The Williams Collection consists principally of essays and photographs by Mr. Williams on various Tracy area topics, including: Corral Hollow, El Camino Viejo Trail, El Rancho Pescadero and San Joaquin City. The collection also contains land records pertaining to El Rancho Pescadero, a transcript of the first issue of the first Tracy newspaper (1881), an itinerary for a walking tour of 19th c. Tracy by Amber Smith and a reminiscence of life in Corral Hollow by Marie Stewart DeWelt (1965).

Earle E. Williams was an educator, civic leader and amateur historian who lived in Tracy (Calif.) for much of his adult life. Following his retirement (c1960), Williams devoted himself to historical research and writing relating to the Tracy area, a region of southwestern San Joaquin County that includes both hilly and river delta terrain and that has seen coal mining and pottery production in addition to farming and stock raising. A Tracy middle school was named for Williams (1990).

The library can only claim physical ownership of the collection. Users are responsible for satisfying any claimants of literary property.

Collection is open for research by appointment only.