Guide to the Alice E. Klauber Papers
MS 182
Finding aid prepared by Katrina White
Collection processed as part of grant project supported by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) with generous
funding from The Andrew Mellon Foundation.
San Diego History Center Document Collection
1649 El Prado, Suite 3
San Diego, CA, 92101
619-232-6203
August 11, 2011
Title: Alice E. Klauber Papers
Identifier/Call Number: MS 182
Contributing Institution:
San Diego History Center Document Collection
Language of Material:
English
Physical Description:
1.0 Linear feet
(3 boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1890-1938
Abstract: This collection contains the personal papers of Alice E. Klauber, including numerous travel journals from her journeys through
Europe and Asia, as well as diaries chronicling her life in California. It also contains pencil sketches and watercolors of
landscapes, people, and architecture in addition to poetry, correspondence, and other personal and financial documents.
Language of Materials: Collection materials are in English, Italian, French, and Hungarian.
creator:
Klauber, Alice Ellen, 1871-1951
Biographical / Historical Notes
Alice E. Klauber was an artist and an interior designer with a significant influence on the cultural development of San Diego.
Born in San Diego on May 19, 1871, Ms. Klauber was the third of twelve children born to Abraham and Theresa Epsteen Klauber.
Alice moved briefly to San Francisco with her family in 1885, returning to San Diego permanently in 1892.
Later, Ms. Klauber went on to study art under William M. Chase and Robert Henri. Much of her familiarity with different art
forms and styles came from her travels throughout Europe and the “Orient.” Ms. Klauber traveled to Europe four times during
her lifetime: in 1907 with Robert Henri, in 1912 with William Chase, in 1922 where she remained abroad until the end of 1923,
and finally in 1934 through 1935. In addition to her extensive travels through Europe, Ms. Klauber traveled to several countries
in Asia in 1929 including China, Japan, Java and Cambodia. Her travels through the Orient led to her accumulation of a large
collection of Oriental Art, some of which she contributed to the Oriental Art collection of the Fine Arts Gallery. This led
to her recognition as an Honorary Curator of Oriental Art in 1940.
Ms. Klauber was an active and respected member of the San Diego community, especially within the art world. She was a chairperson
of the Art Department of the Panama-California Exposition in San Diego in 1915-1916, as well as helping provide the interior
decoration for the Exposition, Y.W.C.A., and the Wednesday Club. Ms. Klauber was very interested in architecture, drawing
numerous sketches of houses and floor plans of different architectural styles. She was considered an expert in Oriental Art
and was often asked to speak at various events and for many organizations in the San Diego area. While she rarely admitted
to being an artist herself, Ms. Klauber’s work was exhibited frequently in Southern California, especially during the 1920s
and 1930s. Her work was displayed at both the 1915-16 and the 1935-36 Expositions in San Diego.
Ms. Klauber’s artistic influence extended beyond the interior design realm when in 1928 she wrote a book of poetry entitles
Poems, which was published in Chula Vista. Further, she designed book plates for several prominent San Diegans and her paintings
were awarded on several occasions. Ms. Klauber died in Lemon Grove on July 5, 1951.
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged into six series:
Series I: Travel Journals
Series II: California Journals
Series III: Writings
Series IV: Art
Series V: Architecture
Series VI: Personal documents
Items within each series are arranged by subject and date.
Scope and Content
This collection contains the personal papers of Alice E. Klauber dating from 1890 to 1938. This includes journals and writings
chronicling her travel through Europe and Asia, as well as the East Coast of the United States. Several other journals chronicle
her life in California during her residence both in San Diego and San Francisco. The collection contains two notable pieces
of writing, a short story written by Alice during her trip to Asia, and a notebook containing several original poems. There
are also numerous pencil sketches and watercolors of landscapes, people, and architecture. Some of the landscapes portray
locations in San Diego County, including Lemon Grove and El Cajon. The collection also contains some correspondence, as well
as address books and financial papers.
Preferred Citation
Alice E. Klauber Papers, MS 182, San Diego History Center Document Collection, San Diego, CA.
Processing Information
Collection processed by Katrina White on August 11, 2011.
Collection processed as part of grant project supported by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) with generous
funding from The Andrew Mellon Foundation.
