SERIES I. MEMORABILIA (1890s – 1970s)
Series Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of memorabilia belonging to or about the Porter family such as personal correspondence, newspaper clippings, maps and deeds. In this series are two folders of letters from Mrs. John T. Porter and Florence Cummings Porter, and a folder containing items in remembrance of John T. Porter, such as announcements of his death and tributes to his memory.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries I.A. Memorials
Subseries I.B. Miscellaneous
Subseries I.C. Correspondence
Subseries I.D. Calling Cards
SUBSERIES I.A. MEMORIALS
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one folder labeled Fanny C. Cumming Memorials and John T. Porter Memorial. In this folder are items such a three (3) pages of a biography in John T. Porter typed and transcribed from an 1892 History if Santa Cruz County by E.S. Harrison, two pages of a photocopied biography of John T. Porter, and envelope containing a booklet entitled “Resolutions in Memoriam” (approx.3×5”) and a newspaper clipping from 1900 of John T. Porter’s obituary, three (3) pamphlets for an In Memorium Tribute to the Memory of Sir Knight John T. Porter, two (2) death announcements of John T. Porter from the Asylum of Watsonville Commandery No.22, K.T., a 12”x10” Scrap Album with three newspaper clips of John T. Porter obituaries, two photocopies of Mrs. Fannie L.Porter obituaries, photocopy from the Monterey Herald 1942 about museum receiving portraits of John T. Porter. Also in this subseries are approx. thirty or more letters of sympathy to Edward Pfingst over the passing of his grandmother Fanny G. Porter, announcements by Edward about the passing to various companies, telegrams expressing sympathy and more. These are contained in a protective folder within Folder 1 of the subseries. The letters are dated 1932. Date range: 1890’s-1940’s
Box ID#: Folder ID #
1:1
SUBSERIES I.B. MISCELLANEOUS
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) folder labeled Miscellaneous Folder 2 containing miscellaneous ephemera and memorabilia relating to the Porter family such as one (1) 4”x4” card for a reception honoring Morris M.Ester and Nominees of the Republican State Convention of 1894 thrown by the Union League Club and a newspaper clipping after a Porter court case contained in a approx. 10”x8” manila envelope, a doughnut recipe exclaiming over the wonders of potatoes, three (3) receipts dated 1914 from the Belle Vue Dairy and the Appleton Hotel, Watsonville, CA.; a letter from Ellen Templeton dated 1900 to Mrs. John T. Porter, two (2) newspaper clippings, one dated 1930 about the First Colored Mail Carrier in Pajaro Valley and one from the Pony Express Courier (1940) about the Life of General Mariano Vallejo, as well as about fifteen photocopied pages of various newspaper clippings and excerpts from Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. Date range: 1890’s-1940’s
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1:2
SUBSERIES I.C.CORRESPONDENCE
Two (2) Folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of two (2) folders filled with correspondence and letters belonging to Mrs. John T. Porter and Florence Cummings Porter. These folders are: Folder 3: Porter, Mrs. John T. Correspondence and Folder 4: Florence Cummings and Mrs. John T. Porter Correspondence. Date range: 1890’s-1920’s
Folder 3: The first folder in this subseries is labeled Porter, Mrs. John T. Correspondence Folder 3 and contains approx. forty-three letters from friends and correspondence with businesses to Mrs. John T. Porter. The correspondence includes Christmas Greetings, bank deposits, fundraising letters and more. Some example of correspondence include: a letter from the Mothers’ Tribute Fund, Four (4) bills from Hotel Pleasanton, San Francisco dated 1902-3, Christmas Greetings from Harry Hawks (no date), letter from Schimmel &Stover Ladies’ Tailors informing Mrs.Porter about latest fashions in stock, letter about curriculum from Curtner Seminary in Irvington, CA, Church of the Advent letter thanking Mrs.Porter for donating to an organ fund (1903), six (6) pamphlets in an envelope dated 1903 advertising Howard Obesity Ointment and application instructions, a very tiny (2×2”) letter from Emily—(illegible) thanking Mrs. Porter for a visit and much more. These letters are in a 12”x8” acid-free envelope for protection.
Folder 4: The second folder in this subseries contains correspondence of Florence Cummings Porter and is labeled Folder 4, Florence Cummings and Mrs. John T. Porter Correspondence. The handwritten letters are in a 10”x10” protective envelope. In Folder 4 are approx. sixty-two handwritten letters and postcards, and some typed, transcribed letters, from relatives, family friends, and businesses. The letters in this subseries date from 1896-1925 and detail family visits, trips, health, donations to various causes and more.
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1:3-4
SUBSERIES I.D. CALLING CARDS
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of an estimated one-hundred plus calling cards of Fanny Cumming Porter’s bearing her name and a rearing lion with a sword along with a few calling cards of Mrs. John T. Porter (about five) and ten (10) bookplates in a protective manila envelope, about ten (10) newspaper clippings and photocopies of newspapers relating to the Porters about topics such as birthdays and parties, letters dating from 1900-1977 from various members of the Porter family. There are also about ten (10) marriage announcements and wedding invitations primarily from 1897 and 1898 bound in a red-white-and-blue ribbon, and a calling card for Miss Ann Jeannette Porter and Miss Ann T. Porter, and more. The calling cards, wedding announcements, and some of Fanny Porter’s lists and notes are placed within small acid-free envelopes for protection located within Folder 5 of Box 1. Date range: 1890’s-1970’s
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1:5
SERIES II. JOHN T. PORTER (1840s – 1990s)
Series Scope and Content Summary: This series consists primarily of personal items and papers belonging to John T. Porter. Items include letters that John T. Porter wrote to his father and other relatives, papers pertaining to the distribution of the John T. Porter estate such as Abstracts of the Probate proceedings, biographical information, and articles of incorporation for the John T. Porter estate.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries II.A. Maps and Deeds
Subseries II.B. Newspaper Clippings and Cards
Subseries II.C. John T. Porter Letters
Subseries II.D. Estate Papers
Subseries II.E. Biographical and Genealogical Data
SUBSERIES II.A. MAPS AND DEEDS (1840s – 1900s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of approx. fifteen (15) items relating to the John T. Porter estate such as Surveyor’s maps and land deeds. Some items in this subseries include: a deed between Fanny C. Porter to John T. Porter dated 1902, a Surveyor’s Map of the Plat of the Rancho Vega del Rio del Pajaro dated 8/4/1849, a Nomination of John T. Porter to Collectorship of the Port of Monterey, Deed of the Odd Fellows Cemetery to John T. Porter dated 1892, what appear to be transcriptions or photocopies of maps and indentures, An Abstract of Tile to an undivided 4/5 of 1/10 of the Rancho Los Aromita (?) dated 1871, 1887 deed between Vicente Castro to John T. Porter and much more. The original documents (not the copies) are contained in three (3) approx. 12”x8” manila envelopes for protection. All of these items and more are in a folder labeled Maps and Deeds Subseries I.D. Folder 5.
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2:1
SUBSERIES II.B.NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS AND CARDS (1840s – 1890s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) folder of transcriptions of letters dating from 1849-1872 from John Porter to his father and other members of his family. The letters are primarily concerning John’s business ventures, and various family member’s welfare. Other items include personal receipts, a packet of about fifteen (15) telegraphs concerning sale of a ranch from 1894, John T. Porter calling and business cards, about ten or more newspaper clippings from various sources (no dates) pertaining to Porter land sales and Watsonville history. These items are located in Folder 2 of the subseries, within four approx.8×8”acid-free envelopes for their protection (the transcriptions are not).
Box ID#: Folder ID#
2: 2
SUBSERIES II.C. JOHN PORTER LETTERS (1840s – 1900s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of about twenty (20) original handwritten letters (not transcriptions) dating from 1843-1907 from John Porter to his parents, from John’s father, and to Ann Porter and other Porter family members. The letters detail John Porter’s business ventures, health, schooling, and inquires about various family members to his parents who in return write letters inquiring after John. These letters are located in a 12”x10” envelope for their protection in Folder 2 of the subseries.
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2:3
SUBSERIES II.D. ESTATE PAPERS (1860s – 1890s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) folder of items pertaining to the John T. Porter estate. In this subseries are one (1) copy of the California Historical Society Historic Business Register (no date), and three (3) approx. 13”x8” packets of papers pertaining to the John T. Porter estate contained in band-less document filing envelopes. These papers in the three (3) envelopes include an abstract of probate proceedings in the matter of the John T. Porter estate, letters pertaining to the filing of the articles of incorporation and for the recording of a final decree of the distribution of John T. Porter’s estate, and papers regarding the incorporation and probate matters of the John T. Porter Company, two papers from the California Executive Department recommending John T. Porter as Trustee of the California Hospital for the Chronic Insane and another as member of the Board of Supervisors for the County of Monterey, among other papers .These papers date from 1861-about 1899. Also in this subseries is an 12”x8” envelope containing three (3) Jon T. Porter Co. c.1942 United States Internal Revenue Federal Use Tax Vehicle Stamps, one (1) Watsonville Aerie No.72 Fraternal Order of the Eagles Dance invitation, a newspaper clipping, and about twenty (20) John T. Porter for Pajaro District Supervisor Nomination cards, and one (1) handwritten note.
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2:4
SUBSERIES II.E. BIOGRAPHICAL AND GENEOLOGICAL DATA (1930s – 1990s)
Two (2) Folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of two (2) biographical and genealogical dating relating to John T. Porters family and his wife Fanny Cummings Porter’s family the Cummings. In this subseries are items such as an 1804 land grant to Joseph Allen (a relative of Fanny’s) from the Province of Upper Canada, research by the Media Research Bureau of Washington, D.C. on “The Name and Family of Porter”, a family tree, letters from Porter descendants and the Pfingst family (dating approx. 1966-1993), genealogical records from Ed Porter Pfingst on the Porter and Cummings families, obituary of Jane Porter Bancroft, newspaper clipping entitle “Your Family Origin”, Media Research Bureau papers on “The Name and Family of Cummings”, letters dated 1933 on Porter genealogy and much more.
This subseries is divided into two (2) folders:
Folder 5 John T. Porter Data
Folder 6 Cummings Family Data
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2:5 and 6
SERIES III. FAMILY LETTERS AND DIARIES (1860s – 1990s)
One (1) Box, nine (9) folders
Series Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of nine (9) folders in Box 3 of the Porter Family Collection. The items in this series pertain to various members and relatives of the Porter family such as the Pfingst and Bishop families. Some items include letters from Edward Pfingst, diary of Edward Porter Pfingst, newspaper clippings, a notebook of Ferdinand Pfingst’s and more.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries III.A. Miscellaneous John T. Porter Memorabilia
Subseries III.B. Thomas Bishop and Josephine Bishop Letters
Subseries III.C. Ed Porter Pfingst Papers
Subseries III.D. Ferdinand Pfingst Letters
Subseries III.E. Florence Porter Pfingst’s Papers
Subseries III.F. Bernice Huggins Porter Oral History
Subseries III.G. Benjamin F. Porter’s Papers
Subseries III.H. Bernice Porter’s Letters
Subseries III.I. Chas Porter’s Papers
SUBSERIES III.A. MISCELLANEOUS JOHN T.PORTER MEMORABILIA (1860s – 1990s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of memorabilia belonging to or concerning John T. Porter. Items in this collection span a date range of 1864-1989. Some items in this subseries include: transcription of letter dated 1872 from George K. Porter to Benjamin Porter describing a business transaction and asking Benjamin to consult John, ten (10) or more typed pages of research on the Vallejo Adobe and on the Porter-Vallejo Adobe’s historical significance which the Porter family owned into in 1874, as well as some biographical information on John T. Porter and his home by Betty Lewis in 1985.Other items include: photocopy of telegraph to Lewis Little from John T. Porter dated 1864 concerning Vallejo, 1964 issue of Game & Gossip Vol.13, No.11, about twenty (20) newspaper clippings from the 1970’s and 1980’s concerning the history of the Vallejo-Porter Estate, the incorporation of the Porter estate into a community center and more, and 1873 Marble Works Receipt from John T. Porter, two (2)1890’s Santa Cruz Lumber Yard Receipts, John T. Porter’s Staple Hardware receipt from 1891 and more. The receipts and newspaper clippings are protected in a 13”x10”acid-free folder for their protection.
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3: 1
SUBSERIES III.B.THOMAS and JOSEPHINE BISHOP LETTERS (1870s – 1900s)
One (1) Envelope
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consist of approximately eight (8) letters from Thomas Bishop to John T. Porter of from Josephine Bishop to Mrs. John T. Porter dating from 1879-1903. Some items in this subseries include: an eight page (8) typed letter dated 1894 from Thomas Bishop to “my dear Judge” detailing a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii, Letter dated 1903 from Josephine Bishop to Mrs. John T. Porter thanking her for a gift and detailing the pulling down of the Broadway House, newspaper clipping (undated) about a Bishop Company real estate deal, 1876 letter to John T. Porter from James Hall about his daughter Ms. (or Mrs.) Bishop and an upcoming visit, and more. These items are contained in an acid free approx. 13”x10” envelope within Box 3 of the collection.
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3:2
SUBSERIES III.C. ED PORTER PFINGST PAPERS (1900 – 1990s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one folder of items belonging to Edward Porter Pfingst. Some items include: a photo of Joan Pfingst Edward’s daughter taken at Keith Cole Studios in Redwood City (no date), five (5) or more newspaper clippings dating from 1988 on the possible demolition of the Pfingst-Porter building, Edward Pfingst urging the newspaper to take more interest in the school board, a clipping about campaign worker honoring Edward Pfingst and more. Also in this subseries is an envelope with thirty-four photos of Japan in an envelope labeled “Ed Pfingst photos of Japan” (undated), envelope dated 1910 to Edward Pfingst in an envelope labeled Nagasaki, Passenger S.S. Tenyo Maru, letter to “Hilsie” from “Ganny” about an excursion to Monterey, a Life Record Book/ Godparent’s Gift-Book belonging to Edward Porter Pfinsgst detailing his birth and baptism information as well as yearly events dealing from about 1900-1947. Information in the record book includes events such as entering University, family members death’s and health, the bombing of Pearl Harbor and more. This record book it protected in a 10”by8” acid free envelope within the Folder for this subseries, and small newspaper clippings, letters and photos are contained within a 13”x10” envelope.
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3:3
SUBSERIES III.D. FERDINAND PFINGST LETTERS (1890s – 1900s)
One (1) Envelope
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This collection consists of four (4) letters and one (1) small, 6×3” pocket-sized black leather-bound notebook with pencil belonging to Ferdinand Pfingst, Edward Porter Pfingst’s father. The items include: two (2) letters and one (1) envelope addressed to Mrs. John T. Porter from Ferdinand P. dated 1900, two (2) letters dated 1899 from Ferdinand to “My dear Mama Porter one with “Grand Hotel Ltd.” Stationary. Letters discuss Ferdinand’s health, his wife Florence;s travels, Christmas gifts for the family and Ferdinand’s son Edward, among other details. The 6×3” pocket-book bears the words “Ferd. L. Pfingst, Firenze, Italia” inside and contains lists that are possibly of expenses and/or places seen and visited such as “Castelfranco”, and “Hotel du Midi” with numbers next to each word. Also in the book are notes about Ferdinand’s travels such as “April 29. Raining and came on to Lyons by train. Sightseeing all day. First night of French Café Life. City not particularly interesting…” and more. These items are in a 12”x8” envelope labeled “Subseries III.D. Ferdinand Pfingst Letters Folder 4 of Series 3”.
