Collection Guide
Collection Title:
Collection Number:
Get Items:
Guide to the George F. Hodges Collection
2009.76
2009.76
No online items
View entire collection guide
Search this collection
Table of contents
Title: George F. Hodges Collection
Identifier/Call Number: 2009.76
Contributing Institution:
History San Jose Research Library
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
1.0 Linear feet
(1 box)
Date (bulk): Bulk, 1940-1945
Date (inclusive): 1927-1978
Abstract: This collection contains materials related to the family of George F. Hodges, with a significant contribution of materials
from his daughter, Grace Evelyn Wahrer (nee Hodges). Many of the materials relate primarily to the Hodges’ experience in the
WWII home front in San Jose. Hodges was active in the San Jose community and in the San Jose Defense Council as a Senior Precinct
Warden. Included in this collection are photographs of the Wahrer family, recipes, a substantial assemblage of play and concert
programs, posters and ticket stubs, and newspaper clippings from attended shows, as well as magazines, newsletters, newspaper
clippings of the “When Santa Clara County Was Young” column, and various other ephemera.
creator:
Hodges, George F., 1887-1971
This collection contains materials related to the family of George F. Hodges, with a significant contribution of materials
from his daughter, Grace Evelyn Wahrer (nee Hodges). Many of the materials relate primarily to the Hodges’ experience in the
WWII home front in San Jose. Hodges was active in the San Jose community and in the San Jose Defense Council as a Senior Precinct
Warden. Included in this collection are photographs of the Wahrer family, recipes, a substantial assemblage of play and concert
programs, posters and ticket stubs, and newspaper clippings from attended shows, as well as magazines, newsletters, newspaper
clippings of the “When Santa Clara County Was Young” column, and various other ephemera.
The collection has been arranged into four series reflecting the different time periods and activities in Hodges' life.
George F. Hodges Collection, 2009-76, History San Jose Research Library, San Jose, California 95112-2599.
Property rights reside with History San Jose. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact History San Jose
Research Library.
Conditions Governing Access note
The collection is open to the public for research by appointment.
The collection was processed by Elizabeth Henry in 2010.
George Franklin Hodges (1887-1971) was born on December 5, 1887, in Warrensburg, Ohio, living in Delaware County until 1910
when, at the age of 23, he moved to Bowles near Fresno, California. Here, Hodges worked in fruit and dairy farming until,
in 1914, he completed a business course at the Fresno Heald’s Busines College. Hodges then accepted an accounting position
with the Santa Fe Railroad where he worked for three years, then moved on to a position at Sun Maid Raisin Growers where he
worked for eight years in charge of Plant Accounting and Auditing. In 1927, Hodges moved with his family to San Jose where
he spent 12 years in the accounting department of a large canning and dried fruit company. During World War II, Hodges was
active in San Jose Civilian Defense, serving as a precinct captain for San Jose Precinct 145. After the war, Hodges was appointed
to a position as Auditor for the United States Maritime Commission in Richmond, California, then transferring to the National
Housing Agency in Vallejo, California where he remained until retirement. Hodges married Laura “Audie” Helen Bagby (1887-1968?)
on July 7, 1914 in Fresno, CA. The Hodges had four children, all born in Fresno County - Grace “Evelyn” Hodges, George “Wilfred”
Hodges, Warren Franklin Hodges and Mary Leona Hodges.
Grace “Evelyn” Hodges (1915- ) was born in Fresno County. She moved to San Jose in 1927 with her family. Evelyn completed
two years at San Jose State College and worked at the O.A. Hale department store before she married Lee Edward Wahrer in 1940.
The Wahrers had 3 children, all born in San Jose, CA – Sharon Lee Wahrer, Jo Ann Wahrer and Debra Lynn Wahrer.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
The collection was donated by Debbie Avant in December 2009.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Kaiser Industries Corporation.
Permanente Cement Company.
Wahrer, Grace Hodges, ("Evelyn"), 1915-
Wahrer, Lee Edward
Civil defense
Commonwealth Club of California
Concerts
San Jose State University
Santa Clara County (Calif.)
Theaters
World War, 1939-1945