board of Trustees of Stanford University. All rights reserved.
Guide to the Harry C. Peterson Papers, ca. 1880-1944
Collection number: M0649
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Stanford University Libraries
Stanford, California
Contact Information
- Department of Special Collections
- Green Library
- Stanford University Libraries
- Stanford, CA 94305-6004
- Phone: (650) 725-1022
- Email: specialcollections@stanford.edu
- URL: http://library.stanford.edu/spc
- Processed by:
- Special Collections staff
- Date Completed:
- 1993
- Encoded by:
- Steven Mandeville-Gamble
© 2002 The Board of Trustees of Stanford University. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Peterson, Harry C. Papers,
Date (inclusive): ca. 1880-1944
Collection number: M0649
Creator:
Peterson, Harry C.
Extent:
2 linear ft.
Repository:
Stanford University. Libraries. Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives.
Abstract: The collection contains correspondence, notes, memorabilia, typescripts. Included is material pertaining to Stanford University
and Sutters Fort.
Language:
English.
Administrative Information
Access Restrictions
None.
Publication Rights
Property rights reside with the repository. Literary rights
reside with the creators of the documents or their heirs. To
obtain permission to publish or reproduce, please contact the
Public Services Librarian of the Dept. of Special Collections.
Acquisition Information
Purchased, 1993.
Preferred Citation
Harry C. Peterson Papers. M0649. Dept. of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
Biography
Harry Claude Peterson never met a historical fact or artifact that he didn't like. The inveterate historian spent his entire
adult life in one position after another related to history, particularly California Gold Rush Days.
Harry was born in Algona, Iowa, in 1876, son of Julius E. Peterson, a Norwegian mechanician. Leland Stanford had learned of
the elder Peterson in Europe and brought him to Stanford University to teach Machine Shop Practices. Young Harry was educated
in public schools in Algona and Palo Alto, California. He was in the photographic business in Palo Alto for a time. He was
married in 1902 and had one son, Austin Peterson.
Harry was named Director and Curator of the Stanford University Museum of Fine Arts (now the Cantor Center) in 1899, where
he remained until 1918, adding collections to the Museum and writing historical papers. He also acquired his own collection
of historical books and documents while serving as Curator. During his residence in Palo Alto, he served on the city counsel
for eight years.
Harry's next endeavor was as head of Field Research for the California History Department of the California State Library.
He remained in that position for three years, and then joined the Oakland Tribune as feature writer of California history
for the paper, for another three years. In 1925, he was named Curator of Sutter's Fort Museum in Sacramento, California, and
became a charter member of the American Association of Museums.
Harry Peterson's credits are many, from over three hundred published stories and speeches and countless photographs concerning
California History, many for professional and trade publications and meetings. He was responsible for energizing the public
to the historical value of Sutter's Fort. He served on the Southern Pacific Railroad Company's selection committee to identify
historical sites along its lines. He also acted as historical consultant on several Hollywood films of the Gold Rush days,
such as The Pony Express, The Big Trail, the Fighting Caravan, and Sutter's Gold.. He was a member of the Board of Directors
of the Sacramento Golden Empire Centennial in 1939. His energy, exemplified by his many activities, appeared to be unstoppable,
but Harry Peterson died suddenly of a heart attack, in his office at Sutter's Fort, in 1941. His series of articles on the
Gold Rush for the Oakland Tribune were collected in book form, The 49er, published posthumously by the Doubleday Company in
1949.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
Correspondence, notes, memorabilia, typescripts. Included is material pertaining to Stanford University and Sutters Fort.
Access Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Berner, Bertha.
Couper, William.
Covey, F.W.
Davis, Horace.
Gross, H.H.
Hewes, Anna Lathrop.
Holzman, R.O.
Jordan, David Starr, 1851-1931.
Lathrop, Charles G. (Charles Gardner), 1849-1914.
Nash, H.C.
Schmid, Rupert.
Spencer, Francis.
Stanford, Jane Lathrop, 1828-1905.
Wilbur, Ray Lyman, 1875-1949.
