Finding Aid for the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee Records
LSC.0107
Finding aid prepared by Manuscripts Division staff; machine-readable finding aid
created by Caroline Cubé and edited by Josh Fiala.
UCLA Library Special Collections
Online finding aid last updated 2022 November 21.
Room A1713, Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575
Business Number: 310-825-4988
Fax Number: 310-206-1864
spec-coll@library.ucla.edu
Contributing Institution:
UCLA Library Special Collections
Title: Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee records
Identifier/Call Number: LSC.0107
Physical Description:
5.5 Linear Feet
(11 boxes and 2 oversize boxes)
Date (inclusive): 1942-1945
Abstract: The Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee (formerly the Citizen's
Committee for the Defense of Mexican American Youth) formed in 1942 in reaction to the
indictment of 22 young men for murder. 12 defendants were convicted of first degree murder.
The Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee raised funds to appeal the case and roused public
opinion through education and publicity programs. In 1944 the original judgment was
overturned. The collection contains correspondence, publications, publicity materials, radio
scripts, office records, a transcript of the Sleepy Lagoon trial, and research materials
including articles about Mexicans and Mexican Americans in Los Angeles. Portions of the
collection are in Spanish.
Physical Location: Stored off-site. All requests to access special collections material
must be made in advance using the request button located on this page.
Language of Material: Materials are in English and
Spanish.
Conditions Governing Access
Open for research. All requests to access special collections materials must be made in
advance using the request button located on this page.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
Property rights to the physical objects belong to UCLA Library Special Collections. All
other rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the
responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the
copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not
hold the copyright.
The donor of this collection has requested that patrons who refer to the material in it
should be informed as follows:
Access to the material in the UCLA Library does not in any way grant
rights for the use of the materials aside from scholarly purposes. It does not grant
rights for the use of materials for book or article publication (except in recognized
scholarly journals) or for stage performances, films for theatre or television or any
other public or commercial presentation.
In order to use the material for stage, film, television or other
public or commercial publication or presentation, in which real people are implied, even
in dramatized form, there would have to be releases signed by the real people so implied,
or their heirs...
(Letter, Alice Greenfield McGrath to James V. Mink, August 15,
1978)
Materials in Boxes 1-12 are available on microfilm in the Department of Special
Collections. Boxes 1-12 are not available for consultation due to fragile condition.
Collection may not be copied for publication except with the permission of Alice
McGrath.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee Records (Collection 107). UCLA
Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, University of California,
Los Angeles.
Provenance/Source of Acquisition
Gift of Alice Greenfield McGrath, 1945.
Processing Information
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UCLA Catalog Record ID
History
The Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee (first known as the Citizens' Committee for the Defense
of Mexican American Youth) was organized in October 1942 in response to the indictment of 22
young men for murder; all defendants but one were Mexican American; 12 defendants were
convicted of first degree murder by Superior Court of Los Angeles County; Sleepy Lagoon
Defense Committee raised funds for the appeal of the case and roused public opinion through
education and publicity programs; judgments and decisions of the lower court were reversed
by the District Court of Appeal of the state of California, 2nd Appellate District, October
4, 1944.
Additional Historical Narrative
In August 1942, 22 defendants, all Mexican Americans but one, were indicted by the grand
jury of Los Angeles county for the murder of José Diaz, whose death occurred at a party on
the Williams ranch in the city of Los Angeles near a little pond called the Sleepy Lagoon.
12 were convicted of first degree murder by the Superior Court of Los Angeles County; the
case was appealed to the District Court of Appeal of the state of California, 2nd Appellate
District, where the judgments and decisions of the lower court were reversed (October 4,
1944).
The Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee (first known as the Citizens' Committee for the
Defense of Mexican-American Youth) was organized around October 1942, and dissolved January
1, 1945. It raised funds for the appeal of the boys' case and roused public opinion to their
cause through an educational and publicity program. The Archive was transferred to the
Library by Alice Greenfield, Executive Secretary of the committee, 1945.
Scope and Content
Collection contains correspondence, publications, publicity materials, radio scripts,
office records, petitions, and research materials of the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee.
Research materials include articles about Mexicans and Mexican Americans in Los Angeles.
Also includes an article from Guy Endore. A transcript of the Sleepy Lagoon trial is also in
the collection.
Extended Scope and Content Note
Materials in the archive include the following categories:
- a) Committee publicity
- b) Publications
- c) Correspondence
- d) Office materials
- e) Petitions
- f) Materials concerning the defendants, including Guy Endore's article, from
Hoy (August to September 1944)
- g) Materials collected by the committee concerning the Mexican minority
- h) Miscellaneous materials collected by the committee
- i) Legal materials including a transcript of the appeal trial.
Organization and Arrangement
Arranged in the following series:
- Publicity.
