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Clarence W. Whitney papers, 1905-1948 (bulk 1919-1939).
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Collection Overview
Title:
Clarence W. Whitney papers, 1905-1948 (bulk 1919-1939)Creator/Contributor:
Whitney, Clarence W., 1876-1940, creatorCreator/Contributor:
American Red Cross, Berkeley Chapter.Creator/Contributor:
Hillside Club (Berkeley, Calif.)Creator/Contributor:
Community Chest of BerkeleyAbstract:
The Clarence W. Whitney Papers, 1905-1948, principally document his involvement in Berkeley civic activities from 1919 through
1939. The collection has been divided into two series: Civic Activities and Personal Files. The Civic Activities series has
been divided by organization: Red Cross, Community Chest, Recreation Commission, Hillside Club of Berkeley, YMCA, Cragmont
School, San Francisco Round Table, Motion Picture Ordinance Club, Cordinices Club, and Other Clubs and Lodges. The bulk of
the collection contains Red Cross chapter correspondence, meeting minutes, reports, background information, financial papers,
clippings, and pamphlets. The collection contains Red Cross Berkeley Chapter documents on projects including the 1923 Berkeley
Fire relief program; the 1932 flour distribution project; the 1932 cotton cloth project; Red Cross Life Saving instruction;
Red Cross First Aid instruction; Red Cross field stations at Berkeley's Tuolumne, Echo Lake, and Cazadero Vacation Camps;
and City of Berkeley Disaster Preparedness plans. Recreation Commission papers document Whitney's interest in developing city
parks and vacation camps to provide outdoor experiences for Berkeley citizens. The Hillside Club series contains a pamphlet,
"Landscape Architecture," circa 1915, which describes desirable Berkeley Hills building design elements. A small part of the
collection is comprised of personal files which include business activities such as correspondence regarding the Sierra Highland
Mining Company (1922-1925). The mine was located near Downieville, California. The folder on Boy Scouts includes photos and
materials from 1937 when Whitney participated in Troop 23 outdoor activities and reunion materials from 1948, eight years
after his death.
Date:
1919 (issued)Subject:
Whitney, Clarence W -- 1876-1940 -- ArchivesAmerican Red Cross. -- Berkeley Chapter.
Hillside Club (Berkeley, Calif.)
Community Chest of Berkeley.
Charities -- California -- Berkeley
Note:
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE : Advance notice required for use.
Clarence W. Whitney papers, BANC MSS C-B 550, The Bancroft Library, University of California, Berkeley.
In English.
Clarence W. (C. W.) Whitney, born in June of 1876, was a Berkeley civic leader in the 1920s and 1930s. He was most well-known
for chairmanship of the Berkeley Chapter of the Red Cross from 1924 through 1939. His activities include membership on the
Berkeley Recreation Commission from 1921 until the time of his death in August of 1940; many years as scout master and leader
of Troop 23, Boy Scouts of America; participation in the leadership of the Berkeley Community Chest; and active membership
in the Hillside Club of Berkeley, as well as many other civic organizations and clubs. Through his work with the Red Cross,
he was instrumental in the disaster relief planning and implementation for Berkeley throughout his 15-year tenure as chairman
of the Red Cross Berkeley Chapter. As a member of the Recreation Commission, he was a key advocate for the development of
city parks, regional parks, and Berkeley camps at Tuolumne, Echo Lake, and Cazadero. A native of Muskegon, Michigan, Mr. Whitney
received mechanical and electrical engineering degrees from the University of Michigan where he met his wife Margaret Mason
Whitney. Clarence and Margaret Whitney moved to Berkeley in 1904. They had five children. Mr. Whitney was a writer for engineering
and purchasing agent publications, a businessman, and an investor. He took leadership positions with many companies including
the Abner Doble Company, South San Francisco Dock Company, and the Sierra Highland Mining Company. At the time of his death
he was executive secretary and manager of the Pacific Purchaser, a monthly publication of the Purchasing Agents' Association
of Northern California.
Physical Description:
print
2 cartons, 1 box (2.9 linear feet)
Language:
English
Origin:
CaliforniaCopyright Note:
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE : Advance notice required for use.