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3:4
SUBSERIES III.E. FLORENCE PORTER PFINGST’S PAPERS (1890s – 1900s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of approx eight (8) letters addressed to Florence Porter Pfingst from friends or businesses such as Mrs. Wick.W. Parsoins Antiques of Carmel, California. The letters date from 1894-1943. Letters include a fascinating one from Baron F. Shibusawa from “Tokio”, Japan dated 1914, thanking Mrs. Porter Pfingst for a gift and recalling her and her son’s trip to the Baron’s home and Mrs. Porter’s enjoyment of Japanese lady’s clothes, a letter dated 1894 to my “dear little Kat” from “your loving mother” exclaiming about her daughter’s pregnancy news and more. Also in this subseries are three (3) poems, about ten (10) newspaper clippings c.1925 photocopies and photos or transcriptions of the clippings which are primarily about social gatherings and the 1887 wedding of Florence Porter, six (6) lists, letters about account balances, deposits, and receipts, potato donut recipe, and two 9×9” leather bound notebooks and more. One, bound in blue leather with a pale blue ribbon and gold lettering on the cover is entitled “Engagements 1922 Florence Porter Pfingst”. Inside this notebook are six (6) sheets of Fairmont Hotel San Francisco, Calif. Stationary with lists on them. The second notebook, bound in tan leather is a copy of Dreka’s Dictionary Blotter or Combination of Word-Book with a Blotting-Case (no date). Tucked into the pages are an Acme Stationary Paper Co. French Word s and Phrases sheet, a poem and picture of a cherub cut out from Ladies Home Companion (no date) and an embossed paper doily with the words “Marquis”. All items are in an 12”x8” envelope marked Folder 5.
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3:5
SUBSERIES III.F. BERNICE HUGGINS PORTER ORAL HISTORY (1980s)
One(1) Folder, six (6) papers
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consist of one (1) folder containing six (6) sheets of paper relating questions asked to Bernice Huggins Porter about her in 1988 by Ken Bennett and recorded on tape, a letter from Ken Bennett listing the questions he wants to ask Mrs. Porter, and handwritten answers to the questions asked to Mrs. Porter. Unfortunately these transcribed answers appear partially incomplete and are difficult to read. Also in this subseries are nine (9) index cars listing information such as birth and wedding dates for various relatives and other biographical facts. It is uncertain whether these cards are complete.
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3:6
SUBSERIES III.G. BENJAMIN F. PORTER’S PAPERS (1870s – 1980s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries contains biographical information and letters pertaining to Benjamin Franklin Porter, cousin of John T. Porter. This subseries spans the date range of 1872-1985. In this subseries are: two (2) copies (typed transcriptions) of an 1878 letter from B.W. Porter to Benjamin F. Porter concerning biographical and genealogical information of the family, one page typed biographical notes on Benjamin F. Porter, one newspaper clipping about the Porter-Sesnon home being restored dated 1977, three (3) pages and a letter from the Society of Mayflower Descendents in San Francisco, CA concerning the Porter lineage c.1985, one (1) photo copy of 1872 letter from George K. Porter to Benjamin Porter concerning a business proposal, one (1) telegraph from Benjamin F. Porter to Mrs. John Porter concerning the death of “grandma” possibly c.1913, one (1) letter from Kate H. Porter (Benj. F. Porter’s wife) to Fannie c. 1900 about John Porter’s death and their Uncle Ed, two (2) page copy of History of the State of California by Prof. J.M. Guinn, A.M., c.1903 concerning Benjamin F. Porter ,transcribed copy and newspaper clipping of Mrs. Kate Hubbard Porter ‘s obituary (Benjamin F. Porter’s wife) and more.
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3:7
SUBSERIES III.H. BERNICE PORTER PAPERS (1970s – 1990s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) 12”x8” envelope labeled Series 3 Folder 8. Items in this subseries consist of paper memorabilia belonging to Bernice Porter, also called Mrs. Thomas Porter. Items in this subseries date from the 1970’s to 1990’s. Items include: approx. fifteen (15) letters to Bernice Porter and/or Diane Porter Cooley from friends or businesses, such as one (1) from Elkhorn Slough Docents thanking Bernice and Diane for attending and participating in a Memorial Day Celebration, four (4) letters dated 1971 and 1973 from the California Historical Society in San Francisco, CA, thanking Bernice Porter for a donation of John Thomas Porter papers, one (1) wedding invitation from Mr. and Mrs. Masaru Noda concerning their daughter’s marriage(no date), one (1) invitation to The Chancellor’s Associates reception at University House, U.C. Santa Cruz (no date), one (1)ticket stub for 1983 performance of Firebird by Bejart at the San Francisco Ballet, one(1) 1972 letter concerning the sale of the Porter-Pfingst estate, one (1) donation receipt from the Center of Asian Art and Culture of the M.H. de Young Museum for Mrs. Thomas Porter’s 1971 donation of a Japanese Edo Period suit of armor and much more.
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3:8
SUBSERIES III.I. CHAS PORTER PAPERS (1880s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consisst of one (1) 12”x8” envelope labeled Folder 9, Series 3. In this subseries is an 1883 inventory listing purchases made by Charles “Chas” Porter in November of 1883 and a photocopy of the list. Some items from the list include “Muffin pan”, “gravy boat and platter”, and “yellow dishes”. An inventory of this folder identifies Charles Porter as the twin brother of William Porter, both brothers of John T. Porter. The item in this subseries dates from 1883.
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3:9
SERIES IV. PORTER AND SESNON FAMILY MEMORABILIA (1880s – 1970s)
Twenty (20) Folders, One (1) Box
Series Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of nineteen (19) folders in one (1) box of the Porter Family Collection. This series contains memorabilia and historical information relevant and belonging to the Porter family and the Porter-Sesnon branch of the family which began when the daughter of a cousin of John T. Porter married a Sesnon. Items in this series include letters concerning business transactions and about relatives from members of the Porter family such as George Porter, a brother of John T. Porter, booklets concerning history and art belonging to various family members, calling cards, newspaper clippings about social events of the Porter estate and/or Porter-Sesnon estate and wedding memorabilia from Diane Porter-Cooley among other items. Also in this series are memorabilia pertaining to California history and various places such as Ano Nuevo, Berkley, CA, Aptos, and Brooklyn Chinatown among other places such as deeds to the Steele Ranch in An Nuevo and newspaper clippings about Chinatown.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries IV.A. Family Letters and Memorabilia
Subseries IV.B. Diary Transcriptions and Negatives
Subseries IV.C. Etchings
Subseries IV.D. San Francisco News and Magazines
SUBSERIES IV.A. FAMILIY LETTERS AND MEMORABILIA
Seventeen (17) Folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of letters, dating from about 1880-1970 from various members of the Porter family. Letters usually concern business transactions, inquires after each other’s health, obituaries and letters of condolence, newspaper clippings about family weddings,
This subseries consists of the following folders:
Folder 1 Diane Porter Cooley: contains mounted clipping from Smart Set Magazine of Diane Porter-Cooley’s wedding, 1952 letter detailing the wedding, The Arts & Crafts Furniture Work of L&J.G. Stickley (1978) and more. Date range : 1950-78.
Folder 2 Porter, Edward F. : contains calling card, The Story of Old Soquel by Leon Rowland (1940) and more. Date range: 1940
Folder 3 Porter, Frank: contains 1982 correspondence between Bernice Porter and Sandy Lydon regarding Frank Ford Porter, biographical information on Frank in a letter from his daughter (1933) to Edward Porter Pfingst, 1902 letter from niece Estelle To Aunt Fanny about Frank’s health and more. Date range: 1902-82
Folder 4 Porter, Jerome: contains 1861 Oath of Office for Inspector of Customs, Port of San Luis Obispo, Monterey and other items. Date range: 1860’s
Folder 5 Porter, George K.: contains letters dated 1872 from George to Benjamin about mining and shipping proposals, newspaper clippings about daughter Estelle’s wedding and more.Date range: 1872-1942
Folder 6 Jane Bancroft Porter: transcription of 1893 letter from George K. Porter to nephew Warren Porter about Jane’s (George’s sister) ill health and death. Date range:1890’s
Folder 7 Giles Easton: includes 1887 letter from G.A. Easton (father of Mrs. W.R. Porter) about a talk at Watsonville Masonic Hall and more. Date range: 1880’s-1970’s
Folder 8 John Easton Porter: contains newspaper clippings of John E. Porter’s 1981 obituary, copy of Memories of Pajaro Valley an Interview with John Easton Porter (1974) and more. Date range: 1970’s-1980’s
Folder 9 Joseph K. Porter and various family letters: contains obituary and memorial invitation of Joseph K.P.Porter (1971) letters from Diane and Donald Cooley, Mrs. J.K.P.Porter, Diary of Ann Eliza Porter, genealogical chart of Porter family spanning generations from 1596-1863, and more. Date range:1960’s-1970’s
Folder 10 Theodore C. Porter and Ann T. Porter: contains about seven (7) letters of inquiry from Edward Porter Pfingst and Ann T. Porter about Theodore C. Porter biographical information (Theodore was John T. Porter’s youngest brother born 1848) and more. Date range:1930’s
Folder 11 Tom B. Porter: contains about five (5) newspaper clippings about a parade with Mr. and Mrs. Tom Porter and their betrothal and more. Date range: 1950’s
Folder 12 Porter-Sesnon: contains ten or more letters from the Cooley family and the Porter Sesnon family and Estate Company, newspaper clippings about Rev. Sesnon (1924), Sesnon’s Pino Alto (1979), invitation to Pino Alto open house, and more. Date range: 1903-1988
Folder 13 Warren R. Porter: contains 1893 invitation for Warren Porter’s wedding, letters to Warren from his uncle and friends, newspaper clippings about Warren nominated for Lieutenant Governor , and two invitation to executions at San Quentin and California State Prison and more. Date range :1870’s-1970s
Folder 14 William R. Porter: contains inquiries from Edward Porter Pfingst about his mother’s father’s brother William R. Porter to Agnew State Hospital and transcription of letter from William to John T, (?) Porter and more. Date range: 1894-1933
Folder 15 Elizabeth Porter-Smith: contains newspaper of her obituary and her son’s obituary (mother of Benjamin Franklin Porter-Smith) and more. Date range: 1915-1966
Folder 16 Letters to Yep Toft: contains seven (7) original letters and one (1) transciption to Yep Toft from “Aunt Fanny” and John T. Porter about holidays, family member’s health, President’s visit to Pajaro Station and more. Date range : 1890’s
Folder 17 John Todman and Agnes Cummings: contains about four (4) transcriptions of letters from John Todman cousin of Florence Cummings Porter and Agnes Cummings, he writes to Florence and Agnes telling them of his new house and his ideal wife, there are also two (2) other items. Date range: 1860’s-1977
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4: 1-17
SUBSERIES IV.B. DIARY TRANSCRIPTIONS AND NEGATIVES (1900s – 1970s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one Bay Photo envelope containing seven (7) strips of Porter Family negatives, and approximately seventeen (17) packets of transcribed diary pages ranging from ten to fifteen pages in length of diaries belonging to Florence Cummings Porter. The transcribed pages record notes of Florence’s such as: “Thomas Bishop Porter baptized. Ned came, went to Knight Templars in evening. Warren came from Folsom”(March 30, 1902) and “All went to Chinese procession” (June 18, 1902). The diary transcriptions in this subseries record the notes of Florence’s diaries from 1883-1928. It is uncertain whether these are complete or merely a sample of the diary entries. The photo envelope is date 1978, though the photos appear much earlier.
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4:18
SUBSERIES IV.C. ETCHINGS (1930s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) folder with seven prints of etching produced by various Santa Cruz artists and Ernest Ingold Inc. to promote Chevrolet’s silver Anniversary Chevrolet, the company’s record sale of 208 cars at their San Francisco store, and the opening of a new Chevrolet Headquarters at Van Ness and O’Farrell. The etchings date from 1937 and are of scenes such as Mission Dolores, San Francisco by L.P. Harting, Redwoods by L.P. Harting, Fisherman’s Wharf by Harting and more.
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4:19
SUBSERIES IV. D. SAN FRANCISCO NEWS AND MAGAZINES (1892 – 1990)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) folder containing newspaper clippings and magazines relating to San Francisco and other areas of California. Items include such as a fold-out approx.24”x24” poster of the San Francisco CA 1906 earthquake ruins, remarks on the 1942 funeral of Captain Duncan Matheson of San Francisco made by Rev. Lloyd R. Carrick, newspaper clippings (approx. five) on the anniversary of the first flag in California, the California Historical Society’s Register of Historic Businesses, the Vigilante Uprising of 1856 in San Francisco (no dates for the clippings), 1990 copy of the San Jose Mercury News, photo and poem for the remembrance of Captain Douglas W. Dodge U.S. Coast Guard, 1990 Motorland Magazine, two slips (possibly receipts) from Whittier Fuller & Co. Pacific Rubber Paint CO. dated 1892 and 1893 and more. Clippings and receipts are in a small, 9×6” yellow envelope within the folder.
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4:20
SERIES V. PLACES, NEWSPAPERS, AND BUSINESSES (1860s – 1980s)
One (1) Box, twenty-five (25) folders
Series Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of twenty-five (25) folders of items pertaining to local history and the Porter family businesses. Items include newspaper clippings, family letters, postcards, bank receipts and check books, pamphlets and more. Newspaper clippings pertain to the history of counties such as Monterey, Santa Cruz , and Watsonville counties and letters pertain to business transactions or descriptions of areas such as Corralitos and Sisquoc Ranch. This series also includes memorabilia pertaining to Porter family business transactions with the Loma Prieta Lumber Company and Pajaro Valley National Bank.
This series consists of the following subseries:
Subseries V.A. Places
Subseries V.B. Newspaper Clippings and History
Subseries V.C. Pajaro Valley Bank
Subseries V.D. Watsonville Transcripts
Subseries V.E. Watsonville News Clippings
Subseries V.F. Letterheads and Receipts
Subseries V.G. Pamphlets and Booklets
Subseries V.H. Panama Pacific Exposition Memorabilia
Subseries V.I. Customs House
SUBSERIES V.A. PLACES (1860s – 1980s)
Ten (10) Folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of newspaper clippings, letters, maps and deeds pertaining to various places such a Ano Nuevo, Aptos and Berkeley. Items include newspaper clippings and historical information about Watsonville’s Chinatown, an 1869 Ano Nuevo Ranch deed, letters about Loma Prieta Lumber Co. dating to the 1880’s, an 1863 Salinas Silver Co. Stock Certificate and more.
This subseries consists of the following folders:
Folder 1 Ano Nuevo Steele Ranch : contains deed to Ano Nuevo Steele Ranch dated 1869 and photocopy of deed. Date range:1869
Folder 2 Aptos: contains letterhead from Aptos Market belonging to J.R. Porter (1895) and letterhead from F.A. Hihn and Real Estate, Aptos Mill (1894) and more. Date range: 1894-1980’s.
Folder 3 Chinatown: contains three page typed copy of Beautiful Santa Cruz County 1896 Press of H.S. Crocker Co. San Francisco, concerning Brookyln and Pajaro’s Chinatown, 1972 Aptos Voice newspaper with articles about Pajaro’s Chinatown and more. Date range: 1970’s
Folder 4 Berkeley: contains pamphlet on history of the Clark Kerr U.C. Berkeley Campuses and more. Date range: 1990’s
Folder 5: Corralitos: contains photocopy and typed transcription of letter dated 1880 from Philip Pettijohn to Jane Holtsclaw describing Corralitos. Date range: 1880’s
Folder 6 Gilroy: contains 1985 newspaper clipping with article “Sargent Ranch near Gilroy sold today” (source not known). Date range: 1980’s
Folder 7 Granite Rock Quarry, Aromas: contains undated newspaper clippings anout W.R.Porter named oresident of Granite Rock Quarry and 1987 letter about its founding and more. Date range: 1900’s-1980’s
Folder 8 Loma Prieta Lumber: contains seven or more letters from Office of Loma Prieta Lumber Company to and from John T. Porter about employment, newspaper clippings about Loma Prieter Lumber and more. Date range: 1880’s-1970’s
Folder 9 Sisquoc: contains about four (4) newspaper clippings about pioneers at Sisquoc, 1912 postacrd of Sisquoc addressed to Mrs. Warren R. Porter and more. Date range: 1912-1972
Folder 10 Salinas: contains 1863 Salinas Gold and Silver Mining Co. stock certificate to Gil Sanchez, letterhead for Salinas Valley Lumber Co. and more. Date range: 1860’s-1890’s
BOX ID#: Folder ID#:
5:1-10
SUBSERIES V.B. NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS AND HISTORY (1858 – 1950s)
Four (4) Folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of four (4) folders containing newspapers or clippings of newspaper articles relating to the culture of history of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, as well as a map and deed dated 1858 and more.