- Publications.
- Correspondence.
- Office Materials and Records.
- Materials concerning defendants.
- Materials regarding minorities, especially Mexican minority problems in Los
Angeles.
- Miscellaneous materials concerning minorities, labor, etc.
- Photographic plates and newspaper mats.
- Transcript of trial.
- Legal documents.
- Scrapbooks.
- Miscellaneous items.
Boxes 1-12 of the collection have been copied onto 8 reels of microfilm.
Existence and Location of Copies
Related Material
The Education of Alice McGrath [oral history transcript] / Alice Greenfield
McGrath, interviewee. Center for Oral History Research interview, 1987. [Call number:
300/269]. Available at UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library,
UCLA.
Alice Greenfield McGrath Papers (
Collection 1490
). Available at UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research
Library, UCLA.
S. Guy Endore Papers (
Collection 279
). Available at UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research
Library, UCLA.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Civil Rights--California--Los Angeles.
Los Angeles (Calif.)--Race relations.
Mexican-American youth--California--Los Angeles.
Sleepy Lagoon Trial, Los Angeles, Calif., 1942-1943.
McGrath, Alice, 1917-2009
Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee (Los Angeles, Calif.) --
Archives
Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee's Publicity Regarding Case
General note
Available on microfilm reel 1.
box 1, folder 1
News releases.
Scope and Contents note
Mimeographed copies.
box 1, folder 1
Letter, 1944 March 1 to Parole Board, San Quentin, California
1944 March 1
View image
box 1, folder 1
News release : Sleepy Lagoon case and the press
1943
View image
Scope and Contents note
Upper left hand corner: Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee, Carey McWilliams National
Chairman.
box 1, folder 1
News release : reasons for the convictions in the Sleepy Lagoon
case
1944
View image
box 1, folder 1
News release : telegram from Latin American labor delegates stating support
of the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee
1944 May 15
View image
Scope and Contents note
The Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee releases the telegram sent by 14 Latin American
deleagets of the International Labor Organization Conference held in Philadelphia,
Pa.
box 1, folder 1
News release : support for the Sleepy Lagoon defendants and appeal of the
trial
View image
box 1, folder 1
News release : the CIO supports the Sleepy Lagoon case
defendants
1944 September 9
View image
box 1, folder 1
News release : brief submitted to the Board of Prison Terms and Parole at
San Quentin on behalf of the Sleepy Lagoon defendants
1944 March 1
View image
box 1, folder 1
Katz, Gallagher and Margolis prepare oral arguments for the appeal in the
Sleepy Lagoon case
1944 May 9
View image
box 1, folder 1
Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee claims a real victory with the announcement
of the parole of nine of the defendants
1944 June 7
View image
box 1, folder 1
Hollywood benefit buffet to be held in support of the Sleepy Lagoon
defendants
1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Sponsors of the benefit buffet include Vincent Price, John Garfield Anthony Quinn,
Katherine Locke and Elia Kazan, among others.
box 1, folder 1
Sleepy Lagoon case dismissed on October 23
1944 October 28
View image
box 1, folder 1
Memorandum, 1943 November 4 to Charles Ellis, Labor Herald
1943 November 4
View image
box 1, folder 1
Social conditions of Mexican American youth
View image
Scope and Contents note
1943 March 2
box 1, folder 1
We have just begun to fight (draft)
1943
View image
box 1, folder 1
Citizens' Committee for the Defense of Mexican American Youth deplore
attacks against Mexican youth
1943 June
View image
box 1, folder 1
Press telegram, the Daily People's World, San Francisco, Calif.
View image
box 1, folder 1
Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee to be abolished
1944 December 29
View image
box 1, folder 1
News release : Manuel Delgado is the first Sleepy Lagoon defendant released
from prison
View image
Scope and Contents note
Manny Delgado is the first of the Sleepy Lagoon defendants to be paroled from
prison.
box 1, folder 1
News release : Hollywood fund raiser held to benefit the Sleepy Lagoon
defense
1943 December
View image
Scope and Contents note
Benefit held December 12,1943 at the Mocambo in Hollywood with Anthony Quinn was
the keynote speaker. In attendance were Katherine DeMille, John Garvey and Gene
Kelly among other notable Hollywood stage, screen and radio writers, directors and
actors.
box 1, folder 2
News releases.
Scope and Contents note
Preliminary drafts and carbon copies.
box 1, folder 3
Publicity stories concerning case.
General note
In English.
[Empty/Filmed empty]
box 1, folder 4
Publicity stories written by Alice Greenfield.