Stanford University--History.
Sutters' Fort.
Series 1. Peterson Family Material
Box 1, Folder 1
Harry Claude Peterson biography and resumes n.d.
Physical Description: (4 sheets)
Scope and Content Note
See also B 3 (OS), Fs 1,4, and 5.
Box 1, Folder 2
Personal Correspondence1907-1937
Physical Description: (11 letters & 4 postcards)
Box 1, Folder 3
Correspondence to H. C. Peterson, from Arthur S. Dudley family1909-1937
Physical Description: (3 items)
Box 1, Folder 4
Stock certificate (gold mine), agreement to purchase (blank) 1933
Box 1, Folder 5
Commemorative silk ribbons1889-1916
Physical Description: (14 items)
Box 1, Folder 6
Photo album, Austin Petersonn.d.
Box 1, Folder 7
Miscellany (Golden Gate Bridge ticket, H. C. Peterson business card, receipt 1932-1937
Physical Description: (3 items).
Series 2. Material Relating to Stanford University and Stanford Museum
Box 1, Folder 8
"Founding of Stanford University (1891)"1931
Physical Description: (1 pamphlet).
Scope and Content Note
See also B 3 (OS), Fs 1,4, and 5.
Box 1, Folder 9
"Stanford University Opening Day Exercises" 1891
Physical Description: (1 pamphlet).
Box 1, Folder 10
Stanford Circulars 1 & 2 (with personal card of Mrs. Leland [Jane] Stanford). 1891
Box 1, Folder 11
Stanford University student testimonials, King-Richardson, Company 1899
Physical Description: (1 pamphlet).
Box 1, Folder 12
Stanford University Commencement 1901
Physical Description: (1 program).
Box 1, Folder 13
"Address to Stanford University Trustees," Jane L. Stanford 1899
Physical Description: (1 pamphlet).
Box 1, Folder 14
"Address to Stanford University Trustees," Jane L. Stanford 1903
Physical Description: (1 pamphlet). See also B 3, F 3.
Box 1, Folder 15
Letter to Jane L. Stanford, from F. W. Covey (Palo Alto Stock Farm), September 1, 1893
Physical Description: (2 sheets).
Box 1, Folder 16
Letter to Jane L. Stanford, from H. H. Gross,July 21, 1893
Physical Description: (2 sheets).
Box 1, Folder 17
Letters to Jane L. Stanford, from Francis Spencer (Stanford Trustee), C. F. Crocker, C. S. Lathrop, C. P. Huntington.August 17, 1890 and August 17, 1893
Physical Description: (2 letters).
Box 1, Folder 18
Letters to Jane L. Stanford, from Horace Davis (Stanford Trustee), July 13 and July 19, 1904
Physical Description: (2 letters).
Box 1, Folder 19
Letters to H. C. Nash (secretary to Leland W. Stanford), from R. O. Holzman, July 17, July 20, and August 5, 1893
Physical Description: (3 letters).
Box 1, Folder 20
Letter to H. C. Nash, from H. H. Gross, July 21, 1893
Physical Description: ( 1 sheet).
Box 1, Folder 21
Letter to H. C. Nash, from Rupert Schmid,August 2, 1893
Physical Description: (1 sheet)
Box 1, Folder 22
In Memoriam: Leland Stanford, Jr., book with letter attached to Mrs. Jane L. Stanford, from William Couper. 1885
Box 1, Folder 23
"Memorial Address: Leland Stanford," U. S. Senate, Washington D. C., 1893
Physical Description: (1 pamphlet).
Box 1, Folder 24
"In Memoriam: Anna Lathrop Hewes,"August 2, 1892
Physical Description: (1 pamphlet).
Box 1, Folder 25
"Leland Stanford Junior Museum," Stanford University Press, 1903
Physical Description: ( 1 pamphlet).
Scope and Content Note
Timothy Hopkins, Charles G. Lathrop, Anna Lathrop Hewes, David Starr Jordan, F. W. Covey, Palo Alto Stock Farm.