This Subseries contains the following folders:
Folder 11 Frontier Gazette: contains 1958 issue of Santa Cruz County Frontier Gazette with front page article entitled “Gleanings from Gunk Iffert’s Notebook Recollections of Santa Cruz County’s Lumber Camp Bull Drivers.” Date range: 1950’s
Folder 12 Santa Cruz History: contains one (1) five page photocopy of History of Santa Cruz County by E. S. Harrison (1892) with information on John T. Porter. Date range: 1890s
Folder 13 Japanese Culture Clippings: contains two (2) undated newspaper clippings of unknown source relating to Japanese culture , one about a masquerade party at the Porter home with some Japanese dress and one about a policeman’s encounter with a Japanese man at W.R. Porter’s barn. Date range: 1900’s
Folder 14 Monterey News Clippings: contains map and surveyors declaration for Plat of the Rancho Los Carneros dated 1858, one (1) County of Monterey road poll tax slip dated 1879, five (5) newspaper clippings (no date of source) with poems about Monterey and Monterey history. Date range: 1850’s-1890’s
Box ID#:Folder ID#:
Box 5: 11-14
SUBSERIES V.C. PAJARO VALLEY BANK (1890s – 1950s)
Three (3) Folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of items relating to the Pajaro Valley Bank of Watsonville, CA. The subseries contains three copies of the Watsonville Register-Pajaronian newspaper dated 1953 and 1940 and about fifteen or more newspaper clippings dating from the 1920’s-1950’s with articles about Pajaro Bank cashiers, employee promotions and retirements, and the opening of a new bank branch and more. Also in the subseries are bank deposit slips, notepads, and bank deposit and check booklets.
This subseries consists of the following folders:
Folder 15 Pajaro Valley News Clippings #1: contains one (1) issue of Watsonville Register-Pajaronian dated 1938 with article about Pajaro Bank employee promotions and approx. fifteen (15) clippings from various sources about bank cashiers and praises of the bank. Date range: 1920’s-50’s
Folder 16 Pajaro Valley Bank News Clippings #2: Contains two (2) issues of Watsonville Register-Pajaronian Newspaper dated 1953 and 1940 containing articles on Pajaro bank employee retirements and Pajaro bank moving to a new building. Date range: 1940’s-50’s
Folder 17 Pajaro Valley Bank Slips and Booklets: contains 1894 land grant to John T. Porter, booklet on the founding of Pajaro Valley National Savings Bank dated 1940, Pajaro Valley Bank check and deposit book, approx, ten (10)Pajaro National Valley Bank 1950;s Statement of Conditions, four (4) deposit slips and more. Date range: 1890’s-1950’s
BOX ID#:Folder ID#:
Box 5: 15-17
SUBSERIES V.D. WATSONVILLE TRANSCRIPTS (1880s – 1890s)
Two (2) Folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consist of two (2) folders containing approx. seven (7) issues of the Watsonville Weekly Transcript Newspaper dating from 1882-1891. Articles include one in Vol. II No.8 (1882) pg.5 about W.R. Porter joining a minstrel troop for a benefit, articles about Chestnutwood business College, Summons for the Superior Court, County of Santa Cruz and much more. This paper are a fascinating look into the time, but should be handled with cares as they are all crumbling and starting to fray and tear.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
5:18 and 19
SUBSERIES V.E.WATSONVILLE NEWS CLIPPINGS (1930s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) folder containing approx. twenty news clippings and issues of the Watsonville Register Pajaronian and North County News Castroville, CA as well as from other unidentified sources. Clippings are mostly of articles pertaining to Pajaro valley or Watsonville history such as the column “That was Watsonville”, a map of the area printed in the paper, and an article entitled “Watsonville Hall of Fame Board of Trade to secure Portraits of Pioneers” about a portrait of John T. Porter beginning a hall of fame, and more. One 1938 copy of the Watsonville Register-Pajaronian contains interesting articles on a Poland and Lithuania conflict and an article on a speech Adolf Hitler gave about absorbing Austria into Germany.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
5:20
SUBSERIES V.F. LETTERHEADS, RECEIPTS, PHOTOS (1880s – 1980s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of approx. four (4) letters dating from the 1880’s-1890’s from businesses such as Dr. S.E. Chapman Homoeopathist, Woodmen of the World, Office of Chas. Ford and Co, and others. Also in this subseries are five (5) receipt such as dentist services for Mary E. Porter and Pajaro Lodge Receipt for Dues for W.R. Porter, a letter from Florence Baker (c.1981) to Mrs. Thomas Porter about giving her letterheads from the 1880’s for the California Historical Society, seven black and white photos in a 6×7 envelope of Diane Porter, Mary Lee Cumming and others at a Watsonville Centennial Parade (dates unknown), J.A. Baxter Co. and Otto Stoesser 1903 change of business announcement, 1886 postcard of J.J. Lewis about the Prohibition Club, 1873 letter to Julius Lee about the will of John P. Davidson and a parcel of land called Ranch Sal si Puedes and more. Also in this subseries is an inventory list that comprises Folders 20-23 of the Series.
Box ID#: Folder ID#
5:21
SUBSERIES V.G. PAMPHLETS AND BOOKLETS (1890s – 1970s)
Two (2) Folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of two (2) folders containing approx. five (5) booklets and pamphlets and three (3) transcriptions of letters and photo copies of pages from Santa Cruz history books. Booklets include a Charter of the City of Watsonville by F.J. O’Brien (1949), Wycoff Family in America a Genealogy by Nicholas Line (1965), and Memories of Pajaro Valley and Interview with John Easton Porter by the Pajaro Valley Historical Association (1974). Pamphlets and other items include one promoting The Salvation Army in Watsonville and a typed report in a report cover (undated) about Captain Ovilla “Frenchy” Cayer which includes an approx. 8×9” black and white photo by Gabriel Moulin Studios of San Francisco, CA. The author of the report is unspecified.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
5:22 and 23
SUBSERIES V.H. PANAMA-PACIFIC EXPOSITION MEMORABILA (1912 – 1940)
One (1) Folder
Series Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of memorabilia relating to the 1919 and 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition of San Francisco and other events. Items include a letter to Mrs. Florence Porter Pfingst thanking her being on the International Jury of Awards at the Exposition, a letter dated 1915 appointing Florence P.Pfingst to the Jury of the Panama-Pacific International Expo., certificate to Florence Porter Pfingst appointing her as a member of the World’s Fair Advisory Commission for the 1939 Golden Gate International Expo., Brochure for the Toyo Kisen Kaisha Trans-Pacific Line promoting the 1919 Coronation of H.I.M. The Emperor of Japan, three (3) banquet menus for a Farewell Bqanquet given by his Imperial Japanese Majesty’s Commissioner-General at the 1915 Panama Pacific International Expo. and more. The menus feature three different prints of Japanese brush paintings. Another item of interest is an elaborate 1912 menu for Admiral and Mrs. R.F. Nicholson of the Bohemian Club.
Box ID#:Folder ID#:
5:24
SUBSERIES V.I. CUSTOMS HOUSE (1890s – 1900s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of memorabilia relating to the Customs House of Monterey. Items include about eleven (11) newspaper clippings from various sources such as the Monterey Peninsula Herald and Watsonville-Register Pajaronian (most clippings have no date or source) on topics such as Mrs. Florence Porter Pfingst being name trustee of the Monterey Customs House, articles on her birth at the custom house when her father was collector there, and Volume 13, No.11 of Game & Gossip Magazine which features an article on the “Official Occupants of the Old Custom House by John S. Coates with photos of Fanny C. Porter, Warren R. Porter. Florence Porter Pfingst, and other Porter family members. Also of interest in this subseries is a fragile handwritten document in Spanish of a request for land between Gabriel de la Torre, Simeon Castro and Manuel Castro along with a typed transcription along with other items.
Box ID#:Folder ID#:
5:25
SERIES VI. STATEMENTS AND ENVELOPES (1890s – 1920s)
Two Folders (2), One (1) Box
Series Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of forty-one (41) bank statements belonging to Fanny C. Porter and fifty (50) or more empty envelopes addressed to Mr. and Mrs. John T. Porter and Porter family members from various businesses throughout Watsonville and Santa Cruz Counties.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries V.A. Bank Statements
Subseries V.B. Envelopes
SUBSERIES VI.A. BANK STATEMENTS (1914 – 1919)
Forty-one (41) statements
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of approx. forty-one 10”x5” packets of bank statements from Pajaro Valley National Bank belonging to Fanny C. Porter. The bank statements are loose in the box yet are all together and bound by twine. The statements cover checks, balances, and deposits made from 1914-1919.
Box ID#:
6
SUBSERIES VI.B.ENVELOPES (1880s – 1900s)
Two (2) Folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries contains approx.fifty or more empty envelopes addressed to Mr. John T. Porter Esq. and Mrs. John T. Porter. Envelops are primarily from businesses such as Burbeck & Co. Stationers, Book, and Newsdealers, Watsonville, CA, Hotel El Paso de Robles of Paso Robles, CA, W.C. Hoffman Real Estate and Insurance Agent of Santa Cruz, CA and others. Envelopes are in a 12×8” envelope “folder” with notation from a previous archivist reading “chewed by mice”.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
6: 1 and 2
SERIES VII. POEMS AND OTHER MEMORABILIA (1890s – 1930s)
One (1) Box, Nine (9) Folders
Series Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of items belonging primarily to Florence Porter-Pfingst and John Thomas Porter. Items include calling cards and envelopes, rail passes for the Warren R. Porter family, steamship tickets and tags, poems and newspaper clippings of poems and about Porter family birthdays and social events, biographical information on John T. Porter and much more.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries VII.A. Poems and Phrases
Subseries VII.B. Clippings and Cards
Subseries VII.C. Chinatown Receipts
Subseries VII.D. Rail Passes
Subseries VII.E. Steam Ship Tags
Subseries VII.F. Pajaro Valley Bank Title Letter
Subseries VII.G. Privileges
Subseries VII.H. Porter History
SUBSERIES VII.A. POEMS AND PHRASES
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of about four (4) handwritten and typed poems and two (2) booklets approx. 2×2” in size in a 12”x8” envelope “folder”. One of the handwritten poems is entitled “My First Women” by J.W. Riley and the other is entitled “God’s Anvil”. Both are handwritten in cursive script on lined paper. The typed poems are entitled “The Absent” about friends far away, and the second is titled “The Legend of the Willow Pattern Plate” about a mandarin lady, her estate, and a patterned plate. One of the 2×2” booklets in entitled “Whiter than Snow” and contains what appear to be biblical verses along with illustrations of snowdrops and other flowers printed in Bavaria by the Castell Brothers of London. The second booklets is handmade and bound with ribbons, contains the title “Wild Flowers” and contains four (4) pages with verses and pressed flowers such as Easter Pinks and Baby Blue Eyes. Date uncertain.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
7:1
SUBSERIES VII.B. CLIPPINGS AND CARDS (1890s – 1930s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) 12×8” envelope folder containing approx. sixty (60) or more newspaper clippings from mostly undated and unnamed sources, and four (4) envelopes from Western Union Telegraph Co. addressed to Mrs. John T. Porter, and (1) letter and (1) postcard. The newspaper clippings are primarily of poems and songs such as “The Singing in God’s-Acre” by Eugene Field” (undated) and “Just Be Glad” by James Whitcomb Riley”. One newspaper clipping is dated 1914 and is from The San Francisco Call and Post with an article title “Society Does Care What Becomes of Your Family After You Have Gone From This World”. The letter, dated 1932 consoles a friend over the loss of a grandmother (sender name illegible). The postcard is approx. 6×8” of the Platte River, Denver and is addressed to Mrs. John T. Porter from “Layson(?)” about coming for a visit and a thunderstorm (date of postcard illegible). One poem (no title) is dated 1892. Also in this subseries is an interesting article entitled “Killed by an Electric Car” (no source or date).
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
7:2
SUBSERIES VII.C. CHINATOWN RECEIPTS (1913 – 1919)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) small approx. 9 x 6” envelope “folder”. Receipts are from Chinatown businesses and for rent on houses in Pajaro, CA. Three (3) receipts are for rent payments for individuals named Lee (?) Lung Jing or Ling, and Sam Ling Lung for a house in Pajaro, CA dated 1913. Three (3) receipt have what appear to be Chinese characters on them and are for from P.J. Freiermuth Co. Hardware and Plumbing or for work such as “Carpenter work on sidewalk of #4 Chinatown $5.50”.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
7:3
SUBSERIES VII.D. RAIL PASSES AND STEAM SHIP TAGS (1893 – 1911)
One (1) Folder, nine (9) passes
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one, small approx.7×6” envelope containing approx. nine (9) passes belonging to Warren R. Porter and his wife in a larger 12×8” envelope folder. The passes date from 1896-1908 and are for Monterey an Pacific Grove Bay Shore Line Railway Co., Santa Cruz, Capitola $ Watsonville Railway Co., Southern Pacific Company Pacific System and others. These passes are numbered <1992.81.10-.21). Also in this subseries is a 7×6” envelope containing two (2) steamship tags/tickets, one in the shape of a totem pole from the Pacific Coast Steamship Co. Totem Pole Route (numbered <1992.81.23), and the other bearing a silver buckle and leather strap and round in shape also from Pacific Coast Steamship Co. Totem Pole Route. On the reverse of this tag are the words Property of: Mrs. Porter Pfingst, Fairmont, San Francisco, CA (tag is numbered <1992.81.22).
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
7:4
SUBSERIES VII.LETTERS, INVITATIONS AND NEWS (1915 – 1986)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of two (2) pages of photocopied and Xeroxed newspaper clippings, each page containing three copies of clippings. One page features clippings from the Evening Pajaronian entitled “Native Daughter Born In Old Custom House”about Mrs. Porter-Pfingst’s life, another page features photocopies of newspaper clippings from an unknown source about a birthday Porter for Mary Porter and Edward Porter-Pfingst entitled “Lawn Party for Little Folks”, a clipping about the Porter-Pfingst trip to the Orient and more. Non-photocopied newspaper clippings include one about the death of a wealthy Chinese merchant (source and date unknown), a clipping dated 1915 featuring a large photo of Mrs. Florence Porter Pfingst about her being in town for the summer (source unknown). Other items in this subseries include a 4×5” black and white mounted photo in a brown envelope showing several people being pulled in carts, a brochure for The Players Club “Right to Love” performance in San Francisco, invitation to San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s “Photographs By Artist’s in Mid-Career” continuing biographical information on Florence Porter-Pfingst, three (3) pages of handwritten notes on Edward Porter Pfingst, and two (2) letters and a fee statement from Florence P.Pfingst and Amy Stevens, M.D. dated 1927.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
7:5
SUBSERIES VII.F. PAJARO VALLEY BANK TITLE LETTER (1895)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) 12×8” envelope “folder” containing one (1) 1895 letter bearing the Pajaro Valley Bank letterhead and John T. Porter Pres. In the upper left corner. The letter sells John T. Porter of Pajaro Monterey County, State of California, “one case of Law Books now in charge of and in the Safe Deposit Vault of the Pajaro Valley Bank of Watsonville County of Santa Cruz…” and guarantees “the title to said books”. The letter is from G.T.G. or G.F.G. Morgan, M.D. (difficult to read).