Physical Description: (3 items).
box 1, folder 4
Shipyard worker Eliseo Hernandez sells out copies of the pamphlet "The
Sleepy Lagoon Case"
1943 July 27
View image
Scope and Contents note
Eliseo Hernandez walked into the SLDC office and asked for copies of the pamphlet
to sell. In a short time he was selling more copies than had been previously
sold.
box 1, folder 4
On October 21 the first brief will be filed with the appellate court in the
Sleepy Lagoon case
1943 October 14
View image
box 1, folder 4
What comes next for the Sleepy Lagoon boys?
1944 October 27
View image
Scope and Contents note
Greenfield writes of the hopelessness and anger the "boys" initially felt and how
that changed to hope and strength as the work of their supporters paved the way for
their release.
box 1, folder 5
Publicity stories.
Physical Description: (2 items).
General note
In Spanish.
box 1, folder 5
Straight wire press release : Veredicto del caso de la Laguna Dormida
revocada = Sleepy Lagoon case verdict reversed
1944 October 4
View image
box 1, folder 5
Informe rendido por los Ciudadanos del Comité de Defensa de la Juventud
Mexico-Americana
1943 or 1944
View image
box 1, folder 5
El Comité de la Laguna Dormida aclama la decisión de la corte de
apelación
1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
The Sleepy Lagoon Defense Commitee hails the appellate court decision on the Sleepy
Lagoon case.
"Our Daily Bread".
broadcasted May 24, 1944
Physical Description: (4 items).
box 1, folder 6
Our Daily Bread radio script, May 5, 1943 : the Sleepy Lagoon
case
May 5, 1943
View image
Scope and Contents note
Van Dycke interviews labor leader Marty on the issues of the case. Our Daily
Bread, Radio Department of the Los Angeles CIO Council. KPAS 1110 on the dial.
Al Jarvis Show.
broadcasted September 22, 1944
Physical Description: (2 items).
box 1, folder 6
Radio script for the Al Jarvis show with guest Guy Endore
1944 September 22
View image
Scope and Contents note
On the Al Jarvis radio show, KFWB, Endore discusses the case and the work of the
Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee and National Chairman Carey McWilliams. His
research into the case led to his book "The Sleepy Lagoon Mystery."
box 1, folder 6
Radio script for show with three of the Sleepy Lagoon boys on the day of
their release
1944 October
View image
Scope and Contents note
On CIO radio program, Partlow gives an introductory background on the facts of the
case and then lets the boys speak.
box 1, folder 6
Our Daily Bread script, February 18, 1944, Albee Slade,
commentator
1944 February 18
View image
Scope and Contents note
Our Daily Bread, Radio Department of the Los Angeles CIO Council.
box 1, folder 7
Texts of speeches.
Scope and Contents note
Four speeches, including text and outline for speech by Josefina Fierro de Bright,
National Secretary Spanish Speaking People's Congress.
box 1, folder 8
Publicity work with labor unions.
Physical Description: (23 items, including some duplicates).
Scope and Contents note
Includes petitions, resolutions, form letters, carbon copies, holograph materials and
pamphlets.
box 1, folder 8
Letter, 1943 April 30, Los Angeles, Calif. to all State CIO Local
Unions
1943 April 30
View image
Scope and Contents note
Letter on Committee letterhead and signed by Chairman J.L. Marty asking unions for
their support and donations to the Sleepy Lagoon defense fund. Officers of the
Committee are listed across the top of the page and sponsors are listed at the
bottom of the page.
box 1, folder 8
Los Angeles CIO Council's statement on recent race riots here
1943 June 22
View image
box 1, folder 8
California CIO Council Resolution in support of the appeal of the Sleepy
Lagoon trial
1943 April 4
View image
Scope and Contents note
Concurred in by the California CIO Council Executive Committee in meeting April
3-4, 1943 held in Los Angeles, Calif.
box 1, folder 9
Publicity regarding defense committee publications.
Physical Description: (10 items, some duplicates).
Scope and Contents note
Guy Endore's
Sleepy Lagoon Mystery, and also including clippings, form
letters, etc.
box 1, folder 10
Publicity photographs.
Scope and Contents note
Photos mainly of "the boys."
box 1, folder 10
Henry Leyvas at Los Angeles County Jail
1943 or 1944
View image
box 1, folder 10
Gus Zamora at Los Angeles County Jail
1943 or 1944
View image
box 1, folder 10
Jack Melendez at Los Angeles County Jail
1943 or 1944
View image
box 1, folder 10
Ysmael "Smiles" Parra and family
1943 or 1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Photograph of Parra, his wife and child on the day of his transfer to Chino
Prison.
box 1, folder 10
Sleepy Lagoon defendants greeted by supporters on the day of their
release
1944 October
View image
Scope and Contents note
Photograph taken in lobby of Los Angeles County Jail. In the extreme right hand
corner o photograph is Sleepy Lagoon trial defense attorney Ben Margolis.