Separated Materials
Sketches transferred to Curatorial Department, November 27, 1990. Curatorial Accession Number SDH 86.83.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
The binding on one sketchbook is partially undone and some pages are loose. (August 11, 2011)
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Accession number 860110A.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
American Federation of Arts.
Aymar, Zenobia Camprubi
Bancroft, Kate
Biennale di Venezia.
California Pacific International Exposition (1935-1936 : San Diego, Calif.).
Chase, William Merritt, 1849-1916
Fine Arts Society of San Diego (Calif.).
Hawkins, Margaret Scripps
Henri, Robert, 1865-1929
Japan Society of San Diego.
Jimenez, Juan Ramon, 1881-1958
Kalman, Feher
Klauber Wangenheim Co..
Klauber, Abraham, 1831-1911
Klauber, Alice Ellen, 1871-1951
Klauber, Edgar
Klauber, Theresa Epsteen
Lovell, Eleanor Klauber
Panama-California Exposition (1915 : San Diego, Calif.).
Panama-California International Exposition (1916 : San Diego, Calif.).
San Francisco Art Association.
Seeger, Alan, 1888-1916
Sessions, Kate Olivia, 1857-1940
Sherman, Elizabeth
Synge, J. M. (John Millington), 1871-1909
Wednesday Club of San Diego .
Young Women's Christian Association.
Art
Arts & Decoration
Austria
Balboa Park (San Diego, Calif.)
Berlin (Germany)
Budapest (Hungary)
Cambodia
China
Chula Vista (Calif.)
Colon (Panama)
El Cajon (Calif.)
House & Garden
Java
Kaukauna (Wis.)
Kobe-shi (Japan)
La Mesa (Calif.)
Lemon Grove (Calif.)
Linda Vista (Calif.)
London (England)
Los Angeles (Calif.)
Madrid (Spain)
Panama Canal (Panama)
Paris (France)
Phoenix (Ariz.)
Place de Etats-Unis (Memorial to American Volunteers)
Poetry
Poland
Prague (Czech Republic)
Rome (Italy)
Saint Paul (Minn.)
San Diego (Calif.)
San Diego Union
San Francisco (Calif.)
Santa Barbara (Calif.)
Spanish Village
Travel
Venice (Italy)
Writing
Series I:
Travel Journals
Box-folder 1:1
“1st trip East” - United States travel journal,
1896 July 25–1899 February 25
Scope and Content
Notes on travels to East coast, including Chicago and Pittsburgh. Notes are scrawled and hard to read. Mostly records social
visits and outings.
Entries of interest:
January 7, 1899: Went to Academy of Fine Arts in the morning. Saw DeWolf Hopper at Chestnut St. Opera House in evening.
January 9, 1899: “Went to Senate chamber heard Hoar’s speech against Annexation, attacked member from Comm. (Platt). Saw Senator
White and Henry Cabot Lodge.”
January 11, 1899: “Spent hours in Senate hearing Foraker’s reply to Hoar on annexation. Heard House of Representatives few
moments.”
January 23, 1899: “Grover Cleveland and I only passengers in Pullman car. He got off Princeton Junction.”
Box-folder 1:2
United States travel journal,
1903 March 13-August 9
Scope and Content
Unorganized notes on travel, art classes, etc. Chronicles her trip to East Coast in the spring, including Milwaukee and Chicago.
Notes on front and back of each page do not correspond.
Entries of interest:
Instructions on casting a bas relief (towards front of notebook)
June 27, 1903: Detailed notes on art technique and watercolor from Mr. Vanderpool.
June 29, 1903: Detailed notes on Mr. Mersfelder’s art critiques.
July 21, 1903: “Left Delavan for Kaukauna… Had painted two studies since the class left on Saturday – one over turpentine
and white which was scarcely dry and so very unsuccessful – the other with kerotine as the medium – this was rather too liquid
but better in many ways.”
Box-folder 1:3
“Italian Trip, Chase notes” - Europe travel journal (trip #1),
1907 June-September
Includes:
Mostly notes on different famous pieces of art, including The Last Judgment and the Sistine Chapel. Also quotes and observes
Chase quite a lot. Includes some pencil sketches, including some house floorplans. Several original poems in the second half
of the notebook.
