Collection Guide
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Forster-del Valle family papers
MS.R.048
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Table of contents
Contributing Institution:
Special Collections and Archives, University of California, Irvine Libraries
Title: Forster-del Valle family papers
Creator:
Forster-del Valle family
Identifier/Call Number: MS.R.048
Physical Description:
1 Linear Feet
(3 document boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1804-1975
Date (bulk): 1880-1930
Abstract: The collection contains handwritten correspondences, telegrams, family photographs, and religious ephemera complied by the
Del Valle and Forster families between 1804 and 1931.
Language of Material: The majority of this collection is in Spanish and English.
The collection is open for research.
Property rights reside with the University of California. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head
of Special Collections and Archives.
Forester-del Valle Family Correspondence. MS-R048. Special Collections and Archives, The UC Irvine Libraries, Irvine, California.
Date accessed.
For the benefit of current and future researchers, please cite any additional information about sources consulted in this
collection, including permanent URLs, item or folder descriptions, and box/folder locations.
Gift of Lorenita Forster Weisenburg, 1973.
Processed by L. Viveros, 1998 and Manuel Escamilla, 2009.
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.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The collection contains handwritten correspondences, telegrams, family photographs, and religious ephemera complied by the
Del Valle and Forster families between 1804 and 1931. The majority of the material was written by or addressed to Reginaldo
Del Valle (1854-1938), Josefa Del Valle Forster (1861-1943), or John F. Forster (1945-1901) between 1870 and 1931. The letters
address family visits, weddings, deaths, religious ceremonies, and business transactions. Additionally there are several letters
between Josefa Del Valle-Forster and various Catholic religious leaders. Included in the collection of religious ephemera
are the funeral notices of several prominent religious figures and the Polish actress Helena Modjeska.
This collection is arranged in 4 series:
- Series 1. Clippings and family records, 1877-1975 and undated
- Series 2. Correspondence, 1804-1931 and undated
- Series 3. Photographic materials, ca. 1880s-1940s
- Series 4. Religious ephemera, ca. 1840s-1970s
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Christian life -- United States -- California -- 19th century
Prayer books
Photographic prints -- California -- 20th century.
Photographic prints -- California -- 19th century.
Devotional images
California -- History -- 19th centrury -- Sources
Bible cards
Del Valle, Reginaldo F. (Reginaldo Francisco) -- Archives
Forster, John -- Archives