Box 1, Folder 26
Letter to H. C. Peterson, Curator, Leland Stanford, Jr. Museum, from Bertha Berner (Secretary to Jane L. Stanford), August 19, 1903
Physical Description: (1 sheet).
Scope and Content Note
See also B 3, F 1.
Box 1, Folder 27
Letters to H. C. Peterson, from Charles G. Lathrop, July 6, 1901, and Mrs. Charles G. Lathrop, December 28, 1903
Physical Description: (2 letters).
Box 1, Folder 28
Letter to H. C. Peterson, from David [Starr] Jordan, November 14, 1902
Physical Description: (1 letter)
Scope and Content Note
See also B 3, F 5.
Box 1, Folder 29
Letter to H. C. Peterson, from R. [Ray] L. [Lyman] Wilbur, September 29, 1916
Physical Description: (1 sheet).
Box 1, Folder 30
Letter from H. C. Peterson to [Mr. Bube?], with invoice, October 14, 1907
Physical Description: (2 sheets)
Box 1, Folder 31
Additional Stanford Museum correspondence to H. C. Peterson 1901-1917
Physical Description: (8 letters, 1 postcard)
Box 1, Folder 32
Envelopes to H. C. Peterson 1910-1916
Physical Description: (5 envelopes)
Box 1, Folder 33
News clipping, "New Library at Stanford Has Browsing Room." [ July 26 1919?].
Scope and Content Note
Timothy Hopkins.
Box 1, Folder 34
Photo, note, and envelope re Herbert Hoover[1912]
Physical Description: (3 items).
Box 1, Folder 35
Letter to Stanford student's parents, from Herbert Hoover, October 5, 1942
Physical Description: (1 letter)
Box 1, Folder 36
"Palo Stock Farm Catalog," auction, November 26, 1897
Physical Description: (1 pamphlet).
Scope and Content Note
See also B 1, F 15.
Box 1, Folder 37
Photographs of early Stanford University [1900]
Physical Description: (16 B/W photos and colored postcards).
Box 1, Folder 38
Souvenir ticket to Stanford house, Michigan Bluff, Placer County, California, June 2, 1928
Physical Description: (1 item.)
Scope and Content Note
See also B 4, F 1.
Box 1, Folder 39
"Scientific Physiognomist." Fragment, signed by Mary Olmstead Stanton . n.d.
Physical Description: (1 sheet).
Box 1, Folder 40
Blank invoices,Vina Distillery 1890?
Physical Description: (10 items)
Series 3. Material Relating to Fort Sutter and the Discovery of Gold
Box 2, Folder 1
Photographs of Sutter's Fort (n.d.) and H. C. Peterson, Curator (1932).
Physical Description: (4 items)
Box 2, Folder 2
" Sutter's Fort Historical Museum," pamphlet[1944?]
Physical Description: (48 pages).
Box 2, Folder 3
"The Discovery of Gold in California," pamphlet1919
Physical Description: (4 pages).
Box 2, Folder 4
Letters by P. B .Beakart, stating that first gold found in 1848 was not nugget-sized 1921, 1931
Physical Description: (2 letters)
Box 2, Folder 5
"California Pioneers," speech, John C. Chambers,February 22, 1918
Physical Description: (9 pages).
Box 2, Folder 6
"Sutter's Fort Historical Museum," typescript, by H. C. Peterson 1925
Physical Description: ( 5 sheets).
Box 2, Folder 7
"Hock Farm," partial typescript, by H. C. Peterson n.d.
Physical Description: (3 sheets).
Box 2, Folder 8
"It Never Occurred To Me," typescript, by H.C. Peterson n.d.
Physical Description: (2 sheets).
Box 2, Folder 9
Sutter's Fort Museum Collection, partial typescript, [by H. C. Peterson?] n.d.
Physical Description: (2 sheets).
Box 2, Folder 10
"Benicia," typescript, H. C. Peterson, September 12, 1927
Physical Description: (8 sheets).