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
7:6
SUBSERIES VII.G. CARDS, POSTERS AND BOOKS (1890s – 1960s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consist of one, large, 12×14” envelope “folder” containing approx. forty (40) calling cards printed with “Mrs. F. Porter Pfingst, Hotel Fairmont” in fancy font bundled together in ribbon, a few loose, and a bundle of approx. fifteen (15) 2×3” envelopes bound with ivory ribbon. Also in this subseries are an 1962 Seattle World’s Fair Medal in a7x6” envelope, poster mailing tube from Thomas S. Mulvey Secretary of Superior Court, San Francisco City Hall addressed to Mrs. Florence Porter Pfingst dated 1937 with a poster inside bearing a photo of men sitting in an assembly, letter and envelope dated 1890 bearing Fairmont Hotel letterhead (letter mostly illegible), two (3) cards, an envelope with approx. six (6) newspaper clippings mostly in Mrs. Florence Porter-Pfingst hosting luncheons and society gatherings (newspaper sources unknown) and Mrs. Porter-Pfingst’s calling card, a bound book entitled Views of China, 1915 and more. Also in this subseries is an envelope bearing an inventory list of these items from the former organization done of this collection.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
7:7
SUBSERIES VII.H. PRVILEGES (1920s – 1940s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries contains some items that grant Florence Porter Pfingst privileges such as being a special Police Officer and privileges of the Army and Navy Club. In this subseries within a 7×5” envelope are one blue (1) 2×3 ½” card granting Mrs. Florence Porter Pfingt the Privileges of the Army and Navy Club of San Francisco, five (5) 2×3 ½” red cards certifying Florence P. Pfingst as a Special Police Pfficer for the City and County of San Francisco signed by the Chief of Police for the years 1939-1943. Other items are: one sepia toned 3×5” photo of two children on a hillside dated 1929, a small 2×2 ½” gift tag with “To Edward Always Florence” inside, and a 4” cross painted with violets bearing the words “Greetings” and purple ribbon, as well as a 7×5” envelope with a calling card of Fanny Cumming Porter inside bearing a rearing lion and the number <1992.81.47. These items and their envelopes are within a larger 12×8” envelope “folder”.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
7:8
SUBSERIES VII.I. PORTER HISTORY (1900s – 1990s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) folder containing approx. six (6) pages of photocopied and typed biographical information on John Thomas Porter from History of Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, CA Vol. II. The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co. Chicago, 1925, as well as John Thomas Porter Memorium Brochure froma Watsonville Commandery No.22. K.T. Tribute, typed copy of Indenture made between Mariano G. Vallejo and John T. Porter from Vol F of Deed page 42-Salinas County-Monterey, CA. Other items include six (6) photocopies of newspaper clippings concerning such subjects as the Porter Vallejo mansion for sale (Salinas Californian 1987), Mrs. Fannie Porter’s 93rd birthday and obituary (1931, source uncertain), J.T. Porter’s 90th birthday (source and date unknown) and others. Five (5) page from California Blue Book or State Roster, 1907 by C.F. Curry on Warren R. Porter and other figures of the Executive Department, four (4) or more newspaper clippings Octagon Brochure, and Mexican Folk Retablos, Arizona brochure and more. There is also an interesting paper on the history of Watsonville’s name as given by Mrs. John T. Porter located in a brown 12×9” envelope along with the newspaper clippings.
Box ID#:Folder ID#:
7:9
SERIES VIII.LEDGERS AND SCRAPBOOKS (1880s – 1920s)
One (1) Box
Series Scope and Content Summary: This series consist of one (1) ledger belonging to John T. Porter and one (1) account or agenda book dating from the late 1890’s. Also in this series is one (1) scrapbook belonging to Mrs. Fannie Porter from the 1880’s and six (6) documents such as a mortgage documents, two (2) certificates of search, a will and receipts dating from the 1890’s and 1900’s.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries VIII.A. Account Books and Ledgers
Subseries VIII.B. Scrapbook
SUBSERIES VIII.A. ACCOUNT BOOKS AND LEDGERS (1890s)
Two (2) books
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of three (3) leather and cloth bound ledgers dating from the 1890’s in one (1) box. In this subseries are one (1) black approx. 8 by 5” leather bound “Sundries” book which when opened displays an accordion-like display of pockets featuring months letters of the alphabet. Pockets were empty except for six (6) documents [see separate subseries] and an envelope stamped “Tom Porter” in the first pocket. This Sundries book is in a 12×8” envelope for protection. One large approx.14×10” cloth bound book with the words “Day-Book” on the spine and the name “John T. Porter, Pajaro, Monterey, Co.Cal” inside. The book contains accounts, expenses and business transactions for the year 1896 such as “May 11, 1896 Pajaro Valley Bank to Rent John Foster & Co.” and “Expense to Pajaro Valley Bank Mr. Porter” and more. Eighteen pages of the book are filled, the rest is empty.
Box ID#:
8
SUBSERIES VIII.B.SCRAPBOOK (1880s – 1920s)
One (1) Book
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consist of one (1) approx. 12×8” cloth bound scrapbook with marbled paper decoration on the cover and the brand name “Mark Twain’s Scrapbook inside as well as the words “Mrs. Fannie Porter from her loving friend Mary Graham December 25th 1881. Inside are newspaper clippings (sources and dates unknown) primarily of poems such ad “Silence” by Nora Perry and “Haunted Houses” by Longfellow. Tucked into the middle of the pages are approx. twenty (20) loose newspaper clippings, handwritten and typed notes and poems. Newspaper clippings are of poems, historical articles such as “First Issue of Register Gives Interesting Picture of City Valley Thirty-Five Years Ago (Watsonville Register 1929), and “Found at Last Junipero Serra’s Grave Discovered in the Carmel Mission” (source and date unknown) and more. Scrapbook is fragile and front cover is peeling off, handle with care. It is in a 12×8” acid free envelope marked “Scrapbook” for protection.
Box ID#:
8
SERIES IX.DOCUMENTS (1880s – 1900s)
One (1) Box, four (4) folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This series consist of four (4) folders in Box 8 of the Porter Family Collection containing six (6) documents which were previously located in the “January AB” pocket of the “Sundries” book in Subseries VIII.A. Account Books and Ledgers. These documents include the last Will and Testament of the Porter family’s friend Yep Toft, a mortgage, certificates of search, a list from Pajaro Valley Loans and Savings and a certification for the weighing of goods.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries IX.A. Yep Toft Will
Subseries IX.B. Mortgages
Subseries IX.C. Certificates
Subseries IX.D. Loans and Certifications
SUBSERIES IX.A. YEP TOFT WILL (1890s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consist of one (1) small 9×7” envelope “folder” containing the will of Yep Toft dated March 17th 1891. The will is bound in stiff red paper and contains a handwritten will that bequeaths John T. Porter and his son Warren R. Porter the estate of Yep Toft after his death.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
8:1
SUBSERIES IX.B. MORTGAGES (1890s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consist of one (1) 9×7” envelope “folder” containing one (1) mortgage for Daniel Murphy to Angelina Cazeau (?) dated 1894. Inside is an indenture and payment slip ordering Daniel Murphy to pay Angelina Cazeau three thousand (3000) dollars ninety (90) days after May 31st 1894.
Box ID#:Folder ID#:
8:2
SUBSERIES IX.C. CERTIFICATES (1890s – 1900)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consist of one 12x”8” envelope “folder” containing two (2) Certificate of Search documents. The first document dates from 1896 and bears the title “Certificate of Search by the Monterey County Abstract Co. Made for Dina Marie Soto De Alvarado on the property herein described dated May 12th 1896” and is a typed document detailing a transaction between Dina Maria and John T. Porter. The second is titled “Abstract Title and Certificate of Search on E ¼ of NW ¼ of section 24 L—(illegible) 12 R.2.E. continued from May 1892 to date hereof” and is dated Nov.1st 1900. This document is typed and contains a detailed account of the buying and selling of the property in question by the Searcher of Records for the County of Monterey and contains a map of the Bolso(?) de San Cayetano aoorox.5×7” in size.
Box ID#:Folder ID#:
8:3
SUBSERIES IX.D. LOANS AND CERTIFICATIONS (1880s – 1890s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) small 9×6” envelope “folder” containing two (2) documents. One is a receipt from the Office of H.E. West Proprietor of the Pajaro and Ellicot Warehouses dated 1899 certifying that 650 lbs of barley was weighed for J.T. Porter. The other is a list of expenses or possible loans with the Pajaro Valley Savings & Loan Society letterhead from the 1880’s. Items are in good condition.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
8:4
SERIES X. FANNY PORTER DIARIES AND AGENDAS (1878 – 1930)
Two (2) Boxes
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of about thirty-four (34) diaries belonging to Florence (Fanny) Cummings Porter, the wife of John Thomas Porter. The diaries date from 1883-1930 and about 1/3 of the diaries contain recipes, newspaper clippings, calling cards, and other items in a back pocket of the 6×3” diaries. These diary pocket items are in a separate series, Series XI. Also in this series are eleven (11) books which consist of rent receipt books from 1914-1923 and a mysterious 1878 diary whose owner is not known.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries X.A. Diaries 1883-1924
Subseries X.B. Diaries 1925-1930
Subseries X.C. Rent Books
SUBSERIES X.A.DIARIES (1883-1924)
One (1) Box, twenty-eight diaries
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of twenty-eight (28) diaries belonging to Fanny Cummings Porter. The diaries in this box date from 1883-1924 and are small, black leather bound 6×3”diaries or 5×2” maroon diaries. They are either stamped with “Standard Diary No.51” or “The Pacific Coast Diary” on the cover . Diaries contain spaces for each day of the month along with spaces in the back to write cash transactions, account balance, and notes, along with pockets for small memorabilia. Some diaries (approx. 1/3) contain newspaper clippings, poems, lists, or calling cards in these pockets which are either tucked into the protective envelope with the diary or wrapped in protective paper within the pockets. Diaries have entries such as: Sunday Feb.11th 1883 “John returned from San Francisco” and Thursday Feb.1st “Had the Dickens club to lunch also Mr.Kitterage”. Also in this box is an inventory list of Fanny Porter’s diaries from 1883-1930. Some diaries of that had items of interest tucked into their pages or back pocket are noted in Series XI.
Box ID#:
9
SUBSERIES X.B. DIARIES (1925-1930)
Six (6) Diaries
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of six (6) diaries dating from 1925-1930, belonging to Fanny Cummings Porter in Box 10 of the Porter Family Collection. These diaries are The Standard Diary No.51 published by the Standard Diary Co. of Cambridge, Mass. and are bound in black cloth or leather and are approx. 6×3” in size. Some examples of text written in these diaries include: “I went to town to the Bank. The Japanese in the berry garden paid the rent. Margaret and Mrs. Butler of Santa Cruz called” (Saturday Oct.8th1927) and “Edward went to the Masonic lodge to receive the Third Degree of Masonry” (Wed.Jan.7th 1925). The 1925 diary contains about fourteen (14) items such as newspaper clippings and notes wrapped in acid-free paper in the diary’s back pocket. These items include two (2) addresses, clippings of poems, and medicinal advertisements and more. The items are discussed more in Subseries XI.E. Diary for 1926 contains four (4) notes and news-clippings—two notes with the names Father Jacob and Father Maher and news-clipping about Rev. Arthur F. Winnington-Ingram visiting San Francisco and a 1926 Receipt for Insure Mail. For items tucked into the pocket of 1928 diary see Subseries XI.B. The 1929 diary contained seven (7) items in the diary pages and back pocket—see Subseries XI.C. for these items. 1930 diary includes a pencil, handle with care as it may slide out of its holder.
Box ID#:
Box 10
SUBSERIES X.C. RENT BOOKS (1878 – 1923)
Eleven (11) Items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of eleven (11) books ranging in size from approx. 10×4” to 5×5” in size. These items include a 1914,1915, 1923 rent receipt books bound in stiff paper, cardboard or leather. These are all large and contain mostly pages of receipts that have not been torn from the book. Rent receipt book for 1914-1916 has all the pages of receipts have torn leaving only the stubs for accounts of rents received. This is the same for a book spanning March 1923-May 1923, one spanning March 1918-August 1918, and one for Dec.1918-Feb.1919. Year Sep.1918-Nov.1918 has some stubs and some receipts remaining. Two (2) receipt books are for the year 1919. Examples of some rent receipts include:”Dec.1st 1918 Lum Kee House No.22” amount $5.50 and “Jan.1st 1919 W.K House No. 40 amount $4.”It is not certain whom in the Porter family these receipt books belonged to. Also in this subseries is a black leather bound Pacific Diary with pencil, approx. 10×4” in size dated 1878. Handwriting is in brown ink and appears to differ from the handwritten pencil notes in Fanny Porter’s diaries. This diary contains notes such as “Went to the Sun Ranch with Cooper and Inland (?) Ireland(?) [Sept.18 1878] and cash account notes and memoranda of money paid. This diary has three (3) notes in it, one typed, saying it was the 1877 diary of James A. Hall a clerk the other saying it is not F.C.P. but James’s diary and who was he, the third is a letter to “Rachel” saying it is not James A. Hall’s and the author of the letter of does not whose it is, signed “B”.
Box ID#:
Box 10
SERIES XI. DIARY POCKET MEMORABILIA
Seven (7) diaries, Fifty (50) Items
Series Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of interesting memorabilia that were tucked into the back pockets of seven (7) of Fanny Cummings Porter’s diaries (See Subseries IX.A. and IX.B.) The memorabilia includes about thirty (50) items such as newspaper (about 30) clippings of various topics and sources concerning medical advertisements, recipes, poems, historical articles, obituaries and more. Other items include about three (3) calling cards, two (2) letters, a receipt, various notes and lists, address and one (1) tiny photo among other items. Date range: 1880’s-1920’s
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries XI.A. Memorial Tribute, Calling Cards and Clippings
Subseries XI.B. Pudding, Poems and Cake
Subseries XI.C. John Porter and Florence P. Pfingst Clippings
Subseries XI.D. Photo
Subseries XI.E. Poems and Medicine
SUBSERIES XI.A. MEMORIAL TRIBUTE, CALLING CARDS, AND CLIPPINGS (1882 – 1900s)
Twenty (20) items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of about twenty (20) paper items that were tucked into the back pocket of Fanny C. Porter’s 1883 Standard Diary. These items include about eight (8) newspaper clippings of unknown dated and source on various subjects such as recipes, and obituaries. Some titles include: “Wearing of Black: Period of Mourning Til 6th Day of March”, “In Memoriam: An Old Price Edward Boy” about the passing of William Warring Cunnigham of Picton, “A Veteran Passes Away” about the death of Parker Allen, “Bank Officials Entertained” about Mr. and Mrs. John T. Porter amusing bank employess and directors for Thanksgiving and more. There is also a recipe clipped from the paper for Apple Sauce Cake though it’s incomplete. Also in this subseries is a letter from Fanny Porter to Mrs. Gage for a memorial tribute to John T. Porter Fanny’s husband, F.W. Skaife Veterinary Surgeon card, Miss P.L. Leese card, shirt manufacturer receipt, about five notes, address of Mr. and Mrs, Thomas Bishop, recipe for a Milk and Lemon drink and more. These items are tucked into an envelope along with the 1883 diary they were in and wrapped in acid-free paper.
Box ID#:
9
SUBSERIES XI.B. PUDDING, POEMS AND CAKE (1917 – 1929)
Ten (10) Items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of approx. six (6) items tucked into the back pocket of Fanny Porter’s 1917 diary and four (4) items in her 1928 diary. Items include four (4) newspaper clippings and one (1) calling card of Evan Cook Dresser Lieutenant U.S. Infantry. Clippings are of poems such s one entitled “Womanly Wisdom” by Alfred Tennyson, and about the funeral of Frances Owings Ballard White who passed away in September 1917. Also in this subseries is a Thanksgiving Pudding recipe by Grace Swanger for Indian corn-meal pudding and a note-card noting the birthday of Mary Frances Porter. Newspaper clippings sources are not known. Items are either tucked in the diaries pocket wrapped in acid-free paper, or placed in the acid-free diary envelopes. In the 1928 diary is one (1) advertisement for Real Hawaiian Fruit Cake from the Love’s Biscuit & Bread Co., an address for Mrs. Richard Clark, 1929 receipt from American Railway Express Co., drawing of a circle or perhaps a table seating arrangement. The location of these items is either in Box 9 or Box 10—Box 9 contains the 1917 diary and Box 10 contains the 1928 diary.
