The collection consists of thirteen ledgers of weather observations from various California weather stations, including: Independence (1894-1925); Mt. Tamalpais (1898-1921); the Farallon Islands (1906-1913); San Francisco (1906-1917); and, Point Reyes (1893-1927).

C. Robert Elford was the State Climatologist of California, serving in the San Francisco Office between 1958 and 1972. The San Francisco Office was at one time the principal west coast office and made forecasts for the wesern United States. Later, forecasting was moved to South San Francisco and the former San Francisco Office became a Climatological Center. In 1973 field offices were closed and staff was directed to dispose of records. At that time Elford salvaged these early diaries.

Collection is open for research.