Box 2, Folder 11
"Marysville," partial typescript, by H.C. Peterson, September 14,1935
Physical Description: (4 sheets ).
Box 2, Folder 12
Minutes, California State Historical Association, Sutter's Fort, H. C. Peterson, Acting Secretary,November 26, 1934
Physical Description: (3 sheets)
Box 2, Folder 13
Lists of Fort Sutter display labels n.d.
Physical Description: (5 sheets).
Box 2, Folder 14
Sutter's Fort Museum correspondence, to H. C. Peterson , 1920-1929
Physical Description: (11 letters, 2 postcards)
Box 2, Folder 15
Sutter's Fort Museum correspondence, to H. C. Peterson, 1930-1940
Physical Description: (16 letters, 4 postcards)
Box 2, Folder 16
Correspondence to/from B. F. Hall and H. C. Peterson 1930-1937
Physical Description: (3 letters and 1 postcard)
Box 2, Folder 17
Correspondence from H.C Peterson 1927-1936
Physical Description: (4 letters).
Box 2, Folder 18
Letter from Karen Kearns (Huntington Library) to Gerald Lucero regarding authenticity of attached letter, purportedly written
by John A. Sutter, May 17, 1988
Physical Description: (2 sheets).
Scope and Content Note
See also B 3, F 9.
Box 2, Folder 19
Photograph, John A. Sutter.n.d.
Box 2, Folder 20
Copy of will, Anna Sutter, dated 1881 1926
Physical Description: (4 sheets).
Box 2, Folder 21
Invitation to H. C. Peterson to visit branches of the Sutter Family, from M. Van Volbeck,January 18, 1928.
Box 2, Folder 22
Letters from Paulita de Sutter to H.C. Peterson,1938
Physical Description: (4 letters).
Box 2, Folder 23
Photographs, John Bidwell n.d.
Physical Description: (3 photos)
Box 2, Folder 24
Letter to John Bidwell, from Mrs. T. Lynch Mineral Point, November 13, 1851
Physical Description: (1 letter).
Box 2, Folder 25
Letter to H.C. Peterson, from Charles E. Bancroft, regarding Bidwell's BarMarch 19, 1925,
Physical Description: (1 sheet)
Box 2, Folder 26
Letters from Charles H.Davis regarding disposition of effects, May 1, 1928
Physical Description: (2 letters).
Box 2, Folder 27
Letters from/to A. William Lund and H. C. Peterson, May 19 and 26, 1928
Physical Description: (2 letters).
Box 2, Folder 28
Letter to H. C Peterson from E. Brown regarding C. H. Davis, July 9, 1928
Physical Description: (1 letter)
Box 2, Folder 29
Letter to H. C. Peterson from Capt. W.R. Scott regarding C. H. Davis, July 18, 1928
Physical Description: (1 sheet).
Box 2, Folder 30
Typescript and handwritten draft regarding C. H. Davis n.d.
Physical Description: (2 sheets).
Scope and Content Note
See also Box 3, F 10.
Box 2, Folder 31
Correspondence between H. C. Peterson and the Progressive Magazine, January 27 to February 14, 1928
Physical Description: (7 letters).
Box 2, Folder 32
The Progressive Magazine facsimile and book advertisement. n.d.
Physical Description: (2 items).
Box 2, Folder 33
Correspondence between Julius Loeb and H. C. Peterson regarding the Pony Express,August 4 and 25,1927, and February 20, 1928
Physical Description: (4 letters).
Box 2, Folder 34
List of Candidates [for California Historical Society ?]. prepared by H. C. Peterson. n.d.
Box 2, Folder 35
Program, Garden Fete, for delegates to Pan American Reciprocal Trade Conference, August 28, 1930. Replica: California Republic
flag,
Physical Description: (2 items).
Box 2, Folder 36
Illustrated card and poem, from E. A. Burbank (8x10 inches) to H. C. Peterson (and envelope)August 23, 1938.
Box 2, Folder 37
Photographs commemorating "Days of the 49ers"[1939]
Physical Description: (8 photographs).
Scope and Content Note
See also B 3, F2.