Box ID#:
9 & 10
SUBSERIES XI.C. JOHN PORTER AND FLORENCE P.PFINGST CLIPPINGS (1918 – 1930)
Eight (8) Items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consist of one (1) newspaper clipping tucked into the back pocket of Fanny Porter’s 1918 Standard Diary and seven (7) items in her 1929 diary. This clipping is of interest as it contains information about John E. Porter son of Warren R. Porter the former Lieutenant-Governor of California and relative of John T. Porter and Fanny Porter. The clipping (no source, date of 1918 written in pencil) identifies John E. Porter as a 1916 graduate of the University of California, and a graduate of the ground course of the school of military aeronautics at Berkeley. The clipping is entitled “John E. Porter Goes To Train as Flyer” and is now tucked into an acid-free envelope with the diary. This subseries also includes seven (7) items that were tucked into the pages and the pocket of Fanny Porter’s 1929 diary. These items include an envelope with Rancho de san Cayetano letterhead, 1930 postcard advertising Harpers magazine, Tysmol Pain Relief newspaper advertisement, calling card of Mrs. David Armstron-Taylor, card of Chas. W. Jones Apple Cider Manufacturer, and a newspaper clipping (no date or source) concerning the division of John T. Porter’s estate and one concerning Florence Porter Pfingst visiting her mother Mrs.John T. Porter (Fanny C. Porter). These seven (7) items are now tucked into an acid free envelope marked Subseries XI.C.
Box ID#:
9
SUBSERIES XI.D. PHOTO (1920)
Four (4) Items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of three items that were tucked into the back pocket of Fanny Porter’s 1920 diary. These include two (2) newspaper clippings, (no date or source) one about the passing of Parker Allen, 90 years old of Kingston and the other a clipping advertising Martins Method Incorporated’s book on colon cleanliness. Also there is a tiny 1 ½”x1 ½” black and white photo of a little boy approx. five-6 years old in coat with USN initials and cap. The numbers 23 are on the reverse. It is not certain who the boy is or his relation to other items in this subseries, if any. The final item is a 3×2” card with nativity scene and poem. These items are wrapped in acid-free paper and tucked into the diaries back pocket.
Box ID#:
9
SUBSERIES XI.E.POEMS AND MEDICINE (1920s)
Approx. Thirty (30) Items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of approx. thirty (30) items that were tucked into the pockets of four (4) diaries of Fanny C. Porter. These diaries are for 1923,1924 and 1925 and contain newspaper clippings or advertisements primarily for medicines, weight loss and various remedies or of poems and obituaries. In this subseries are: a poem “Youth Eternal” no source or date, in the 1923 poem back pocket, fourteen (14) newspaper clippings from various sources such as the Evening Pajaronian of poems, medicine and weight loss advertisements, obit of Mrs. Leonora J. Baxter, four (4) pieces of notepaper and a list in from the back pocket of the 1924 diary now wrapped in acid-free paper and put in the diary’s envelope. Also in the subseries are four newspaper clippings of subjects such as Jennie Younger’s death (SC Sentinel), 1925 rhubarb article, wrinkle removal article, three notes, Mary A. Pfingst address, Mrs. (?) R. Hirsh of Bavaria address, Diabetes and kidney advice clippings and more from Fanny Porter’s 1925 diary.
Box ID#:
9
SERIES XII. PORTER FAMILY PHOTOS (1870s – 1990s)
One (1) Box, Eleven (11) Folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This series contains photos belonging to the Porter Family. Photos are either group photos of various members of the Porter family such as John T. Porter, his wife Florence (Fanny) C. Porter, son Warren and grandson John E. Porter, cousins, and family friends. The photos span several generations of Porter’s including group photos, photos from vacations such as a 1910 trip to Japan, photo negatives, photos of the Porter and Pfingst houses, the Evening Pajaronian newspaper building, logging photos, wedding photos and much more. Of notable interest are two (2) steel engraved plates printed with the portraits of John T. Porter and Fanny C. Porter. All these photos are contained in 12×10” acid-free envelopes (being called folders for the purposes of this series and subseries) or large approx. 15×13” envelope “folders”.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries XII.A. Porter Family Photos and Negatives 1880’s-1950’s
Subseries XII.B. Family and Houses
Subseries XII.C. Rancho Los Pajaritos
Subseries XII.D. Japan
Subseries XII.E. John T. Porter, Sons, Grandsons
Subseries XII.F. John T. Porter Metal Plate
Subseries XII.G. Fanny Porter Metal Plate
Subseries XII.H. Large Photos
Subseries XII.I. Logging Photos
Subseries XII.J. Evening Pajaronian
SUBSERIES XII.A. PORTER FAMILY PHOTOS AND NEGATIVES (1880’S-1950’S)
One (1) Folder, fifteen (15) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consist of approx. ten (10) photos and five (5) negatives. Photos are of the Porter Family, some individuals are identified and some are not. The photos are mostly undated though it is estimated from the clothing and types of photos that they date from the early 1900 or 1890’s to about the 1950’s. Photos include one of the Pajaro Fire District (4×6”), one of George R. Porter take by New York Gallery, a large 10×8” sepia toned studio photo of Barbara Sesnon, Mary Porter Sesnon and others likely dating from the 1920’s, 10×8” studio group portrait of John T. Porter and four other men taken by Columbian Art Gallery likely dating from the 1890’s-1900’s or later, 1883 4×3” signed photo taken by C.E. Peterson of a Porter family cousin, photo of St. Francis Orphanage Boy’s Band, five (5) negatives in a Kodak envelope from Carmel, CA of people and buildings (unknown date), two (2) sepia toned 5×7” photos of Fanny Cumming and family in a Kodak photo holder (no date), photo of nurses (estimated 1930-50) and more.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
11:1
SUBSERIES XII.B. FAMILY AND HOUSES (1890 – 1940)
One (1) Folder, twenty-three photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of approx. twenty-three (23) sepia and black and white photos ranging in size from 4×3” to 9×13”. Photos are primarily of people, houses and buildings. People include Fanny C. Porter, Florence and Edward Pfingst, about ten (10) group photos of unidentified individuals likely from the Porter family, four (4) photos of unidentified buildings, two (2) aerial photos of the Porter mansion and the Pfingst home, a large 9×13” black and white photo of a woman with a star-shaped badge on her lapel standing between seven uniformed officers in from of the Department of motor Vehicles CA Highway Patrol, Watsonville postcard and more. Photos are undated but it is estimated they date from about 1890-1940.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
11:2
SUBSERIES XII.C. RANCHO LOS PAJARITOS (1900s)
One (1) Folder, one (1) photo
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) black and white photo mounted on grey cardboard with the label “Rancho Los Pajaritos Sep. 3rd 1905” under it. The photo plus cardboard frame are approx. 10×11” in size. This photo of an attractive mansion home is in a 12×10” envelope “folder”.
Box ID#:Folder ID#:
11:3
SUBSERIES XII.D. JAPAN (1910 – 1918)
One (1) Folder, twenty-one (21) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries contains sixteen (16) black and white 3×5” photos in an envelope marked “Japan”. These photos are of trains, stores, a ship deck, waterfall, pagodas, people, boats and more. Also in this subseries are a 4×6” colored photo of a boy in a rickshaw, a 4×3” black and white photo of a boy on a ship, mounted 5×7” photo of people in rickshaws, 5×7” studio group photo of unidentified men posing with hats and a stuffed owl and a large approx. 7×9” photo dated 1918 of ten (10)men in uniforms, suits, and hats, standing in front of what are likely redwood trees. All photos are black and white photos unless otherwise stated. The photos of Japan are most likely from Ed Porter Pfingst’s c.1910 trip to Japan. More photos are in Subseries III.C.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
11:4
SUBSERIES XII.E.JOHN T. PORTER, SONS, GRANDSONS (1890s – 1900s)
One (1) Folder, six (6) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of six black and white (6) photos and prints of photos. These photos are of John T. Porter, Fanny C. Porter his wife, Warren R. Porter (John and Fanny’s son and John E. Porter (Warren’s son). Prints are approx. 10×8” in size and are taken from metal plates printed with ink featuring portraits of John T. Porter and Fanny C. Porter. Photos are of Warren R. Porter and his son John E. Porter, approx. 11×9” and 10×8” mounted on cardboard. Warren’s portrait is taken by Vaughn & Keith 126 PORT St. San Francisco. The photos and prints are undated.
Box ID: Folder ID#:
11:5
SUBSERIES XII.F. JOHN T. PORTER METAL PLATE (1890 – 1900)
One (1) Folder, one (1) plate
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) approx. 11×8” steel plate printed with a portrait of John T. Porter and its case. The envelope case identifies the plate as engraved by Henry Taylor Jr. & Son Steel Plate Engravers and Printers of Chicago. The plate is undated, the estimated date is 1890-1900.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
11:6
SUBSERIES XII.G. FANNY PORTER METAL PLATE (1890 – 1900)
One (1) folder, one (1) plate
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) approx. 11×8” steel plate printed with a portrait of John T. Porter’s wife Fanny Cummings Porter. The plate is wrapped in tissue paper and along with it is a paper and cardboard case bearing the printed portrait of Fanny C. Porter that is engraved on the plate. The plate appears to have gotten wet at some time, handle with care.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
11:7
SUBSERIES XII.H. LARGE PHOTOS (1890s – 1990s)
Two (2) Folders, three (3) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of two approx. 10×11” black and white photos mounted on cardboard. One is of two men inside a butcher shop displaying its wares, and the other is of horse and carriages on a road. The horse-carriage photo is marked with the names “Mrs. Ann Gonzales” on the reverse while the butcher shop photo has the names “Vic Peterson” and Al Coffman” on the reverse. Neither photos have dates but it is estimated they date from the mid 1890’s-mid 1900’s. These two photos are in an envelope “folder” marked “Large Photo-Butcher Shop & Horse Carriage Folder 8”. The third photo in this subseries is approx. 10×12 ½” photo in a brown folder embossed on the interior with the name “Ray Hoyt, San Mateo”. The photo is of a wedding party, the individuals are likely Porter family members though they are not specifically identified. This photo is undated but may date from the 1970’s-1900’s. This photo is in an envelope “folder” marked “Large Photo-Wedding Folder 9”.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
11: 8&9
SUBSERIES XII.I. LOGGING PHOTOS (1880s – 1940s)
One (1) folder, five (5) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of five (5) black and white photos ranging in size from 7×10” to 9×12” inches. These larger photos are printed on thick cardboard and are of logging, showing fallen and split tree trunks, trunks being carried on train tracks, and men standing among the lumber or sitting on the fallen trunks. Although these photos bear no identifying inscriptions or date on them they are likely of Loma Prieta Mill since they were in a folder bearing this label. The other smaller photo in this subseries is an aerial view of several houses, a road and a field. On the reverse handwriting identifies two of the homes as the Porter home and the Pfingst home. There is no date for this photo but based on the automobiles in the photo it is likely around 1940.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
11:10
SUBSERIES XII.J. EVENING PAJARONIAN AND PEOPLE (1890s – 1950s)
One (1) folder, fifteen (15) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of fifteen (15) black and white and sepia toned photos ranging in size from 4×5” at the smallest to approx. 10×13 ½” at the largest. These photos include images of people and houses, and two (2) approx. 8×11” photos of the Evening Pajaronian newspaper building. One shows the exterior façade of the building and the other shows the interior and printing presses. Other photos are: two (2) 6×7” photos mounted on cardboard of horse carriages and passerby in front of a busy store façade or hotel the window bears what appear to be the words “Hotel Johnson (?)”, photo of 336 E. Lake home, 10×6” photo of a man in a horse pulled buggy, 9×5” photo of for woman with leg o’mutton sleeves on donkeys bearing the words “For All” and taken by W.A. Tracht of Colorado (possibly dated 1890), 10×11” photo of a man and cat, three 8×10” photos of a uniformed men’s society with the motto “In Hoc Signovinces”, large sepia 10×13 ½” photo of an elderly gentleman perhaps Tom Porter or Tom Aron (?) according to the reverse, and more.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
11:11
SERIES XIII. PHOTOS AND PAPER ITEMS (1880s – 1980s)
One (1) Box, sixteen (16) folders
Series scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of sixteen (16) folders of Porter family photos contained in one box of the Porter Family collection. Photos include pictures taken at Porter family Christmas festivities, photos of Warren Porter and his son Tom Porter and other family members, photos of the Loma Prieta lumber mill and the Warren Porter home, Charlie Parkhurst’s cabin and much more. There are also paper items in this collection such as a wedding invitation, a valentine, and a calling card. These photos and negatives are contained in approx. 9×6” acid-free envelopes being called “folders” for this series, or in 12×9” envelope “folders”.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries XIII.A. Christmas Photos & Negatives
Subseries XIII.B. Cemetery Photos & Negatives
Subseries XIII.C. Paper Items
Subseries XIII.D. Dona Maria and Isaac Porter
Subseries XIII.E. Wedding Invitation & Oval Photos
Subseries XIII.F. Warren & Tom Porter Family Photos
Subseries XIII.G. Photos from Florence to Becie
Subseries XIII.H. Miscellaneous Photos
Subseries XIII.I. Negatives
Subseries XIII.J. Gentleman
Subseries XIII.K. Salinas and Parkhurst Cabin Site
Subseries XIII.L. Warren Porter Home & Loma Prieta
Subseries XIII.M. John T. Porter
Subseries XIII.N. Porter Estate
SUBSERIES XIII.A. CHRISTMAS PHOTOS AND NEGATIVES (1960s – 1980s)
One (1) Folder, ten (10) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries contains about ten (10) 4×4” photos and three strips, of negatives in a Kodak photo folder. The photos are slightly distorted by a reddish hue and are of a dinner table, guests, and decorations at Christmastime. Individuals in the Christmas photos are not identified. The photos were likely taken at the Porter family home based on similarities to shots of the Porter house interior from Subseries XIII.N. Also in this subseries is one (1) photo of two women with crates of strawberries with the inscription “Box Lunch ‘76”. The names of the individuals are difficult to read and this photo is stuck to one of the Christmas photos; removing it may damage the photo.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:1
SUBSERIES XIII.B. CEMETERY PHOTOS AND NEGATIVES (1950s – 1960s)
One (1) Folder, eighteen (18) items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of eleven (11) negatives and seven (7) photos of graves in a cemetery. The graves include Charley Darkey Parkhurst’s (1812-1879) erected by the Pajaro Valley Historical Association in 1955, graves of Emeline and Melvin Gilkey (died 1869 and 1874) and a large obelisk-shaped monument for D.C. Cleveland (died 1871). The black and white photos are approx. 3×8” in size and are stamped with the dates ’58. ‘59’ and ’69. Negatives are of the cemetery photos, and two of unidentified men, one in an armchair and the other standing in front of a house and car. These photos by Kodak are in a Bennett’s Photo Service envelope.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:2
SUBSERIES XIII.C.PAPER ITEMS (1900s)
One (1) Folder, four (4) items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of four (4) paper items that were with the photos of the Porter Family Collection. These items include: a small 3×2” card with the words “To my Valentine Feb.14” on the reverse and “with love and good wishes” on the front, a 2×4” calling card for the “Bishop of California”, and two (2) newspaper clippings of unknown date and source of the article “Mrs. J.T. Porter, 90 Today, Taught Our First School”.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:3
SUBSERIES XIII.D. DONA MARIA AND ISAAC PORTER (1800s – 1900s)
Two (2) Folders, two (2) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of two (2) photos, one of Dona Maria Ignacio Bonifacio and one of Dr. Isaac Porter. The photo of Dona Maria is approx. 7 ½”x 5 ½” and was taken by L.S. Slevin of Carmel, CA. The photo shows Dona Maria standing in front of a house holding a rose identified as “Sherman Rose” on the reverse. Along with the photo is a note written in red marker (difficult to read) that identifies Dona Maria as a friend of Fanny Porter’s and states that Dona Maria gave Fanny a tea set that was later given to Customs House and that the photo of Dona Maria should be hung there. The note was written by B. Porter (likely Becie Porter) and includes an envelope that states “To be framed & hung in Custom House”. This photo is in Folder 4 Also in this subseries is a small 4 x3” tin type mounted on paper of four individuals, two seated and two standing. A note on the paper identifies the individuals as “Nephew Isaac Gallup Porter and wife Anna McNall, Dr. John Porter and wife Ann Thomas”. A pencil correction on the front and reverse states that “Dr. John Porter” is wrongly identified and likely Dr. Isaac Porter instead. This photo is in Folder 5.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12: 4&5
SUBSERIES XIII.E. WEDDING INVITATION AND OVAL PHOTOS (1880s)
One (1) folder, three (3) items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of three (3) items, which include an 1884 Silver Wedding Invitation for the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of John T. Porter and Fanny Cummings Porter. This invitation is approx. 6×5” in size, silver in color and contained inside tan envelope embossed with a cameo. Also in this subseries are two (2) small 2” oval shaped photos printed on paper with a plastic covering and fabric backing. One of these photos is of Fanny Porter as the photo is nearly identical to her engraved plate portrait in Series XII.The second is an unidentified woman but may be Florence Porter Pfingst judging from similarities to a photo printed in a newspaper article elsewhere in the collection, or another relative of Fanny’s. These photos were wrapped in tissue paper inside a blue 3×6” envelope stamped with the word “Iddesleigh” and are now wrapped in acid-free paper in a folder along with the envelope.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:6
SUBSERIES XIII.F. WARREN AND TOM PORTER FAMILY PHOTOS (1900 – 1946)
One (1) Folder, thirteen (13) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of thirteen (13) photos of Porter family members and friends, primarily of Warren Porter’s children. Photos are black and white and range in size from 4×4” to 6×5”. Some identified individuals in the photos include: Estelle Easton, Tom Porter (Warren’s son), 1909 photo of Tom Porter and his nursemaid Rose, Mary Porter (Warren’s daughter), photo of Florence Porter Pfingst on a ship during a 1927 trip to Hawaii, photos of the Warren Porter home and a group of children in a playhouse possibly at his home, photo of Jane Porter Bancroft’s grave, a postcard addressed to Ed Pfingst from his friends “Spear, Jeff and John” of the Hitchcock Military dated 1912 and more.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:7
SUBSERIES XIII.G. PHOTOS FROM FLORENCE TO BECIE (1906 – 1980s)
One (1) Folder, ten (10) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries contains ten (10) photos and one (1) letter. The photos range in size from 2×2” to 6×4, two are color and the rest are black and white. The photos are of Tom Porter as an infant, John Porter, Diane Porter (as an infant and a young woman), and two (2) photos of Tom Porter dated 1906, taken by Taber studio of San Francisco, CA, photos of the Porter hose and other relatives and friends. Along with the photos is a 1986 Pajaro Valley Arts Council brochure, and a letter from Florence to Becie dated 1988 telling Becie how Florence found some old photos while cleaning and would like Becie to have them. On the reverse is a note from Becie to Florence thanking her for the photos (very hard to read).
