DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY
Collection Number
2011H.4.1-15
Creator
This collection was assembled by Lorette Wood (May 17, 1915 – April 20, 2010). It was donated to the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History in 2011 by Lorette Wood’s estate.
Extent
Number of Containers: Two (2) Boxes
Linear Feet: 2.5 Linear Feet
Repository
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, Archives
705 Front Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Abstract
This collection consists of materials related to Lorette Wood including correspondence, letters of appreciation, and newspaper clippings. These materials were collected by Ms. Wood from circa 1960 to circa 2010. The collection reflects her interests and activities.
Location
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, Santa Cruz, CA
Preferred Citation
The Lorette Wood Collection, The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, Santa Cruz, CA
Publication Rights
All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the head of Archives at MAH. Researchers may be responsible for obtaining copyright permission to use material not produced by museum personnel.
Process By
G. Gardner
Date Completed
2013
The Lorette Wood Collection consists of various correspondence, certificates of appreciation, and newspaper clippings related to her interests and political activities from circa 1960 to circa 2010.
Lorette Wood moved to Santa Cruz in 1943. She had no thoughts of entering civic service or politics. In her words “She had her hands full being a housewife, helping establish her husband’s radio-TV shop, and raise a son.” She then became involved with the Parent Teachers Association at her son’s school, she not only was involved she was elected the president. She organized a parents committee to protest and change the unfair hiring practice of excluding married women teachers. This committee created a sensation since nobody went to school board meetings in those days. She then moved on to children and juvenile delinquents campaigning vigorously for judges to inject realistic ideas for dealing with juveniles. Then in 1967 she was approached by several Santa Cruz businessmen to run for the city council. With the support of her husband and son she ran for and was elected the first female city councilor. She was reelected in 1971 and then appointed the first woman mayor. She was a champion for women in government though she did draw the line at the President of the United States – she did not feel a woman could project the image of the presidency.
SERIES I. ELECTION AND APPOINTMENT CERTIFICATES (1971)
One (1) Folder
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains the election and appointment certificates for 1971. They certify her election to the city council on 20 April 1971. They also certify her appointment as mayor of the City of Santa Cruz on 20 April 1971.
Box ID#: Folder ID#
1:1
SERIES II. CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION
Two (2) Folders plus oversize items
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains letters and certificates of appreciation from various civic organizations such as the American Red Cross, the Santa Cruz Fire Department, the Rotary Club and the Soroptimist Association from circa 1960 to circa 2010.
Box ID#: Folder ID#
1:2-3
2:X
SERIES III. NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS
One (1) Folder
Series Scope and Content Summary
This series contains newspaper clippings detailing various activities she was involved with as a city councilor and mayor. There are also clippings of some of her campaign ads.
Box ID#: Folder ID#
1:4