box 1, folder 10
Sleepy Lagoon defendants and Alice McGrath with defense attorney Ben
Margolis
1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Photograph taken in attorney Margolis' office. The following signed their names
above their images, l-r: Angel Padilla, Gus Zamora, J.J. Melendez, Hank Ynostroza,
Chepe Ruíz.
box 1, folder 10
Sleepy Lagoon defendants leaving Hall of Justice
1944
View image
box 1, folder 10
Ysmael Parra, Gus Zamora and John Matuz with family members
1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Standing, l-r: Ysmael Parra holding daughter, Gus Zamora, Matuz and grandmother
Mrs. Acuña; sitting, l-r: Delia Parra and a Matuz female cousin. Photograph taken in
Chino.
box 1, folder 10
Al Jarvis, Henry Ynostroza and Guy Endore
1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
L-r: Jarvis, Ynostroza, Endore at the microphone at radio station KFWB when Endore
was a guest speaker on the Jarvis program.
box 1, folder 10
Sleepy Lagoon defendants boxing in San Quentin
1943 or 1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
l-r: Chepe Ruíz, Bobby Telles, Manny Delgado, Smiles Parra, and Henry Ynostroza
with boxing coach.
box 1, folder 10
Sleepy Lagoon defendants playing basketball in San Quentin
1943 or 1944
View image
box 1, folder 10
Lions basketball team, San Quentin
1943 or 1944
View image
box 1, folder 10
Jack Melendez in San Quentin
1943 or 1944
View image
box 1, folder 10
Gus Zamora and Johnny Matuz
1943 or 1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Zamora and Matuz at Chino Honor Prison.
box 1, folder 10
Bobby Telles with band at Club Azteca, San Quentin
1944 or 1945
View image
Scope and Contents note
Bobby Telles playing with quintet at "Club Azteca" in San Quentin. Inscribed in
upper right hand corner: "To Alice a cool chick From Bobby Telles Club Azteca."
box 1, folder 10
Mrs. Leyvas
1943 or 1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
The mother of Henry Leyvas.
box 1, folder 10
Gus Zamora, "Smiles" Parra and Johnny Matuz at Chino prison
1943 or 1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
l-r: Zamora, Parra, Matuz.
box 1, folder 10
José"Chepe" Ruíz and Manuel "Manny" Delgado with baseball
teammates
1943 or 1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Chepe Ruíz and Manny Delgado posing with prison baseball All Stars.
box 1, folder 10
Manuel and Peggy Delgado
1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Photograph taken in Chino; cropped for editing on both left and right sides.
box 1, folder 10
Basketball players at San Quentin
1943 or 1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Some of the Sleepy Lagoon defendants on the "Lions" basketball team, San
Quentin.
box 1, folder 11
Miscellaneous publicity.
Physical Description: (11 items).
Scope and Contents note
Program for a pan America,
Daily News - clippings.
box 1, folder 12
Publicity fragments.
Physical Description: (12 items).
Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee's Publications
General note
Available on microfilm reel 2.
box 2, folder 1
Appeal News.
(April 7, 1943 to March 4, 1944)
Scope and Contents note
Complete file: vol.1 no.1-vol.2 no.6.
box 1, folder 10
The Appeal News
1943 April 7 to 1944 March 4
View image
Scope and Contents note
This comprises the complete run of the newletter which was sent to the defendants
in the Sleepy Lagoon case and supporters of their defense.
Name of the committee changed in mid-September 1943.
box 2, folder 2
Appeal News.
Physical Description: Duplicates.
box 2, folder 3
Printed publications.
Scope and Contents note
Including the
Sleepy Lagoon Case (3 copies),
Sleepy Lagoon
Mystery
(3 copies),
Sleepy Lagoon Case-Pageant of Prejudice
(2 copies).
box 2, folder 3
The Sleepy Lagoon case : with a forward by Orson Welles
1943
View image
Scope and Contents note
Introduction by Marion Bachrach, Executive Secretary, Council for Pan American
Democracy.
box 2, folder 3
We have just begun to fight!
1943
View image
Scope and Contents note
Facts of the case are presented after the conviction of the Sleepy Lagoon case
defendants.
box 2, folder 3
¡Nuestra lucha apenes [sic] ha comensado!
1943
View image
Scope and Contents note
Spanish translation of the pamphlet "We have just begun to fight!"
box 2, folder 3
Victory for democracy
1944 October
View image
Scope and Contents note
Endore writes on the justice finally served with the reversal of the convictions in
the Sleepy Lagoon case.
box 2, folder 3
Conspiración racial al descubierto en el caso de la "Laguna del
Sueño"
1943
View image
Scope and Contents note
Introduction by Orson Welles.
box 2, folder 3
The Sleepy Lagoon case : pageant of prejudice
1943
View image
box 2, folder 4
Manuscripts.
