The Los Angeles Corral of the Westerners was founded in 1946 and promotes the study and understanding of Western history through publications and events. This collection contains correspondence, financial and publication records, photographs, artifacts, scrapbooks and drafts of articles documenting the history of the Los Angeles Corral of the Westerners.

The first Westerners Corral was established in Chicago in 1944 with the aim of promoting the study and understanding of Western history. Soon, corrals were springing up all over the United States-- and even internationally-- with the Los Angeles corral being established in 1946 by oil executive Homer Britzman--who also was elected founding Sheriff. The last remaining founding member, Glen Dawson, was one of the L.A. Corral's early Sheriffs and was a well-known rock climber, mountaineer, antiquarian bookseller (Dawson's Bookshop in Los Angeles, founded by his father Ernest Dawson), and also served as Director of the Sierra Club from 1937 to 1951. The Los Angeles Corral of the Westerners regularly convenes to hear historians and other speakers present western-related topics as well as to celebrate the western spirit through annual Rendezvous and Fandangos. The Corral has published 22 Brand Books, almost 250 Branding Irons, and numerous other publications. Originally restricted to men, the organization now welcomes and encourages women to participate in the Corral.

202.8 Linear Feet 114 boxes and 3 mapcase folders

The collection contains published articles; researchers are reminded of the copyright restrictions imposed by publishers on reusing their articles and parts of books. It is the responsibility of researchers to acquire permission from publishers when reusing such materials. The copyright to unpublished materials belongs to the heirs of the writers. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access. Consult finding aid for additional information.