This collection chronicles the life of Grover Barnes, the man whom Santa Barbara has dubbed "The Ambassador of Hospitality." His extraordinary charm and service as a "Bell Captain" at the Hotel Miramar Resort has made him famous in the community. He lived a life of civic involvement and participated in many local groups such as the NAACP Santa Barbara Chapter, the Eastside Study Group, the George Washington Carver Scholarship Society and the St. Paul AME Church in Santa Barbara. He received many honors on his 100th birthday. Barnes' correspondence, editorials, original writings, and photographs are featured in this collection.

Grover Cleveland Barnes was born to John R. and Nannie Barnes on November 18, 1906 in Percialla, Texas. He left the farm in 1922 for Grockett, Texas where he worked in a private home. He later graduated from high school earning an athletic scholarship to Bishop College. Due to difficulties he was unable to finish his almost complete degree in History.

8.5 Linear Feet 9 document boxes, 3 binder boxes and 2 oversize boxes

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