This collection includes correspondence from Goodman-Maltin family and friends from (1902-1962); letters from Bess Maltin back to Stockton while she and her husband are on a jewelry buying trip to the East Coast (October 1941); and, the World War II correspondence of Louis Maltin (1942-1945).

The Goodman family operated Goodman's Jewelry Company, a jewelry store and watch repair business in Stockton, Calif. (ca. 1896-1962). Initially run by Louis Goodman, the business began as the branch of a larger firm in San Francisco, becoming independent after the San Francisco Earthquake and Fire (1906). After Louis' death, first his son, Joseph, then a daughter, Ann (d. 1942), became manager. Jack Maltin, who also worked in the store, married another daughter, Bess (d. 1962), and later the Maltins ran the family business. Bess was the only Goodman daughter to marry. The Maltins had a son, Louis (b. 1921), who served in the Army Air Force during World War II (1942-1945). He wrote many letters home to his parents and to his aunt Rose Goodman (d. 1977), while stationed in New Guinea. Louis Maltin suffered an accidental injury (1944) that kept him from active duty for the final year of the War. In May 1945 he returned to the U.S. where his convalescence continued while he took classes in bookkeeping. Following his discharge (August 1945), Maltin came to Stockton where he was ultimately employed as County Clerk-Recorder (1960s).

Collection is open for research.