Box-folder 1:4
Europe travel journal (trip #2),
1922
Includes:
Numerous pencil sketches of people, architecture, notes and lists. Mentions Feher Kalman numerous times. Traveled to Prague,
Budapest, Berlin, Vienna, Poland.
Box-folder 1:5
Europe travel journal (trip #2),
1922
Includes:
Notes mostly on museums and art pieces. Includes some pencil sketches.
Box-folder 1:6
Europe travel journal (trip #2),
1922
Includes:
Notes mostly from when she was in Germany. Includes pencil sketches and watercolors, as well as notes, mostly from different
museums she visited. A few sketches of a floorplan that she was working on.
Box-folder 1:7
Europe travel journal (trip #2),
1922
Includes:
Half of the notebook appears to be Italian language practice, including vocabulary lists and notes on grammar. The other half
includes notes on museums visited in Europe, and specific art pieces that left an impression on her.
Box-folder 1:8
Europe travel journal (trip #2),
1922–1923 September
Scope and Content
Chronicles her travel leading up to her departure for Europe, and her travels through Paris and London.
Entries of interest:
March 15-16, 1922: Executive Board Meeting of Fine Arts Gallery; she has trouble with some of the members and leadership:
“I was told I was quibbly and Mr. B would again be made to feel regretful that he had ever started the idea, etc.”
March 28, 1922: Painted at the Art Center from 10am-4:30pm, “Potatoes in blue”
March 31, 1922: Saw exhibit at Biltmore, “bought the Picasso and I love it!”
September 7, 1923: In Paris. Walked the Champs Elysee after lunch. “Blakey called to say goodbye—with a gift too—most lovely
and embarrassing!”
Visits Notre Dame, Durand Ruel on Rue Lafitte. Analyzes painting styles by Boudin, Pissano, Sisley, Renoir: “Boudin mixed
his tones before, PIssano used his mixed tones alternatingly, Sisley was between these two but distinct masses separately
used. Renoir smeared his colors and dragged them smearingly.”
September 17, 1923: “Have made friends with me (sic): Estelle Lakeman, Mrs. Morse and niece, Miss Virginia Soley. We were
the party for the Russian concert, and had an awfully nice time together.”
Sketches of house (in middle of book)
The Ladybird by D.H. Lawrence: “A man can only be happy following his own inmost need…” (inside back cover)
Box-folder 1:9
Europe travel journal (trip #2),
1922 October 15–1923 February 9
Includes:
Mostly notes on artifacts, art seen in different museums throughout Europe (Germany, France, London, etc.).
Box-folder 1:10
Europe travel journal (trip #2),
1923 January 1–1924 January 4
Scope and Content
Living in Europe until late fall of 1923. She returned to San Diego by the holidays. Written in very small handwriting, difficult
to read.
Entries of interest:
June 3-13, 1923: In Venice, does a lot of sketching.
Box-folder 1:11
“Paris – Chateaux Trip” - Europe travel journal (trip #2),
1923 April 24–September 23
Includes:
Traveling in France, goes to Chantilly, Versailles. Then to Germany: Munich, Frankfurt, and on to Amsterdam. Includes more
sketches of floorplan. She visits the Memorial to American Volunteers (for WWI) in the Place de Etats-Unis, quotes poem by
Alan Seeger, “Ode in Memory of the American Volunteers Fallen for France.” The memorial had just been erected that year, in
July of 1923.
Box-folder 3:1
Orient travel notes,
1929 and undated
Scope and Content
Loose papers comprised of still life pencil sketches with notes, as well as notes on artistic styles (possibly from a class
or workshop) and notes on “Oriental” culture and traditions that seem to correspond to a trip she took to “the Orient” in
1929, including Japan, China, Java and Cambodia.
Notes of interest:
A pencil-sketched map of Eurasia.
Notes written on letterhead from The Oriental Hotel, Kobe, Japan.
Notes on Japanese flower arrangement.
Box-folder 1:12
“Letters Sent & Received, etc" - Europe travel journal (trip #3),
1934
Includes:
Lists letters sent during her 1934 trip to Europe.
Box-folder 1:13
“Adrien Paris” - Europe travel journal (trip #3),
1934 June 17-July 10
Scope and Content
Chronicles her journey to Europe via steamship. Many observations about her fellow travelers, mostly British. The entries
are not in chronological order and are hard to follow.
