The collection consists of manuscript drafts for the book Seashore Animals of the Pacific Coast, photographs, and scrapbooks. The scrapbooks are particularly noteworthy, and contain images of the 1915-1916 San Diego Exposition and other scenes of life in the early city. The photograph albums document Johnson's frequent participation in the annual Sierra Club outings to Yosemite and other national parks between 1914 and 1928, and include photographs of wilderness scenery, wildlife, and scenes from camp such as games, campfires, hikes, and meals with outing participants.

Myrtle Johnson was professor of biology at San Diego State Teachers College from 1921 to 1946, and served as chair of the biology department from 1928 until 1940. Her field of specialization was marine biology, and she authored several books on the subject, Seashore Animals of the Pacific Coast, and West Coast Marine Shells. She received her B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley.

3.75 Linear Feet

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This collection is open for research.