The collection contains handwritten correspondences, telegrams, family photographs, and religious ephemera complied by the Del Valle and Forster families between 1804 and 1931.

The Del Valle and Forster families were prominent Californio landowners during the 19th century. John F. Forster was the son of California's largest land owner Don Juan Forster who owned Rancho Santa Margarita located in present day Orange County. Reginaldo and Josefa Del Valle were the children of California politician Don Ygnacio Del Valle who owned Rancho Camulos in present day Ventura County. Reginaldo Del Valle practiced law and was elected to the California State Senate. The marriage between Josefa Del Valle and John F. Forster joined these two prominent families together.

1 Linear Feet (3 document boxes)

Property rights reside with the University of California. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

The collection is open for research.