Entry of interest:
June 30, 1934: Arriving at Panama Canal: “Tomorrow early we will be at the Canal entrance and have all day to negotiate it.
We are promised several hours in Colon, for stopping, mailing letters, ‘stretching our legs’ generally.”
Box-folder 2:1
Europe travel journal (trip #3),
1934 September 8–1935 January 17
Scope and Content
Traveling in England.
Entries of interest:
September 14, 1934: “Cooks are holding a reservation on a Daniola ‘Kota’ Goat for Oct. 29th. Seems now much too soon for me.”
September 24, 1934: Took a class on prints with Mr. Wilson (includes notes)
September 25, 1934: “Miss Goodman and I to go to a fashion-show at Eve Valere’s… Nice show, but as usual, too much!”
October 2, 1934: Doctor's appointment: "He was pleased with the fall in blood pressure, 200 to 160 in two weeks of care and
medication. Reported occulists agreement 'Migraine'" – good eyes – His diagnosis: 'Valvular disease' and 'high blood pressure.'
Orders: live carefully!"
November 29, 1934: Thanksgiving and Royal Wedding (Princess Marina of Greece to Prince George, Duke of Kent).
December 10, 1934: Went to St. James Palace to see display of royal wedding gifts and other memorabilia.
December 14, 1934: Went to see “The Shining Hour” at St. James Theater.
Undated: Japan Society Meeting: “The secretary invited me to call and use their library, but haven’t had a chance – also could
have used the library at Courtauld Art School in Portman place.”
At back: Lists of theaters, concerts, performances, lectures attended.
Lists previous trips to Europe and the Orient.
Box-folder 2:2
Handwritten Europe guidebook,
undated
Scope and Content
Red leather notebook with handwritten entries by Ms. Klauber that read like a travel guide (recommendations, where to go,
etc.). It’s addressed to the reader as if she wrote it for someone else. Many blank pages between entries. She lists different
museums and cultural sites she visited and recommends.
Entries of interest:
Page 63: Mentions Zenobia Camprubi Aymar
Page 70: Refers to the Venice Biennale, an art exhibition that takes place every two years.
Old photograph/postcard with inscription
Series II:
California Journals
Box-folder 2:3
San Francisco journal,
1890 February 5-1892 February 16
Scope and Content
From the period when she lived in San Francisco. Includes mostly random lists and notes, and seems unorganized. Includes some
pencil sketches. Contains lists of “Letters read” and “Letters written.” Lists travels: 1890-1892.
Box-folder 2:4
San Diego journal #1,
1906 November 29-1907 February 26
Scope and Content
102 pages total. The cover is labeled “Recipes for Cookery, plaster casts, etc.” Includes some recipes but also many notes
on diverse subjects. There are pencil sketches on pages 14, 37, 40-42, 60-62, 89.
Page 23: “Ask Miss Sessions for red headed bougainvillea.”
Box-folder 2:5
San Diego journal #2,
1918 January 1-November 19
Scope and Content
1918 datebook chronicling her daily activities when she was 47 years old. There are big gaps between entries.
Entries of interest:
June 12, 1918: Went to Annual Club Luncheon, learned how to do hair dressing. “Went to Lau’s dressed for my Japanese print”
June 14, 1918: Went to Francis Parker school for outdoor Shakespeare play. Eleanor (Klauber – her niece) in the play.
November 13-14, 1918: Sketches of floorplan for house
Box-folder 2:6
San Diego journal #3,
1936 January 2-December 30
Scope and Content
1936 Daily Planner. The California-Pacific Exposition was going on during this period, and she frequently attended events
there.
Entries of interest:
February 12, 1936: “Finished the HH room and Chinese art. Poured after the Expo Opening.”
June 23, 1936: “Francis Parker School ‘Round the World on a Penny’ with Eleanor”
July 29, 1936: Meets with Kate Bancroft, 10:30am.
August 30, 1936: “Mrs. Robert Scripps or[ganizes] Cocktail Party”
September 16, 1936: “Painted at Eliz. Sherman’s”
Box-folder 2:7
San Diego journal #4,
1937 January 1–1938 January 5
Scope and Content
1937 Daily Reminder book. Mostly lists appointments and other engagements. She was sick multiple times during the year.
Entry of interest:
April 15, 1937: “El Patio then white paint and large brush to draw at Spanish Village.”
