The George Cooper Pardee Papers, 1871-1968, contain materials documenting Pardee's political career as governor of California, his role as governor in overseeing relief efforts following the Great San Francisco Earthquake and Fire of 1906, and his interests in conservation, forestry, and irrigation in California. The collection consists primarily of correspondence. Other types of records include petitions and applications for appointment to state positions, newspaper clippings, personal receipts and invoices, various reports and studies, and speeches and articles written by Pardee. Although the collection contains materials dating from 1871-1968, the bulk of the materials range from 1902 to 1906.

George Cooper Pardee, twenty-first governor of California (1903-1907), was born in San Francisco on July 25, 1857. His father, Enoch Homer Pardee, was a prominent eye doctor and politician, who served as mayor of Oakland, state senator, and state assemblyman. George Pardee followed closely in his father's footsteps, becoming an eye doctor in San Francisco and mayor of Oakland. Unlike his father, he did not serve in the state legislature in Sacramento; however he was elected governor of California in 1902. As governor he fought for many progressive ideas including conservation, irrigation, civil service reform, and better pay for public school teachers.

Number of containers: 124 boxes, 18 cartons, 34 volumes, 3 oversize folders Linear feet: 48 linear feet

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Collection is open for research.