Box 2, Folder 38
Photograph (8x10 inches), Morgan Wallace as General John Fremont in film Sutter's Gold. n.d.
Box 2, Folder 39
Luggage tag, H. C. Peterson, Sutter's Hotel, San Francisco, California. n.d.
Box 2, Folder 40
Correspondence to H. C. Peterson regarding Whiskerinos Club, 1920s
Physical Description: (2 letters, 3 postcards)
Box 2, Folder 41
Miscellaneous envelopes1928-1937
Box 2, Folder 42
Correspondence to H. C. Peterson regarding early California history 1928, 1938
Physical Description: (5 letters)
Box 2, Folder 43
"Romance of California," [text by H. C. Peterson ?], Sacramento Chamber of Commerce (pamphlet, [1927]
Physical Description: 22 pages).
Box 2, Folder 44
"Romance of California," text by H. C. Peterson, Sacramento Chamber of Commerce (pamphlet,
Physical Description: 1938
Scope and Content Note
47 pages, with map).
Box 2, Folder 45
Crofutt's New Overland Tourist, and Pacific Coast Guide (partial copy). [1880]
Box 2, Folder 46
Historical notes on crossing the plains by H. C. Peterson n.d.
Physical Description: (8 notes).
Box 2, Folder 47
"Captain Jean J Voiget," typescripts, [by H. C. Peterson ?] n.d.
Physical Description: (two copies, 8 pages).
Box 2, Folder 48
Notebook, compiled by H. C. Peterson, relating to J.J. Voiget's first survey of Yerba Buena (San Francisco) in 1839-40. 1904
Scope and Content Note
(Notes from several historical sources, photos of dispositions of early settlers, maps, news clippings).
Box 2, Folder 49
Photograph of painting of Yerba Buena, [ by John J. Voiget . n.d.
Box 2, Folder 50
Land grant testimony of John J. Voiget and Wm. I. Richardson, schedule of testimony, plot plan, San Francisco, 1848. 1848, 1854
Box 2, Folder 51
Letter to H. C. Peterson from Alice Jeanette Voigetn.d.
Box 2, Folder 52
Letter to Raphael Weill, from H. C. Peterson regarding Yerba Buena Cove, March 31, 1920
Physical Description: (1 letter)
Box 2, Folder 53
Photograph, U.S. Mint [San Francisco ?].1904
Box 2, Folder 54
"The Highway of Romance" (Mother Lode State Highway), n.d.
Physical Description: (pamphlet, 8 pages).
Box 2, Folder 55
Program, Dedication of Fremont Tablet, Buttes, California, April 15, 1923.
Box 2, Folder 56
News clipping on John C. Fremont, New York Tribune, June 20, 1856.
Box 2, Folder 57
Chinese Camp (California), typescript by H. C. Peterson n.d.
Physical Description: (11 pages).
Box 2, Folder 58
Chinese Camp (California), handwritten notes [by H.C. Peterson?] n.d.
Physical Description: (4 sheets).
Box 2, Folder 59
Coloma (California), handwritten notes [by H. C. Peterson?] n.d.
Physical Description: (4 sheets).
Box 2, Folder 60
Coyote Diggings (California), handwritten notes, [by H. C. Peterson], n.d.
Physical Description: (3 notes, 1 envelope).
Box 2, Folder 61
Volcano (California), handwritten notes, [ by H. C. Peterson ?] n.d.
Physical Description: (1 sheet).
Box 2, Folder 62
Announcement, State Mining Celebration, Mariposa, California, June 20-21,1 931
Physical Description: (1 sheet).
Box 2, Folder 63
California history, handwritten notes, [H. C. Peterson ?] n.d.
Physical Description: (2 sheets)
Box 2, Folder 64
California pioneer tombstones (8 photographs).n.d.
Box 2, Folder 65
Gold mining towns n.d.
Physical Description: ( 8 photographs, and 1 chit from gold mining company).