Scope and Contents note
- 1.
Sleepy Lagoon Mystery
- 2.
Sleepy Lagoon Case
- 3.
Sleepy Lagoon Case-Pageant of Prejudice by Alice
Greenfield.
box 2, folder 5
Miscellaneous publications.
Physical Description: (7 items, all in triplicate).
box 2, folder 5
Victory in the Sleepy Lagoon case = Gran victoria en el caso Laguna
Dormida
1944
View image
box 2, folder 5
This is the story of a crime
1944 January 29
View image
Scope and Contents note
Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee advertisement originally placed in the
Los
Angeles Daily News
and reprinted as a flyer. Provides a background of the
case and solicits donations for the defense.
box 2, folder 6
Excerpts of Appellate decision.
Physical Description: (6 copies).
box 2, folder 3
Excerpts from the decision of the Second District Court of Appeal of the
State of California in the Sleepy Lagoon case ; entered October 4, 1944
1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Excerpts from the appellate court decision which over turned the convictions in the
Sleepy Lagoon case.
Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee's Correspondence
General note
Available on microfilm reel 2.
box 2, folder 7
Excerpts from a letter written by Manuel Reyes, San Quentin
1943 April 28
View image
Scope and Contents note
Reyes writes of doing his part to contribute to the war effort in spite of being in
prison.
box 2, folder 7
Letter, Los Angeles, Calif. to supporters of the Sleepy Lagoon case
defendants
1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Letter written by McGrath, Executive Secretary of the Sleepy Lagoon Defense
Committee, asking supporters to help fight the slander and racism of the press,
especially of the
Los Angeles Times newspaper.
Along the left side are listed the officers and sponsors of the Sleepy Lagoon
Defense Committee.
box 2, folder 7
Urgent!
1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Request for signatures on the petition to Attorney General Kenney calling for the
release of the Sleepy Lagoon case defendants.
box 2, folder 7
Letter, Los Angeles, Calif. to trade unionists
1943 or 1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Letter, on temporary letterhead, from the Chairman and Executive Secretary of the
Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee. Asks trade unionists to adopt a resolution
condemning the injustices in the Sleepy Lagoon case.
box 2, folder 7
Letter, Los Angeles, Calif. to Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee
supporters
1943 or 1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Letter from the National Chariman explaining the reason for sending a copy of
"Sleepy Lagoon Mystery" by Guy Endore.
Along left side are listed the officers and sponsors of the Sleepy Lagoon Defense
Committee.
box 2, folder 7
Letter, 1943 December 21, Los Angeles, Calif. to Miss Buck
1943 December 21
View image
Scope and Contents note
Letter from McWilliams explaining why he accepted the position of National Chairman
of the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee and asking Miss Buck for her support in the
Committee's efforts.
box 2, folder 7
Letter, 1943 March 26, Los Angeles, Calif. to Sleepy Lagoon Defense
Committee members
1943 March 26
View image
Scope and Contents note
Letter on committee letterhead updating members on the status of the case.
Announces that Ben Margolis is on board as attorney replacing George Shibley who
left for the armed forces. The letter is signed by LaRue McCormick, Secretary.
Committee officers listed across the top of the page and sponsors are listed at
the bottom of the page.
box 2, folder 8
Letters to Governor Earl Warren.
Physical Description: (2 letters, 3 items).
box 2, folder 8
Letter to Governor Warren
1943
View image
Scope and Contents note
Unsigned letter asking Governor Warren to pardon the 17 defendants convicted in the
Sleepy Lagoon trial.
box 2, folder 8
Letter to Governor Warren
1943
View image
Scope and Contents note
Unsigned letter requesting that Governor Warren seek the release of the Sleepy
Lagoon trial defendants.
box 2, folder 9
Correspondence with State Attorney General Robert W. Kenny.
box 2, folder 10
Correspondence with Mexican Consulate.
box 2, folder 11
Correspondence concerning Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee
publications.
box 2, folder 12
Order file for
Sleepy Lagoon Mystery.
Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee's Office Materials, Records, etc.
General note
Available on microfilm reel 2.
box 3
Checkbooks with California Bank for Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee
(2).
box 3, folder 1
Financial statements, accounts, etc.
(October 21, 1942 to October 16, 1943)
Scope and Contents note
Expenditures, including Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee Los Angeles Audit Report.
box 3, folder 2
Miscellaneous.
