Most of the material in this collection of Stuart Gibbons' papers relate to his fight for a new San Joaquin County Courthouse (1955-1964). These materials include: Supervisor's Minutes; Stockton Chamber of Commerce correspondence; architects' and other reports; clippings; and, ephemera. Also present in the collection is are small bodies of materials relating to a proposed memorial to Stockton's founder, Charles M. Weber (1956) and to Stockton recreation issues (1959). A larger collection of Stuart Gibbons' papers (Mss225) exists at the Holt Atherton Department of Special Collections of the University of the Pacific Library in Stockton.

Stuart C. Gibbons, Stockton (Calif.) realtor, was particularly active in local politics during the years framed by World War II and the national Bicentennial celebration. In 1948 he helped form the Stockton Recreation Committee to oversee the development of parks in the city. He was, for many years, an active member of the Stockton Chamber of Commerce, and, as a member of the Chamber's Civic Affairs Committee and the Stockton Improvement Committee, Gibbons led a protracted but successful fight for a new county courthouse (1955-1964). Gibbons was also interested in local history and sought to preserve historic buildings whenever this seemed viable. From 1958 through 1960 he held a seat on the Stockton City Council and was subsequently a member of the Cultural Heritage Board (1969-1985). Gibbons was honored as "Mr. Stockton" for his community activities (1976).

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.