Box 2, Folder 66
Letter from John B. Montgomery to E. L. Norton, from Boston August 7, 1862,
Physical Description: (1 sheet)
Box 2, Folder 67
Monterey-Carmel (California), n.d
Physical Description: ( 8 photographs).
Box 2, Folder 68
Letter to H. C. Peterson about San Mateo California from C. P Cooley, Palo Alto, California, January 1, 1928
Physical Description: (1 letter).
Box 2, Folder 69
Photograph taken at Mission San Jose, California,[ with H. C. Peterson?] n.d.
Box 2, Folder 70
Handwritten notes on "A Threatened Offense." California Penal Code). n.d.
Box 2, Folder 71
"Central Pacific Railroad," pamphlet 1913
Physical Description: (2 copies).
Box 2, Folder 72
Sun Valley, Idaho, typescript [by H. C. Peterson ?].1938
Series 4. Oversize materials
Oversize 3, Folder 1
News clipping, "Mrs. Stanford Dies in Sudden Agony at a Honolulu Hotel, Declaring,'I am poisoned!'." San Francisco Chronicle,
March 2, 1905.
Oversize 3, Folder 2
News clipping, announcing 1849 centennial, Sacramento Union, March 22, 1936.
Oversize 3, Folder 3
Policy statement to Jane L. Stanford from Stanford University Trustees, June 5, 1903.
Physical Description: See also B 1 F 14.
Oversize 3, Folder 4
Stanford University map.n.d.
Oversize 3, Folder 5
Partial letter [to Jane L. Stanford ?] from Jesse Knight Jordan n.d.
Physical Description: (3 pages).
Oversize 3, Folder 6
The Resources of California, [ about Stanford University], September 1886.
Oversize 3, Folder 7
News clipping. "The Dizzy Cycle that John A Sutter Executed in His Lifetime," by H. C. Peterson, Oakland Tribune, March 30, 1924.
Oversize 3, Folder 8
"Life at Sutter's Fort," play script, with accompanying letter by Irene Clark to H. C. PetersonMarch 2, 1936
Physical Description: (script 21 pages, letter 2 pages).
Oversize 3, Folder 9
Letter by John A. Sutter [purported] to Ernesto Hopkins n.d.
Physical Description: (1 letter).
Scope and Content Note
See also B 1 F 18
Oversize 3, Folder 10
Letter, partial, [by H.C. Peterson] regarding Captain C. H. Davis n.d.
Physical Description: (11 sheet).
Scope and Content Note
See also B 2, F 31
Oversize 3, Folder 11
Chattel mortgage agreement: Ralph Joines to Harry C. Peterson, regarding tools, Sutter's Fort. 1939
Oversize 3, Folder 12
Boyd and Barber in San Francisco in mid-1800s, typescript n.d.
Physical Description: (4 sheets).
Oversize 3, Folder 13
California Indians, partial typescriptn.d.
Oversize 3, Folder 14
News clippings. Marysville Advertiser, 1854 and 1857
Physical Description: (13 clippings).
Oversize 3, Folder 15
Handwritten copy of Sonoma (California) County law, 1857
Physical Description: (1 sheet).
Oversize 3, Folder 16
Statement of charges incurred by patients of St. Luke's Hospital, San Francisco, September 1 to September 30, 1876.
Physical Description: (2 sheets)
Oversize 3, Folder 17
Accounts record [in Spanish]. 1851
Physical Description: (14 pages)
Oversize 3, Folder 18
Proclamation [in Portugese], signed by Joaquin O. Alvarez and Jose de O Barbazo, April 26, 1826.
Physical Description: (2 sheets).
Oversize 3, Folder 19
Statement from Mutuo Soccorso della Compagna Carabiniere Swizzeri [in Italian], San Francisco,December 1, 1888.
Box 4, Folder 1
Photoprints of Leland Stanford house at Michigan Bluff, California n.d.
Physical Description: (8 glass negatives).
Box 4, Folder 2
Photoprint of Peter Slater's Saloon, Fort Sutter, (H.C. Peterson behind bar), n.d.
Physical Description: (1 glass negative, cracked)