Scope and Contents note
Including correspondence, minutes of meetings, statement of committee's purpose,
etc.
box 3, folder 2
Minutes, Conference, Citizens' Committee for the Defense of
Mexican-American Youth held March 14, 1943 Belmont Studios, 122 1/2 South Vermont,
Los Angeles
1943 March 14
View image
Scope and Contents note
Meeting held in order to organize support for the Sleepy Lagoon trial defendants
and to organize an appeal of the guilty verdicts.
box 3, folder 2
Petition to Governor Earl Warren of California
1943 or 1943
View image
Scope and Contents note
Petition to Governor Warren for the reversal of the Sleepy Lagoon convictions. At
the bottom of the page is handwritten information for signing and sending in the
petition.
box 3, folder 2
Petition on the Sleepy Lagoon case to Honorable Robert W. Kenny, Attorney
General, State of California
1943 or 1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Petition asking Attorney General Kenny to examine the facts of the case and set
aside all convictions in the Sleepy Lagoon trial.
box 3, folder 3
Petition for programs to improve the socio-economic status of Mexican
Americans
1942 November 24
View image
Scope and Contents note
Petition asking for city, state and federal commitments to programs geared towards
helping improve the economic, educational and social status of Mexican
Americans.
box 3, folder 3
Trip to Folsom and San Quentin, November 7-13, 1943
1943 November 11
View image
Scope and Contents note
Alice McGrath reports back to the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Commitee on her visits with
the incarcerated Sleepy Lagoon defendants and makes recommendations for actions.
Materials Concerning Defendants
General note
Available on microfilm reel 2.
box 4, folder 1
Guy Endore's "El Misterio de la Laguna " clipped from
Hoy.
August 5 to September 30, 1944
box 4, folder 2
Correspondence from "the boys" to Alice Greenfield.
1943
Scope and Contents note
From San Quentin.
General note
(Not to be copied)
box 4, folder 2
Zoot suiter: drawing
1943 or 1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Drawing of a "zoot suiter" surrounded by hip sayings on Sleepy Lagoon Defense
Committee letterhead. Sent by Delgado from San Quentin.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1943 May 16, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
1943 May 16
View image
Scope and Contents note
Letter from Parra in San Quentin letting Alice know how the "boys" are doing.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1944 March 16 to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles, Calif.
1944 March 16
View image
Scope and Contents note
Letter from Acosta asking Alice for any help she can provide on his case and for
word on the "boys up north."
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1943 July 11, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
1943 July 11
View image
Scope and Contents note
Parra updates Alice on how the "boys" are doing in San Quentin.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1943 June 16, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
1943 June 16
View image
Scope and Contents note
Reyes Salazar make reference to the recent Zoot Suit riots and how they might
affect the case of the Sleepy Lagoon defendants.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1944 February 29, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los
Angeles, Calif.
1944 February 29
View image
box 4, folder 2
Letter, n.d., San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
undated
View image
Scope and Contents note
Letter from Rodman asking Alice to send him a picture of a "chick", preferably of
her, to put up on his wall.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1943 September 24, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los
Angeles, Calif.
1943 September 24
View image
Scope and Contents note
Letter from Chepe letting Alice know how he is doing.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1944 May 4, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
1944 May 4
View image
Scope and Contents note
Chepe writes of the appeal and of what his plans are if it isn't successful.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1943 April 28, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los
Angeles, Calif.
1943 April 28
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Scope and Contents note
Manny lets Alice know how he is doing in San Quentin.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1944 June 7, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
1944 June 7
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Scope and Contents note
Chepe writes of his distress over the news of the invasion of France.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1944 January 25, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los
Angeles, Calif.
1944 January 25
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Scope and Contents note
"Smiles" writes Alice about the disappointment the "boys" feel over the
postponement of the appeal.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1944 September 8, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los
Angeles, Calif.
1944 September 8
View image
Scope and Contents note
Chepe writes of his concern over the possible outcome of the forth coming appeal.
He asks Alice to send his regards to the "boys" in Chino.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1943 January 13 to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
1943 January 13
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Scope and Contents note
Leyvas writes of his disappointment over the outcome of the trial and thanks Alice
for her hard work and friendship.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1943 April 11, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los
Angeles, Calif.
1943 April 11
View image
Scope and Contents note
Leyvas writes of his disappointment over the outcome of the trial and thanks Alice
for her hard work and friendship.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1944 August 14, Los Angeles, Calif. to Manuel Delgado
1944 August 14
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Scope and Contents note
Leyvas writes of his disappointment over the outcome of the trial and thanks Alice
for her hard work and friendship.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1944 May 18, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
1944 May 18
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Scope and Contents note
Chepe Ruíz writes to Alice about his visit with his mother.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, n.d., San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
undated
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Scope and Contents note
Bob writes Alice about some of the "boys" being transferred to Chino.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, n.d., San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
undated
View image
Scope and Contents note
Victor asks Alice to send him photographs of girls so that he can draw them.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1943 July 12, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
1943 July 12
View image
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1943 April 10, San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield and the
Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee, Los Angeles, Calif.