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:8
SUBSERIES XIII.H. MISCELLANEOUS PHOTOS (1900s – 1970s)
One (1) Folder, nine (9) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of eight (8) photos and one (1) negative. The photos range in size from approx. 6×5” to 5×7” and are in black and white. Photos are of various subjects such as: a parade (2) photos, four people standing in a flooded street, six people in boat, a negative and photo in a Custom Photofinishing envelope of the Porter family posing amongst trees, and three (3) photos printed on postcards of a parade of boats on a river and houses on a flooded street.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:9
SUBSERIES XIII.I. NEGATIVES (1900s – 1940s)
One (1) Folder, twenty (20) negatives
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of twenty approx. 5×7” undated photo negatives of various subjects such as: a boat rowing team in front of Beaver Hill Coal building, a cat, a man standing at a window, boats, a birdcage, man fixing a power line, man cooking, the ocean, man with duck, and more. The individuals in these photos are not identified, but likely are members of the Porter family or family friends. The condition of these negatives range from fair to poor; some are crumbling and some are fading. Also in this subseries is an envelope labeled “Edward Pfingst film”, which perhaps indicates the origin of these negatives.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:10
SUBSERIES XIII.J. GENTLEMAN (1900s)
One (1) Folder, three (3) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of three (3) approx. 6×5” sepia toned photos of a distinguished looking elderly gentleman posing in a studio with hat and cane while sitting in a chair. The photos include both full shots and close up portrait shots. The man is not identified and there is no date.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:11
SUBSERIES XIII.K.SALINAS AND PARKHURST CABIN SITE (1900s – 1950s)
One (1) Folder, five (5) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of five (5) photos ranging in size from approx. 4×4” to 4×7”. All photos are in black and white except for one which is identified on the reverse as the “Site of Charlie Pankhurst’s Cabin prior to death”. This photo is labeled “property of Ruth Johnson”. The other photos are of a parade, a horse carriage labeled “Granite Rock Co. 1900”, and unidentified park, and a cabin identified on the reverse as “Old Glass House Salinas Road”.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:12
SUBSERIES XIII.L. WARREN PORTER HOME AND LOMA PRIETA (1860s – 1900s)
One (1) Folder, five (5) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of five (5) sepia toned 5×7” photos identified as “Warren Porter’s Home” and “Loma Prieta” on the reverse. The photos were taken by Moulin Studios of San Francisco, CA and depict a house with a man and woman on the porch, a cattle team, lumber, men sitting on tree trunks, and more pertaining to lumber.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:13
SUBSERIES XIII.M. JOHN T. PORTER (1850s – 1900s)
One (1) Folder, one (1) photo
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one black and white (1) oval photo mounted on cardboard approx. 7×5” in size. The photo is a bust-length shot of a man, likely of John T. Porter judging from similarity to other photos identified as him. The photo was taken by A.W. Fell of Watsonville, CA.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:14
SUBSERIES XIII.N. PORTER ESTATE PHOTOS (1900s – 1950s)
Two (2) Folders, fifty (50) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of four (4) black and white photos and one (1) negative. The photos range in size from approx. 5×7” to 5×10”. The two (2) 5×10” photos are of a large house and orchard, likely the Porter family estate judging from other identified photos of the estate. These two photos are printed on thick cardboard and were taken by J.T. Pollock of San Jose, CA. Another photo is of a front porch decorated in banners and American flags, the negative is of this photo. The final photo in this subseries is actually a photo collage mounted on an approx. 6×5” piece of cardboard and containing six tiny photos of the home in the larger photos taken by J.T., and also of a dog, a river, and a neighborhood. These photos are in fair condition and some are blurry. They are in Folder 15. Also in this subseries is a folder containing forty-four (44) photos both in black and white and color of homes belonging to the Porter family. The homes are identified as: Rancho Los Pajaritos, Rancho San Cayetano Pajaro John R. Porter’s Residence”, “Auntie K’s Cottage”, “Ed Pfingst Cottage” and more. The photos vary in range from approx. thirty 4×4” Kodacolor photos dated 1958 of the “Old Porter House” and furniture throughout the interior, to a large approx. 9×12” photo identified as the Porter house Interior, and three panorama photos showing Mary and Tom Porter in front of a home that are approx. 3×14”long. There are two Kodacolor envelopes with approx. twenty –thirty photos of furniture and interior shots of the Porter house. These photos are in Folder 16.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
12:15&16
SERIES XIV. PHOTOS AND NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS (1900s – 1990s)
Eleven (11) folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of photos, postcards, newspaper clippings, stereographs and other items belonging to the Porter Family. Photos are of Porter family members such as Ed Porter Pfingst, his mother Florence Pfingst, Fanny Cummings Porter, Warren Porter and more. The photos date from the early 1900’s to about the 1980’s or 1990’s. Also in this series are postcards of various places in Watsonville, CA, a souvenir booklet of Watsonville scenes, two (2) stereographs depicting a rare look at 1906 earthquake damage to Watsonville Chinatown area, a photo print of Harvey Mudd, newspaper clippings about Porter family social events and much more.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries XIV.A. Oval Portrait
Subseries XIV.B. Tiny Photos-Florence, Fanny, Chinatown
Subseries XIV.C. Photos of Misc. Woman
Subseries XIV.D. Postcards and News Clippings
Subseries XIV.E. Souvenir of Watsonville Book
Subseries XIV.F. Stereographs
Subseries XIV.G. Harvey Mudd & Misc.People
Subseries XIV.H. Photos of Ed and Florence Pfingst
Subseries XIV.I. Bay Photo Lab Prints
Subseries XIV.J. Large Photos-Florence, Fanny and John T.
Subseries XIV.K. Large House Photos
SUBSERIES XIV.A. OVAL PORTRAIT (1880 – 1900s)
One (1) Folder, One (1) Photo
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) photo that is approx. 6×5” in size that appears to be a photo taken of an oval portrait in a frame of an unknown gentleman. The framed portrait is likely a photo that was painted over and silver-ized; there are some cracks on the gentleman’s face. The man is unidentified. This photo is a 7×5” protective sleeve being called a “folder” for the purpose of this subseries.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:1
SUBSERIES XIV.B. TINY PHOTOS-FANNY AND CHINATOWN (1888 – 1930s)
One (1) Folder, ten (10) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of ten (10) photos in a 9×6” acid free envelope “folder”. These photos include: two oval shaped portraits 2×2” in size and 3×3” in size. The smaller is of Florence Porter Pfingst and the larger is of Fanny Cummings Porter. There are two (2) 3×4” photos, one of the Porter house from the road and the other of Chinatown, three (3) photos ranging in size from 3×2” to 4×3” of Florence Porter Pfingst as a young and older woman, and of Fanny C. Porter, and three (3) 3×2 ½” photos printed on cardboard of an unknown woman dated 1888 taken by Chas. Lainer of Third St. (city not specified.).These photos have inscriptions on the reverse which may identify the individual but they are very difficult to read.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:2
SUBSERIES XIV.C. PHOTOS OF MISCELLANEOUS WOMEN (1870s – 1880s)
One (1) Folder, two (2) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of two (2) 6×4” photos printed or mounted on stiff cardboard. The photos of are unidentified women, one likely in her early twenties or thirties, and the other older, approx. in her mid 40’s to 50’s. Both wear elegant gowns, lace collars, hair nets, and jewelry. The younger woman’s photo has cracking all over it and is likely an albumen print.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:3
SUBSERIES XIV.D. POSTCARDS AND NEWS-CLIPPINGS (1950s – 1990s)
One (1) Folder, seventeen (17) items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of seven (7) postcards, six (6) newspaper clippings, one (1) wedding invitation, one (1) map, one (1) note, and one (1) 1978 card from Marian Leisz(?). The card thanks Mrs. Thomas Porter for some family photos and sends condolences about Tom and Edward Porter’s death, the wedding invitation is for the marriage of Diane Porter and Donald E. Cooley. Newspaper clippings are for topics such as: Diana Porter’s engagement, a benefit thrown by Edward Porter Pfingst, article about the United States 200th birthday (dated 1976) and more. Only the 1976 article has a source and date. The map is of the University of California, Santa Cruz campus, and the postcards are of scenes from Watsonville, CA.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:4
SUBSERIES XIV.E. SOUVENIR OF WATSONVILLE BOOK (1900s)
One (1) Folder, One (1) Book
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) 5×7” book bound with blue entitled Souvenir of Watsonville, California. The book was published by Steinhauser & Eaton of Watsonville, CA and the Albertype Co. of Brooklyn, N.Y. The book is in great condition and contains approx. fourteen (14) full-page black and white photos and one (1) panorama photo of downtown Watsonville, various streets and businesses, Carnegie library, agricultural plants and farms, a good piece of Watsonville history.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:5
SUBSERIES XIV.F. STEREOGRAPHS (1906)
One (1) Folder, Two (2) Stereographs
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of two (2) 3×7” stereographs on thick cardboard. Stereographs feature two photos side by side and when viewed through a special viewing lens, the two photos become one, 3-dimensional image. The photos are identified as “Wats. Brooklyn Chinatown ” and “Du Four 1906” on the reverse. One image shows a large ditch and a horse drawn carriage on a street. The other shows buildings, men, a horse and a caved in sidewalk.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:6
SUBSERIES XIV.G. HARVEY MUDD AND MISCELLANEOUS PEOPLE (1900 – 1980s)
One (1) Folder, ten (10) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of ten (10) photographs of various people, ranging in size from approx. 5×4” at the smallest to 11×10” at the largest. Photos are in black and white except for one 5×7” photo of a man and woman amongst several people wearing sombreros; these individuals are unidentified but are likely members of the Porter family based on facial similarities to other identified photos. Other photos include: large 11×10” photo or print of a painting of Harvey Mudd for the Harvey Mudd College dated 1959; 5×4” photo of a man identified as “Tom Aveno” taken by H.C. Stallings; 7×5” photo of two women and one man standing on a porch near a forest;7×5” 1927 or 1937 photo of “Karl L—(illegible) or possibly Siegal; 1940 8×5” photo of a man wearing chaps on a horse; 9×11” photo of woman and me in an automobile identified as going to a “House Party at Porters”; 9×11” photo of an unidentified man standing next to an automobile with a dog in it; and a print of an 8×11” photo of Florence Porter, Edward Porter and other Porter members in a house.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:7
SUBSERIES XIV.H. PHOTOS OF ED AND FLORENCE PFINGST (1900s)
One (1) Folder, five (5) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of five black and white photos in fair to good condition, some mounted on cardboard and some contained in paper folders. Photos include: 7×5” photo of Ed Pfingst as a child, very faded and yellowing and mounted on carboard, 8×4” photo dated 1904 of Ed Pfingst in a paper folder, 6×3” oval photo mounted on cardboard of an unidentified infant sitting in a chair, 7×5” photo in a folder of two individuals likely Fanny C. Porter and Edward Pfingst taken by Hagman of Watsonville, CA, 6×5” photo on cardboard of Ed and Florence Pfingst, taken by Arthur Marx.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:8
SUBSERIES XIV.I. BAY PHOTO LAB PRINTS (1900 – 1990)
One (1) Folder, twenty-three (23) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of twenty-three (23) photos contained in a Bay Photo Lab envelope. The photos are undated, and are approx. 4×6” in size. They appear to be photos taken of framed photos or of photos in books. There are also photos of collectable items such as a set of ornate spoons engraved “Santa Cruz, CA”, a Natural Bridges pin, Golden Gate Exposition World’s Fair scarf and more. Other photos are of individuals, likely Porter family members, houses, and panoramas of a town, possibly Watsonville or the Pajaro area where the Porter’s were from. The original photos could date from the 1900’s yet the photos/prints of these photos were likely taken at a later date, possibly the 1980’s or 1990’s.Also in this subseries is a list that someone made of the photos in this box.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:9
SUBSERIES XIV.J. LARGE PHOTOS-FLORENCE, FANNY, AND JOHN T. (1890s – 1920s)
One (1) Folder, six (6) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of six (6) mounted photos and photo prints ranging in size from 3×5” (excluding mounting), to 11×10”. These black and white photos are of Fanny C. Porter (11×5” photo print), John T. Porter (6×5” oval portrait), 3×5” photo of a Reverend, preacher, or teacher mounted in a cardboard frame (man is unidentified), 11×5” photo of unidentified man and woman taken by C.G. Jefferson of Hollister, CA, 11×5” photo of Florence Pfingst, Fanny C. Porter and three other unidentified woman posing outdoors, 6×5” photo of Fanny Porter in a folder, 6×5” mounted photo of an unidentified older gentleman along with a “Freight” list dated 1891 or 1897 written on wood with items such as “windows” and “wallpaper”.
