Description
The Giffen Incorporated collection measures 78.25 linear feet and dates from 1911 to1983. The collection is arranged in eleven
series: Employees Enterprises, Giffen family-personal, Giffen Ginning Company, Giffen Incorporated, Gila River Ranch, History,
Hunting and fishing permits, Mexico oil and gas venture, River Ranch, Russell Giffen and Company, and Wylie Giffen. This collection
was only processed to the sub-series level.
Background
Russell Giffen was born on April 23, 1902 to Wylie and May Giffen, the last of four children. Wylie Giffen was a farmer in
the Mendota area and a major player in the grape and raisin industry in the early 20th century. In 1924 Russell Giffen married
Ruth Price. Giffen farmed on leased land near Arvin, California, during the 1920s, until the depression hit and he moved to
Mendota to help on his father's farm. A difference in opinion regarding cotton irrigation resulted in Russell Giffen going
into business for himself again, this time doing custom farm tillage and gleaning harvested cotton fields.
Restrictions
The library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claimants of literary
property.
Availability
The collection is open for research.