1943 April 10
View image
Scope and Contents note
Letter to the editor of
The Appeal News.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, n.d., San Quentin, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
undated
View image
Scope and Contents note
Bob asks Alice to thank their supporters including Anthony Quinn.
box 4, folder 2
Statistics : the nature of the Mexican American criminal
1942
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Scope and Contents note
Ayers, of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Foreign Relations Bureau, wrote this
controversial report on the "biological and racial nature" of violence among
Mexicans and Mexican Americans.
box 4, folder 2
Letter, 1944 March 12, Chino, Calif. to Alice Greenfield, Los Angeles,
Calif.
1944 March 12
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Scope and Contents note
"Smiles" Parra writes Alice to let her know how much better the situation is at
Chino.
box 4, folder 3
Correspondence from "the boys" to various persons.
1944
General note
(Not to be copied)
box 4, folder 4
Information regarding defendants.
Scope and Contents note
Including carbon copies, photostats, mimeographed, holograph, typescript, biographies
and reports of "the boys."
box 4, folder 5
Miscellaneous releases, letters, etc. concerning the Sleepy Lagoon case and
the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee.
Physical Description: (9 items).
General note
Not from or by the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee.
box 4, folder 6
Newsclippings about the case. Various papers.
Physical Description: (7 items).
Materials Gathered by the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee Regarding Minorities
- Emphasis is on Los Angeles Mexican Minority Issues
General note
Available on microfilm reel 2.
box 4, folder 7
Los Angeles County Grand Jury.
October 1942
Physical Description: (11 items).
Scope and Contents note
Includes correspondence, reports from the Los Angeles Police Department and findings
of the Grand Jury.
box 4, folder 8
Mexican "boy gangs" of Los Angeles.
Physical Description: (16 items).
Scope and Contents note
"Pachuco" situation.
box 4, folder 9
Mexican juvenile delinquency in Los Angeles.
Physical Description: (54 leaves) Photostats of clippings.
General note
UNAVAILABLE for use.
box 4, folder 9
Delinquency in wartime
1942, 1943, or 1944
View image
Scope and Contents note
Holton was Chief Probation Offiicer, Los Angeles County Probation Department. In
this report he discusses the then current level of juvenile delinquency in Los
Angeles County and the fallacy of increased juvenile delinquency amongst Mexican
American youth. Suggests changes and additions in social service programs for
minority youth.
box 4, folder 10
Mexican minority in Los Angeles.
Physical Description: (13 items).
Scope and Contents note
Includes Waxman's letter.
box 4, folder 11
Mexican minority - General.
Physical Description: (8 items).
box 4, folder 12
Sinarquismo.
Physical Description: (4 copies).
Scope and Contents note
Translation of 24 page booklet.
Miscellaneous Material Collected by the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee
Concerning Minorities, Labor, etc.
General note
Available on microfilm reel 3.
box 5, folder 1
The Americas - A Review of Latin American News. Bulletin.
vol.2 no.6 to vol.2 no.21.
(January 4, 1944 to September 5, 1944)
Physical Description: (17 items).
box 5, folder 2
Correo de Norte - Publicado pro El Consejo pro Democracia
Panamericana
.
February 4, 1944 to August 30, 1944
Physical Description: (12 items).
box 5, folder 3
Council for Civic Unity.
Physical Description: (34 items).
box 5, folder 4
International Labor Defense.
Physical Description: (18 items).
Scope and Contents note
Correspondence and miscellaneous file mainly concerning the Sleepy Lagoon Case.
box 5, folder 5
International Labor Defense.
Abstract:
Legislative and Information Service
(Bulletin)
box 5, folder 6
International Labor Defense.
Abstract:
News (July 2, 1943 to September 2,
1944).
box 5, folder 7
Miscellaneous printed publications.
Physical Description: (9 items).
General note
In English.
box 5, folder 8
Miscellaneous printed publications.
Physical Description: (14 items).
General note
In Spanish.
box 5, folder 8
Fraternidad ; Año I, Num. 6
1944 November
View image
Scope and Contents note
Editorial applauding the outcome of the Sleepy Lagoon trial appeal and the reversal
of the convictions. Congratulates the Sleepy Lagoon Defense Committee for all of the
hard work done on behalf of the defendants, two of whom were Mexican citizens.
box 5, folder 9
Miscellaneous materials.
Physical Description: (16 items).
Scope and Contents note
Posters, fragments, clippings, etc.
box 5, folder 10
Miscellaneous mimeographed material collected by the Sleepy Lagoon Defense
Committee.
box 6
Photographic Plates, Newspaper Mats
General note
Available on microfilm reel 3.
box 12
The San Quentin News.
Physical Description: (Folder).
Scope and Contents note
vol.5, no.45-49; vol.6, no.1-19 (December 21, 1945 to July 5, 1946).