Box ID#:Folder ID#:
13:10
SUBSERIES XIV.K. LARGE HOUSE PHOTOS (1900s – 1930s)
One (1) Folder, seven (7) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of seven (7) photos of houses ranging in size from five (5) 4×6” black and white photos of an unidentified home and unidentified flooded buildings and town streets printed on postcard paper, a 1934 card to “Dearest Edward” featuring a photo of an unidentified house with a woman on the porch, and two 10×11” photos of the “Porter Residence” dated 1905 and mounted on cardboard.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:11
SERIES XV.PORTER COLLECTION INVENTORIES (1990s)
Three (3) Folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of approx. fifty (50) or more handwritten and typed inventories of items in the Porter Family Collection in three (3) folders. Inventories list items such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, cards, and biographical data on members of the Porter family such as Fanny Cummings Porter, John T. Porter, Florence Porter Pfingst and more. Note: The location for these items that the inventories state may no longer be accurate, as the collection has been re-organized since these inventories were made. However they may still be useful as a complete list of items belonging to the Porters that are in this collection. They were likely made in the early 1990’s.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries XV.A. Miscellaneous
Subseries XV.B. Florence Pfingst and Ed Pfingst Inventories
Subseries XV.C. Fanny Porter, John T., Porter-Sesnon Inventories
SUBSERIES XV.A. MISCELLANEOUS
One (1) Folder, twenty pages
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries contains about twenty (20) or more pages of inventories for various items in the Porter family collection. Some are grouped by individuals the items belonged to , some are just lists of miscellaneous items. Contains inventories of items belonging to George K. Porter, Jerome Porter, Warren Porter and others, as well as photocopies of newspaper clippings found in the Porter family collection.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:12
SUBSERIES XV.B. FLORENCE PFINGST AND ED PFINGST INVENTORIES
One (1) Folder, six (6) inventories
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of six (6) inventories of items belonging to Florenc Porter Pfingst, Ed Porter Pfingst and Ferdinand Pfingst. The inventories are for items such as letters, cards, newspaper clippings, musical programs, calling cards and more items belonging to these individuals. The inventories were likely made in the 1990’s.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:13
SUBSERIES XV.C. FANNY PORTER, JOHN T. PORTER, PORTER-SESNON INVENTORIES
One (1) Folder, twelve (12) inventories
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of about twelve (12) inventories for items in the Porter Family Collection belonging to individuals such as: John T. Porter, Fanny Cummings Porter, Benjamin Porter, The Porter-Sesnon branch of the family, Theodore Porter (John T. Porter’s brother), Agnes Cummings, Elizabeth Smith (Ben and Ed Porter’s sister) and more. The inventories are for items such as: John T. Porter’s letters, genealogical and biographical data, Fanny Cummings Porter’s diaries, Elisabeth Smith obituary, letters from Thomas Bishop (a friend of John T. and Fanny Porter) and more. These are typed inventories likely made in the 1990’s.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
13:14
SERIES XVI. RECEIPT BOOKS, BANK NOTES, POUCHES (1860 – 1924)
One (1) Box
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of six (6) folders in one (1) box of the Porter Family Collection. In this series are five (5) rent receipt books dating from 1913-1924, a packet of approx. thirty (30) bank deposit slips and bank statements belonging to Fanny Cummings Porter dating from 1899-1902, and one red leather accordion style leather pouch that contained two (2) notes of payment to John T. Porter dating from the 1860’s. The rent receipt books do not have an identified owner, but may belong to John T. Porter. All these items are either in 9×6” or 13×11” acid-free protective envelopes, being called “folders” for this series.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries XVI.A. Receipt books
Subseries XVI.B. Bank Notes and Pouches
SUBSERIES XVI.A. RECEIPT BOOKS (1913 – 1924)
One (1) box, five (5) books, four (4) folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of five (5) rent receipt books for leased properties in Pajaro, CA. These rent receipt books date from 1913-1924. One book is green in color, 3×11” in size and is entitled “Helmet Rent Receipt No. 4201”. This book has some receipts torn out and the rest whole. These receipts are primarily for “J. Harcony (?) for rent of “Lunch Counter”. A 1913 rent receipt book contains both torn and un-torn receipts and measures 3×11” in size with brown covering. Two 3×3 ½” receipt books have receipts completely torn out and date from 1920 and 1924, Another measures 3×5” with red covering and dates from 1918 with both torn and un-torn receipts. These receipt books do not have an identified owner, but may have belonged to John T. Porter.
This subseries is divided into the following folders:
Folder 1: 1918 receipt book
Folder 2: 1920 & 1924 receipt book\
Folder 3: 1913 receipt book
Folder 4: Helmet Receipt Book
Box ID#:Folder ID#:
14: 1-4
SUBSERIES XVI.B. BANK NOTES AND POUCHES (1860s – 1900s)
Two (2) Folders, four (4) items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) 4×9” red leather pouch or purse that when opened, reveals an “accordion” of five collapsible and expandable pockets and two tiny pockets labeled “R.R. Tickets” and “Stamps” in gold lettering. In these pockets were two paper items, one (1) note promising to pay money to John Porter from “S.J. Gregory” dated 1860, and three pages of notes with the letterhead “Porter Rock County” dated 1864-1866 detailing account balances and promises of payment from “Wm Porter”. These pages have the word “Copy” scrawled across them in red ink. These items are now in an acid-free folder within Folder 4. Also in this subseries is a packet of approx. thirty (30) bank notes belonging to Florence Porter from the Pajaro Valley Bank of Watsonville, CA that date from 1899-1902. These are deposit statements and deposit slips or checks tied together in a bundle with green twine. They are in Folder 5.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
14:5&6
SERIES XVII. BOOKS AND CURIOSITIES (1800s – 1930s)
One (1) Box, four (4) folders
This series is divided into the following subseries: This series consists of four folders in one box of the Porter Collection which contain six (6) 3×4” rent receipt books dating from 1914-1927 and several small items of intriguing interest and curiosity. One item is what appears to be a Magic Lantern slide featuring five painted oval portraits of characters on glass. Another item is an advertisement for a silver Auto Fob and the third is a small 4×3” booklet featuring two interior pockets, a tiny pencil and a cornflower cover design.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries XVII.A. Magic Lantern Slide and Pocket Book
Subseries XVII.B. Tiny Receipt Books
SUBSERIES XVII.A. MAGIC LANTERN SILDE AND POCKET BOOK (1850s – 1920s)
One (1) Folder, three (3) items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of items labeled TR.74.93.1-.4. These items include an advertisement and order form for “The Auto Fob” made by S.H. Burns & Co. of Brooklyn, N.Y. The ad promotes an oxidized silver fob with three linked medallions with raised figures of an automobile, woman, and what may be a wheel with wings for the price of 15 cents. The other items in this subseries include a 4×3” small cloth booklet containing two pockets and a tiny pencil holder with pencil. The front and back cover are bound with a hard white plastic-like material printed on the front with a blue cornflower/ Bachelor’s button flower design. Another item is a 2×6” glass Magic Lantern slide featuring a red border surrounding oval portraits of five individuals including a gentleman, elderly woman, a young man and an infant in the center. Magic Lanterns were an early form of slide projector developed as early as the 17th century and used until the 1900’s. Slides were placed in the Magic Lantern and the images were projected on the wall to tell a story (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_lantern)This item has one chipped corner but is in otherwise fair condition.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
15:1
SUBSERIES XVII.B. TINY RECEIPT BOOKS (1914 – 1927)
Three (3) folders, six (6) books
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of three folders containing six (6) tiny 3×4” rent receipt books that have all the receipts torn out. These books contain entries such as: “July 1-14 W. Moyer House No. House + B. Shop From July 1 to Aug. 1st Amount: $30”. These contain rent receipts for leased properties dating from 1914-1927
This subseries is divided into the following folders:
Folder 2: Rent Book March 1915- May 1915 & Sept. 1917-Dec. 1917
Folder 3: Rent Book June 1917-Sept. 1917 & March 1917-June 1917
Folder 4: Rent Book March 1919-May 1919 & April 1927-Oct. 1927
Box ID#: Folder ID:
15:2-4
SERIES XVIII. RECEIPT BOOKS AND DICTIONARY (1850 – 1920)
One (1) Box
Series Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of six (6) receipt books dating from the 1900’s and one (1) Dictionary belonging to Fanny C. Porter. The rent receipt books are 3×4” in size and contained in approx. 9×6” envelopes being called “folders” for this series. The books may have belonged to John T. Porter and Fanny C. Porter. The dictionary is approx. 7×7 ½ ” in size and is inscribed with the words “F. Cumming C.B ? (illegible) 1854, across the pages.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries XVIII.A. 1900’s Rent Receipt Books
Subseries XVIII.B. Dictionary
SUBSERIES XVIII.A. 1900’S RENT RECEIPT BOOKS (1914 – 1920)
Six (6) Books, three (3) folders
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of six (6) rent receipt books from the 1900’s. The books are approx.3×4” in size, and the receipts are torn out except for one which has Fanny Porter listed under “rent payable monthly in advance”. The books contain entries such as: “May 1-16 Name: Charley Fang, House No. Leased Property, From May 1 to June 1, Amount $40”. The books are constructed of paper, cardboard and cloth, bound in black or red cloth with terracotta colored or marbled tan and black covers. These rent receipts books may have belonged to Fanny Porter and/or John T. Porter and are for properties in the Pajaro, CA area.
This subseries is divided into the following folders:
Folder 1: Jan.1914-March 1914 & Feb. 1916-April 1916
Folder 2: May 1916-July 1916 &July 1916-October 1916
Folder 3: Sept. 1920-Dec.1920 & Dec. 1920-Feb.1920
Box ID#:Folder ID#:
16: 1-3
SUBSERIES XVIII.B. DICTIONARY (1850s)
One (1) Book, One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries contains (1) dictionary belonging to Fanny Cummings Porter. The dictionary is approx. 7×7 ½” in size and bears the word “F.Cumming 1854” and initials which may be a C and a B across the pages. The book is entitled Walker’s Boston School Dictionary. Inside is the signature “Miss Fanny Cummings” written in the front pages and on the back inside cover alongside the date and the county in thick ink rendering it difficult to read. The dictionary contains pronunciation of proper names from scripture, definitions of words from the article “A” to Zootomy” and pronunciations. Dictionary is in fair condition with yellowing but intact pages, and some peeling on the front cover. The dictionary is missing about four pages from the front of the book which appears to have been torn out but the dictionary is otherwise intact. Dictionary is 468 pages long.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
16:4
SERIES XIX.A.CORRESPONDENCE, DOCUMENTS, DIARIES (1860s – 1930s)
One (1) Box
This series is divided into the following subseries: This subseries contains mainly letters correspondence to and from Warren R. Porter to various relatives such as Fanny C. Porter (his mother), his uncle’s and businesses such as Loma Prieta Lumber Co. Also in this series are bank documents such as account statements and checks written by Florence Porter Pfingst and Warren Porter, Mary Porter and others. Others items in this series include: railway passes from the Southern Pacific Co., postcards to Florence Porter Pfingst, wedding announcement (photo copy) for marriage between Florence Porter and Robert Effey, an 1877 diary of John T. Porter and more.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries XIX.A. Private Papers and Bank Documents
Subseries XIX.B. Railway Passes and News
Subseries XIX.C. Letters to Warren
Subseries XIX.D. My Dear Old Boy Letters and Wedding Announcement
Subseries XIX.E. Typed Letters to W.R. Porter
Subseries XIX.F. Checks and Stock
Subseries XIX.G. Diary and Pouch
SUBSERIES XIX.A. PRIVATE PAPERS AND BANK DOCUMENTS (1919 – 1950s)
One (1) Folder, six (6) items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of six (6) items in one (1) folder that contains a statement from Pajaro Valley National Bank for Florence Porter Pfingst dating from 1928, inside are approx. twenty (20) checks to various organizations and businesses such as the Baldwin Jewelry Co. dating from 1919-1925 and an Automobile installment note from 1946. Also in this subseries is an approx. 8×4” red cardboard document cover bound in brown ribbon with the title “Valuable Private Papers, Deeds, Mortgages-J.T. Porter’s” on the cover. The document cover is empty. Also in this subseries is what appears to be a 7×3 ½” red leather Pajaro Valley Bank booklet for checks, a purple 6×4” “By Laws and Rules of Order” booklet for the Watsonville Lodge No. 1300 Order of Elks, and a pamphlet from the First Degree of Emulation Ritual for the Pajaro Lodge Bo. 110 Masonic Temple featuring a list of Officers.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
17:1
SUBSERIES XIX.B. RAILWAY PASSES AND NEWS (1860s – 1930s)
One (1) Folder, eighteen (18) items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of ten (10) railway passes and tickets from the Southern Pacific Company railroad. The passes belong to John T. Porter and date from 1882-1899. Also in this subseries is a 1910 newspaper clipping from The San Francisco Examiner newspaper featuring an article on the Watsonville Apple Annual and the Panama Pacific Exposition with a photo of Warren Porter, a hand-drawn map of John T. Porter, W. R. Porter, Warren R. Porter Jr., Jennie E. Porter and other’s burial sites at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, one list of accounts (difficult to read) dating through 1865-1875, birthday card with envelope to Mrs. John T. Porter, 1930’s postmarked receipt for “Article No. 869”, and two (2) empty envelopes one marked “Little Sioux, South Dakota” the other “Harrison Loring, Boston”.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
17:2
SUBSERIES XIX.C. LETTERS TO WARREN (1880s – 1890s)
One (1) Folder, forty (40) letters
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of approx forty (40) letters written to Warren Porter. The letters are 7×5” in size or 6×4” and addressed to “Warrie”, “Cousin Warren”, “Brother Warren”, or “Friend Warren”. The letters date primarily from the 1880’s and 1890’s and are from various cousins, friends, and relatives such as Ann T. Porter and Sadie (?) Porter. The letters discuss family and business matters such as an 1893 letter from “C. Porter” asking “Warrie” if we like to hire an able young handyman from England. There are also approx. Fifteen (15) letters from “Mamie F.R.” who address herself as Warren’s “1/2” sister in a packet of letters discussing friends and family, visiting friends and family, the death of “Charles’s sister” and more.
Box ID#: Folder ID#:
17:3
SUBSERIES XIX.D. “MY DEAR OLD BOY LETTERS” AND WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT (1890s – 1900s)
One (1) Folder, forty (40) letters
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consist of approx. forty (40) handwritten letters addressed to W.R. Porter from acquaintances and family members such as Ferdinand Pfingst and George K. Porter (Warren’s uncle, two letters) and one (1) letter from John T. Porter. One typed letter dated 1905 is from Warren Porter to Hon. John D. Makenzie about scheduling a gathering of friends, extending an invitation to Senator Ralston and his opinion of an acquaintance Louis O’Neal. The majority of these forty letters are addressed to “my dear old boy” from “your loving mother” and are likely from Fanny C. Porter to Warren. These letters are about family member’s health, a trip to Boston to see “Kat”/ “Kitty”, Kitty’s possible divorce, a trip to Canada and more. Also in this subseries are six(6) items likely belonging to Florence Porter Effey; a Telegraph to Mrs. John Porter from Florence P. Effey about notifying a bank to pay funds, an excerpt of French verse “L’Arbre”, Two (2) postcards to Florence Porter Pfingst one of the Customs House and the other of Santa Barbara Mission, and a typed (likely a transcription) of a wedding announcement for Florence Porter and Robert Effey.
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17:4
SUBSERIES XIX.E. TYPED LETTERS (1890s – 1900s)
One (1) Folder, Fifty (50) letters
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of approx. fifty typed letters dating from the 1890’s and 1900’s written to W.R. Porter and from W.R. Porter. The letters are primarily business related such as about twenty letters of so exchanged between A.C. Bassett of the Loma Prieta Lumber Co. about various business transactions and employees. Another packet of about fifteen (15) letters or so are correspondence exchanged between W.R. Porter and Hon. J.C. Needham of the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., primarily concerning appointing a Mr. George C.Brown to a vacant position open at the Corralitos post office, and the length and terms of office as well as the policies of being appointed or recommended to the position. Another packet of ten (10) or so letters addresses concerns between Mr. Needham and W.R. Porter over a forest reserves bill and other legislation. A letter written by W.R. Porter to Hon. Louis O’Neal invites him to a gathering of friends mentioned in a letter in Folder 4.