Box-folder 2:8
Poetry notebook,
1912
Scope and Content
Much of writing is smudged, difficult to read. Includes some writing in French, appears to be language practice. Also includes
some original poems but they are difficult to read. (Page numbers counted from cover with “Mirage” poem on it).
Entry of interest:
Page 9: A poem that appears to be dedicated to J.M. Synge.
Box-folder 3:2
Short story,
1929
Scope and Content
An apparently original handwritten narrative titled “The Silver Peacock: A book of criticism.” It was written during her travels
in “the Orient” when she was in a small village outside of Kobe, Japan.
Box-folder 3:3
Written notes,
undated
Includes:
Loose sheets of paper with lists of names, presumably related to gifts or purchases she has made for them (including glass,
pottery, etc.). Also a list of gifts received. Other papers have other notes and lists that are hard to contextualize and
understand since they appear to be notes she jotted down quickly for herself.
Box-folder 3:4
Sketches: landscapes,
1901 April 6–1906 April and undated
Includes:
Pencil sketches and watercolor, primarily landscapes. Several sketches of Kaukauna, Wisconsin. Includes a pencil sketch on
the back of one of Miss Klauber’s calling cards. Other labeled sketches include drawings of Linda Vista, El Cajon and Lemon
Grove.
Box-folder 3:5
Landscapes sketchbook,
1901-1903
Includes:
Sketches in a Ruskin Drawing Book. Includes pencil and color sketches of primarily landscapes, including several labeled La
Mesa.
Box-folder 3:6
Sketches: people,
1893 November–1931 and undated
Includes:
Pencil, pen and color sketches of people. Several sketches are on Klauber Wangenheim Co. letterhead. Very few sketches have
been named, dated or signed. One sketch of two men in conductors' hats labeled "Train for Ferry," Summer 1931.
Box-folder 3:7
People sketchbook,
1893 October-1894 September
Includes:
Sketches of people and landscapes.
Box-folder 3:8
Art notes,
undated
Includes:
Notebook: Includes notes on artistic technique including perspective (possibly from a class/workshop). Some finance lists
in the back.
Loose papers: Includes more notes on artistic technique and art materials. Covers the color palette, glass, etc. Includes
some pencil sketches.
Box-folder 3:9
Architectural sketches,
1914 April–1923 October 24
Includes:
Architectural sketches, floor plans and notes for house(s)/cottage(s) she appeared to be planning to build. Many of the pen
and pencil sketches are on the back of postcards, ads, etc. (for example, a 1914 Christmas League of San Diego card). The
majority of the notes and sketches appear to be made during her Europe travels in 1923. There are also a few planning sketches/drawings
for her paintings, including a sketch of Assisi.
Box-folder 3:10
Architecture articles,
1921 February–1934 January and undated
Includes:
Articles on houses, different architectural styles, and other architecture topics.
Copies of articles from the San Diego Union, Arts & Decoration, and House & Garden.
Clippings of pictures from magazines and newspapers.
Box-folder 3:11
Photographs and postcards,
undated
Includes:
Photographs and postcards of different houses, architecture and interior design.
Series VI:
Personal Documents
Box-folder 3:12
Correspondence,
1930 February 3 and 1931 December 31 and undated
Includes:
Letter from her brother Edgar, undated. Requests her permission to publish a poem of hers in the Los Angeles Times. Informs
her of a family friend’s death, and mentions an enclosed newspaper clipping (not in collection). Refers to the “daily rumbles
of war” but it is unclear which war he was referring to.
Box-folder 3:13
Address books,
undated
Includes:
Three address books containing the names and addresses of Ms. Klauber’s friends and acquaintances from over the years and
across the globe. They include contact information for Robert Henri, Madame Henri Matisse, Zenobia Camprubi Aymar, and many
others.
Box-folder 3:14
Finances,
1922 May 1–1936 July 14 and undated
Includes:
Book of finances from 1936 trip, June 24–July 14, 1936.
Loose papers with notes on finances, calculations, undated.
Box-folder 3:15
"A Gotika Kulesa" (Budapest publication, autographed),
1922
Scope and Content
Autographed by Coloman Feher/Feher Kalman. All the text is in Hungarian except for the dedication: “To Miss Alice Klauber
with much reverence and most devotedly by Coloman Feher.”