Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- James Rankin & Sons
- Extent:
- Number of containers: 3 boxes, 1 portfolio, 1 oversize folder Linear ft.: 1.7
- Language:
- English
Background
- Scope and content:
-
Born in May 1851, James Rankin immigrated to the United States from Scotland when in his teens. He first found employment and learned the trade of plumbing from his uncle, Mr. Dalziel of Oakland. He continued to work with his uncle for about twenty years until he was able to establish, in partnership with a Mr. Moore, his own firm, Rankin & Moore. Five years later, Mr. Rankin sold his interest to Mr. Moore and began independently. In 1904 he took his two sons into partnership with him, the firm being known as James Rankin & Sons. Their business was very successful both as to quality and quantity of work, winning them many friends and patrons.
In 1923 William Randolph Hearst contracted with James Rankin & Sons to install heating and plumbing facilities at Hearst Castle, San Simeon, then at Wyntoon Estate near McCloud, and also at Jolon, California. The James Rankin & Sons records contain correspondence, invoices, clippings, and a memoir which provide information about the installation process in these three locations. This collection supplements other records on the history of Hearst Castle, in particular concerning the plumbing and heating facilities in Hearst Castle, and at Wyntoon Estate.
Along with the correspondence of William R. Hearst, the records also contain correspondence with Julia Morgan, the prominent architect who designed and supervised the constructions both in San Simeon and at McCloud. The invoices record in detail all aspects of the work.
The most interesting item in this collection is Mr. James Rankin's reminiscence recounting his contact with William Randolph Hearst, Sr., regarding plumbing installations in Hearst Castle. Clippings, about Hearst Castle, Julia Morgan, and James Rankin are included, as is a drawing of the plumbing layout for the poultry farm at Hearst Castle.
- Acquisition information:
- The James Rankin Sons Records were given to The Bancroft Library in December 1991, by James Rankin Sons.
- Physical location:
- For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Library's online catalog.
Access and use
- Location of this collection:
-
University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft LibraryBerkeley, CA 94720-6000, US
- Contact:
- 510-642-6481