Description
The Academy records date from 1935 to 1991 and measure 3.75 linear feet. The records are
arranged in two series: History, constitution and by-laws, and Membership records and
topical papers. The bulk of the collection consists of membership records and the topical
papers presented by members over the years. The records document the issues and subjects
which concerned these prominent Fresno citizens over the decades.
Background
On October 17, 1935, The Academy met at the Hotel Californian in Fresno, California, for
the first time. Businessman Thomas Risley was the founder of The Academy. He and
university president Frank Thomas selected fourteen men who were the first members. The
name "The Academy" was suggested by Reverend James Dowling, a charter member. The
Academy's purpose was "to discuss intelligently the problems of the time" (Box 1,
History, constitution and by-laws, folder 1).
Restrictions
Copyright has not been transferred to California State University, Fresno.
Availability
The collection is open for research.