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17:5
SUBSERIES XIX.F. CHECKS AND STOCK (1880s – 1900s)
One (1) Folder, fifty (50) items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of approx. fifty (50) or more checks marked with the Pajaro Valley Bank logo, written for varying amounts of money from $7 to $200 and up, written by W.R. Porter to various individuals. In an envelope from the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Co. are about twenty more checks from Pajaro Valley Bank signed by Mary E. Porter and W.R. Porter written to various businesses such as the Tuttle Co. Also in this subseries is a very difficult to read photo copy of an 1850’s letter in an envelope with the letterhead “Porter Bros.” forwarded to John Porter; it is difficult to make out the content or sender of this letter. However on the envelope the letter is in are written the words “Daniel Webster Letter of Recommendation, Republican Recommendation” which is likely the content of the letter. Another item in this subseries is a scroll of two pages of John T. Porter Co.stationary that was bound with red, white, and blue ribbon.
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17:6
SUBSERIES XIX.G. DIARY AND POUCH (1860s – 1870s)
One (1) Folder, Two (2) Items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of two (2) books, one a diary and one and empty pouch. The diary is approx. 8×4” and encased in a red leather pouch of the same size with two pockets. The diary is an 1877 Pacific Diary published in San Francisco. Inside is the name “John T. Porter” written and under it, “Pajaro Monterey Cp. 1877”. Entries are a bit difficult to read but appear to contain businesses and personal transactions such as “At Office” (Sept 8th) and “Warren and I came to San Francisco…”(January 11th) and “Spent day with Bishop” (Jan. 14th). Also in this subseries is an 11×5: brown leather pouch that is wrapped is closed with a strip of leather and when open, unfolds into four pouches. Inside is the name “John T. Porter, Santa Cruz County, California” written in ink on one of the pouches. Inside one pouch are three (1) letters from San Luis Obispo to John Porter (difficult to read) and two (2) checks written to John T. Porter. Also in this subseries is an envelope with a check to the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company of CA, written by Wm (?) N. Cumming. There are also four (4) letters with envelopes dating from the 1860’s addressed to John T. Porter primarily about businesses matters such as one from C. Cole about the legislature and transferring business to Sacramento.
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17:7
SERIES XX. POCKET BOOKS AND SMALL EPHEMERA (1870s – 1930s)
One (1) Box
Series Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of small pocket books such as memorandum and inventory books, and a notebook set of small 4x 2 ½” notebooks. Other small items include a 1” x 2 ½ ” container of Victrola Tungs-Tone Stylus’s from the Victor Talking Machine Co. with eight stylus’s inside, a silver auto fob, small 3×3” photos of a gentleman and a baby, and a 1 ½”x1 ½” golden frame. Other items include the 1877 diary of District Attorney of Santa Cruz James A. Hall which included two locks of hair, inventory and memorandum books, a Knights Templar ribbon from the 1880’s, business cards, and more. All these items are in acid-free envelopes that are either approx. 5×5” or 12×9” in size, being called “folders” for this series.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries XX.A. Silver Auto Fob
Subseries XX.B. Record Stylus
Subseries XX.C. Small Photos and Frames
Subseries XX.D. Tiny Notebook Set
Subseries XX.E. Pocket Memorandum Books
Subseries XX.F. James Hall Diary
Subseries XX.G. Midas Memorandum and Inventory Books
Subseries XX.H. Ribbon, Business Cards, and Telegraph
Subseries XX.I. Receipt Book and Snakeskin pouch
SUBSERIES XX.A. SILVER AUTO FOB (1900s)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) silver auto fob in a small approx. 5×5” protective envelope “folder”. The auto fob features three medallions linked together of varying size, engraved or stamped with designs on both sides, with a different design on each medallion. One side features designs of a glove with wrench, what may be a lantern, and a person; on the reverse are a winged wheel, a man with a large beribboned hat, and an automobile. The fob is oxidized and one link holding the medallions together is missing, but otherwise it is in good condition. This fob is the same as one advertised in a clipping found in a separate Series (Series XVII, Subseries XVII.A.) The fob was made by S.H. Burns & Co. of Brooklyn, N.Y. The fob has the # TR.74.93.1-.4.
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18:1
SUBSERIES XX.B. RECORD STYLUS (1916 – 1920)
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) folder containing one (1) approx.1”x 2 ½” Victrola Tungs-Tone Stylus container with eight (8) gold colored record stylus’s inside. The container features the logo of a dog listening intently to a gramophone with the words “His Master’s Voice” underneath and the Victor Talking Machine Co. patent dates of 1913-1921. These stylus’s are for the “Extra Loud Tone Gran Sonoridad” according to the container.
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18:2
SUBSERIES XX.C. SMALL PHOTOS AND FRAMES
One (1) Folder
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries contains two (2) small 3×3” photos in ornate gold-colored frames. One photo is of a baby dressed in a white pinafore seated on a brocade cushion. This photo has some scratches on the back of the frame which unfortunately appear across the child’s face while peering through the glass covering the photo. This photo has the look of ink printed on glass and may be an albumen print photo or glass plate photo. The baby is not identified. Along with the baby’s photo is a 1 ½”x 1 ½” gold-colored frame. The second photo is in an oval frame, and is of an unidentified gentleman with a long beard. This man is likely a Porter relative, judging from other photographs. The baby photo is in Folder 3, the Gentleman photo is in Folder 4.
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18:3-4
SUBSERIES XX.D. TINY NOTEBOOK SET (1890s)
One (1) Folder, three (3) books
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of a red cardboard case (damaged) containing three (3) 4x 2 ½” notebooks. One notebook is red, entitled “Notes” and is empty except for one list of two purchased items. The second notebook is olive green entitled “Visites” and is filled with entirely blank graph paper. The third black notebook is entitled “Cash” and contains six pages of lists for purchases made and checks cashed or sent in the years 1893-1897. In is uncertain whom this book belonged to though they may have belonged to Florence “Fanny” C. Porter judging from similar handwriting.
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18:5
SUBSERIES XX.E. POCKET MEMORANDUM BOOKS (1890s)
One (1) Folder, three (3) books
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of three (3) red leather bound memorandum books ranging in size from 4×3” to 6×3”. One book features a logo of the words Standard Memorandum in a silver circle, and includes notes and addresses inside, as well as purchases, though the book is mostly blank. Another book contains tabs for each letter of the alphabet with addresses and notes for the year 1893 in a nearly illegible hand. Inside is a business card for Mint Saloon and Restaurant on 605 Commerical St., San Francisco, CA. The third book includes a pencil and pencil holder, the pages are mostly blank except for notes on the Telegraphic cable code such as “Denote-your father is ill return to America immediately” and some lists of items purchased. It is uncertain whom these belong to; two of them may belong to Fanny C. Porter who has many other journals and pocket books in this collection. The address-book seems to be in a different hand than the other two; owner unknown.
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18:6
SUBSERIES XX.F. JAMES HALL DIARY (1877)
One (1) Folder, One (1) Diary
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) 6×4” Bancroft’s Pacific Coast Standard Diary for 1877 made by the A.L. Bancroft & Company. The diary is bound in blue leather and encased in a blue and black leather cover that contains four (4) pockets inside. Inside, the words “James A. Hall’s, Santa Cruz, Cal.” and “Jas. A. Hall” is written in and blue and green pencil. According to Newspapers.com, James A. Hall was a District Attorney in Santa Cruz during the 1870;s. The diary includes entries such as “ Got up at 9:30 this morning. Wrote to father. Was in county court all day” (Tues. May 15th),and “The case of Frank Thomson has been going on today. It is now 12/at night…” (Thurs. May 17th) and “Wrote to McEwen and Alice today-letters will go in the morning. It is now 12 at night. Thomson was found guilty” (Frid. May 18th). In a pocket of the black leather diary cover, are two locks of light brown hair, one bound in blue ribbon and the other in red ribbon; it is not known whose hair this is. These hair locks are now in an acid-free envelope found in the Folder with the diary.
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18: 7
SUBSERIES XX.G. MIDAS MEMORANDUM AND INVENTORY BOOKS (1890s)
One (1) Folder, two (2) books
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of two (2) books measuring 6×2” and 5×4”. The larger booklet contains three pages of an inventory, the book bears the title “Midas Memorandum” and “Inventory of goods for the Midas Mine (?somehwat illegible)” The inventory is mostly for goods such as coffee, bacon, butter and peaches. The rest of the pages in this beige booklet are blank. The date and the owner of the booklet are not specified. The smaller book is bound in thick red paper and dated 1899 on the inside. It contains a three pages of lists for what the owner of the book did each day of the week. Entries include: “ M. 2. At home Holiday” and “Fri, January 27th 1899 to city”, “Tues. Sun. January 29th Came home.” The author of this diary is not known, though it is likely a member of the Porter family.
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18:8
SUBSERIES XX.H. KNIGHTS TEMPLAR RIBBON, BUSINESS CARDS, TELEGRAPH (1870s – 1930s)
One (1) Folder, ten (10) items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of nine (9) business cards, calling cards, envelopes and notes, and one (1) ribbon. The cream-colored ribbon is 7×3” in size, frayed at the ends, and bears the words and emblem of the Triennial Conclave San Francisco, 1883 of the Knights Templar, Marysville, CA. The emblem bears the name of Marysville Commandery No.7. The ribbon has some yellow spots on the front and back, but is in otherwise good condition. Also in this subseries are: one birthday note to Mrs. Porter from “The Bishop’s Office” dated 1909, a telegraph to John T. Porter from Thos. Bishop dated 1876; a business card from Nob Hill Hotel with an address of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Allen on the reverse; two 3×5” envelope from the Southern Pacific Co.; business card of Ashley, Garber& Hupp, Attorneys at Law in Austin, Nevada; business card of Paul D. Robinson, Funeral Director in Los Angeles; piece of notepaper with the name “Mr. Otto Van Gelder, Regent of U.C.” and “Mr. McDuddy (? This is just speculation, name is nearly illegible); 2×5” card from Charles Ford Co. indicating payment and thanking for patronage, dated 1930.
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18:9
SUBSERIES XX.I. RECEIPT BOOK AND SNAKESKIN POUCH (1900s – 1920s)
One (1) Folder, Two (2) items
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of an approx. 6 ½ x4” orange colored leather pouch featuring a pattern made to look like snakeskin. The pouch is empty and when opened reveals three (3) pockets. The owner is not known. The other item in this subseries is a 1924 rent receipt book that is approx. 12×3” in size and folded in half. The book contains receipts of payments received by Fanny C. Porter on properties in the Pajaro, CA area costing from $2-$20 for the time period of January 1924-March 1924.
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18:10
SERIES XXI. SANBORN MAP AND PHOTOS (1870s – 1960s)
One (1) Box
Series Scope and Content Summary: This series consists of ten (10) 35mm slides featuring the quadrants of an 1873 map from the Sanborn Publishing Company which was completed in 1873. The map is of the town of Watsonville. In this series are the slides of the map, and two prints taken from the original map, as well as negatives for photos taken of the map. Also in this series are five (5) large photos. These photos include two (2) of Edward Pfingst and either Florence “Fanny” Porter, or Florence P. Pfingst, photo of a group of uniformed men standing on the porch of a house, and a photo of a group of men behind and in front of a counter labeled “Receving”. Other items in this series include an envelope for a photograph from the 1960’s, and receipts (6) for business transactions between John T. Porter, F.A. Hihn, an estate sale, and more.
This series is divided into the following subseries:
Subseries XXI.A. Sanborn Map Negatives
Subseries XXI.B. Sanborn Map Slides
Subseries XXI.C. Receipts
Subseries XXI.D. Map Prints
Subseries XXI.E. Large Portraits
Subseries XXI.F. Envelope
SUBSERIES XXI.A. SANBORN MAP NEGATIVES (1870s)
One (1) Folder, two (2) negatives
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of two (2) 5 ½ x 5” negatives of an 1873 map called the Watsonville Sanborn Map. This subseries contains negatives of both page 1 and page 2 of the map. The negatives are in good condition.
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19:1
SUBSERIES XXI.B. SANBORN MAP SLIDES (1870s)
One (1) Folder, ten (10) slides
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of ten (10) 2×2 ½” slides featuring different angles and quadrants of the Watsonville Sanborn 1873 Map. These are 35 mm slides made in Holland by “Gepe”. Slides are for the full second page of the map, lower right quadrant of pg. 2, upper left quadrant pg. 1, upper left quadrant pg.1, full page 1, upper right quadrant pg. 2 and more. It is not certain when these slides were made.
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19:2
SUBSERIES XXI.C. RECEIPTS (1870 – 1904)
One (1) Folder, six (6) receipts
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of six (6) receipts from various businesses. These receipts are: receipt for payment received of $17.50 from C.O. Cummings Publisher of the Pajaronian concerning a notice for the Fletcher Estate sale—included is a newspaper clipping entitled “Guardian’s Sale” about the sale of an estate belonging to the Fletcher children; receipt for a transaction between Mr. N.F. Mansfield and F.A. Hihn; receipt of payment for “research and office work” to C.B. Lewis Civil Engineer and Licensed Surveyor ; receipt between J.T. Porter, John R. Chace to Cunnighman & Co. Manufacturers and Dealers in Lumber; 1899 payment receipt from Wells Fargo & Co. Express (mostly illegible); receipt for payment received from Louis P. Bates to F.A. Hihn, and a statement of payments and transactions between John T. Porter and the Santa Cruz Lumber Yard.
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19:3
SUBSERIES XXI.D.MAP PRINTS (187s)
One (1) Folder, two (2) prints
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of two (2) approx. 15×13” black and white photo prints of a map from the Sanborn Map & Publishing Co. The map is of Watsonville spanning Roderica, Union, Maple Ave., and Pajaro or Main St. The map was completed in September of 1873 and spans two pages. The maps are prints of an original map and were gifted to the museum by Bernice Porter, possibly sometime in the 1980’s or 1990’s.
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19:4
SUBSERIES XXI.E. LARGE PORTRAITS (1900s)
Two (2) Folders, five (5) photos
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of four (4) large photographs contained in two (2) folders. In Folder 5: a black and white photo of approx. thirty-five men in uniforms (possible military) with swords and epaulets, standing on the front porch of a house along with two men in overcoats and top hats. One of these men bears a resemblance to John T. Porter’s sons and is likely one of them. The photo is mounted on sturdy cardboard and photo and mount is approx. 11×12” in size. The photo bears the words “Copyright 1908 Vaughn & Keith, S.F.” in the lower right corner. The cardboard mount for the photo has some stains or water damage, though the photo itself is in good condition. Folder 6: This folder contains three (3) black and white photos. One photo measures approx. 9x 13” in size and features two men standing in front of a counter bearing the words “Receiving” in large letters, behind the counter are five men. These individuals are not identified. Another photo in this folder is an approx. 13×11” portrait of a gentleman with arms crossed, the portrait is bust-length. This man is not identified. The final two photographs in this folder are both approx. 14×10” in size and are of a woman sitting in a rocking chair on the porch of a house with a young man standing next to her. The woman and man are identified as Florence Porter Pfingst and Edward Pfingst on the reverse, the woman may actually be Florence C. Porter judging from facial similarities. Photos in this folder have some creases and yellowing but are in otherwise good condition.
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19:5-6
SUBSERIES XXI.F. ENVELOPE (1960s)
One (1) Envelope
Subseries Scope and Content Summary: This subseries consists of one (1) large approx. 12×11” envelope addressed to Mr. John S. Coates of Carmel, CA from Edward P. Pfingst of Watsonille, CA. The folder is stamped with “Photograph do not fold or bend” and is stamped with the date Sept. 19th, 1964. The envelope is between a folded sheet of acid-free paper in Box 19.
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19:7