The people of the state of California, plaintiff and respondent vs. Gus
Zammora [sic], et. al defendents and appellants: reporter's transcript on
appeal.
October 13-December 10, 1942
Physical Description: Digitized microfilm of the trial transcript.
box 7, box 8, box 9, box 10
The people of the state of California, plaintiff and respondent vs. Gus
Zammora [sic], et. al defendents and appellants: reporter's transcript on
appeal.
October 13-December 10, 1942
Physical Description: 6032 leaves in 12 volumes.
General note
Original transcripts in boxes 7-10 are
RESTRICTED from
access
and
UNAVAILABLE for use due to their
fragile condition. However, photocopies of the originals have been made and are
available to the public.
box 7, box 8, box 9, box 10
The people of the state of California, plaintiff and respondent, vs. Gus
Zammora [sic], et. al, defendants and appellants : reporter's transcript on
appeal
1942 October 13 - 1943 March
View image
Scope and Contents note
At head of title: "In the Superior Court of the State of California in and for the
County of Los Angeles, Department 43, Hon. Charles W. Fricke, Judge."
"No. 90344."
"E.R. Perry and G.J.Kennelly, Official Reporters."
CONTENTS:
- v. 1. Index; [trial date:] Tuesday, October 13, 1942 ([7], 1-515
leaves)
- v. 2. Thursday, October 22, 1942 (leaves 516-1004)
- v. 3. Tuesday, October 27, 1942 (leaves 1005-1515)
- v. 4. Friday, October 30, 1942 (leaves 1516-2046)
- v. 5. Thursday, November 5, 1942 (leaves 2047-2540)
- v. 6. Tuesday, November 10, 2942 (leaves 2541-3002)
- v. 7. Monday, November 16, 1942 (leaves 3003-3550)
- v. 8. Thursday, November 19, 1942 (leaves 3551-4040)
- v. 9. Wednesday, November 25, 2004 (leaves 4041-4537)
- v. 10. Wednesday, December 2, 1942 (leaves 4538-5067)
- v. 11. Monday, December 7, 1942 (leaves 5068-5510)
- v. 12. Wednesday, December 10, 1942 (leaves 5511-6032)
box 7
vols.1-3
Scope and Contents note
- Volume 1, October 13, 1942.
- Volume 2, October 22, 1942.
- Volume 3, October 27, 1942.
box 8
vols.4-7
Scope and Contents note
- Volume 4, October 30, 1942
- Volume 5, November 5, 1942
- Volume 6, November 10, 1942
- Volume 7, November 16, 1942
box 9
vols.8-9.
Scope and Contents note
- Volume 8, November 19, 1942.
- Volume 9, November 25, 1942.
box 10
vols.10-12.
Scope and Contents note
- Volume 10, December 2, 1942.
- Volume 11, December 7, 1942.
- Volume 12, December 10, 1942.
- Volume 12, December 10, 1942. Second copy (last 100 leaves only).
Legal Documents
General note
Available on microfilm reels 7-8.
box 11
Appellants' Opening Brief.
Physical Description: (2 copies).
box 11
Application for Leave to File Brief as Friends of the Court and
Brief.
Physical Description: (2 copies).
box 11, folder 1
Application for leave to file brief as friends of the court and brief : the
Sleepy Lagoon case
1944 May 15
View image
Scope and Contents note
Carey McWilliams, Clore Warne, A. L. Wirin, Aubrey Grossman, Attorneys for
Applicants; Vito Marcantonio, David Scribner, William Standard, Nathan Witt, of the
New York Bar; Sol. D. Kapelson, of the New Jersey Bar, of Counsel.
Appendix A: Excerpts from report entitled "Statistics" be Ed. Duran Ayres, Foreign
Relations Bureau (sheriff's office).
Appendix B: Excerpts from the San Quentin News, November 25, 1943, article
entitled "The Neutral Corner."
box 11
Clerk's transcript.
Physical Description: (2 copies).
box 11
Decision of District Court of Appeal.
box 11
The People
vs Zammora.
Physical Description: pp.219-288.
Scrapbook
General note
Available on microfilm reel 8.
box 12
Newspaper:
Daly News H.F.O. 'This is the story of
crime'
1942
box 12
3 "Zoot Suit" posters - World Premiere Season 1978-1979. Mark Taper Forum
Music Center.
box 13, folder 1
Receipts, envelopes, ledger leaf and distribution list for
Mystery.
Physical Description: 12 items.
box 13, folder 2
Ledger of expenses and donor contributions.
October 1943-December 1944.
Physical Description: 1 item.
box 13, folder 3
Print of Sleepy Lagoon Defendants Leaving the Hall of Justice
1944
Scope and Contents
Contains one 13 x 10.25 print.