Compton History Collection

The Compton History Collection (1869-1991; undated) contains 10 boxes of material related to Compton, California and includes newsletters, news articles, meeting minutes, pamphlets, brochures, directories, yearbooks, event programs, notes, fact sheets, reports, and other material. A majority of the collection was presumably collected and compiled by Compton historian, Robert C. Gillingham. This collection is divided into eight series. Series One: City of Compton contains documents related to the early days of the city of Compton including a copy of the incorporation document, meeting minutes, city ordinances, history timelines, annual reports, brochures, pamphlets, statistical information, press releases, political campaigns, directories, and other documents. Also included in this series are materials related to the Compton City Planning Commission, Police Officers Association, fire department; as well as notes, histories, and "Yesterdays of Compton" column authored by Robert Gillingham. Series Two: Buildings, Businesses, Parks, Landmarks contains documents related to historic Compton homes and housing developments; parks; banks; the post office; land tracts; cemeteries; and landmarks such as Lueders Park, Victory Park Housing Development, Compton National Bank, Temple and Gibson Tract, Eagle Tree, and Compton Rural Cemetery. This series also includes maps of Compton. Series Three: Schools contains material related to Compton schools such as Compton Union High School yearbooks; Compton College newsletters, announcements, programs, handbooks, catalogs, letters, memorandums, directories, news articles, histories written by Robert Gillingham, and other documents. Also included in this series is a Clarence Dickison Elementary school memory book, Frank Walton Junior High School dedication program, Alumni Recognition Committee material, and other documents. Series Four: Churches contains documents related to churches in Compton including the First Baptist Church of Compton, Compton First Ward, and First Methodist Episcopal. Series Five: Clubs and Organizations contains histories, programs, and correspondence related to the many clubs and organizations in the City of Compton including material related to the Compton Chamber of Commerce, Ancho Masonic Lodge, Compton Kiwanis Club, Compton Senior Citizen club, and other clubs and organizations. Series Six: Events contains news clippings, programs, invitations, souvenirs, and other material related to events and gatherings in Compton including the Old Timers Gathering, Pioneer Days Celebration, Flag Day, Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary), Diamond Jubilee, and others. Series Seven: Compton Residents contains materials about and from people and families who settled and lead Compton through the late 19th and early 20th century. These materials include correspondence, reminiscences, invitations, programs, obituaries, and news clippings. The folders labeled "Biography Project" are packets put together by Margaret Forsythe for the Heritage House. This series also contains material related to other Compton residents and civil leaders Del Clawson, Eddie Foskett, Douglas Dollarhide, Robert Gillingham, and Dr. Ross Miller. Series Eight: Heritage House contains a small collection of materials from and about the Heritage House Museum in Compton, California. Materials include donation forms, membership rosters, financial ledgers, news clippings, correspondence, programs, booklets, journals, and ephemera from the late 19th century, including pieces from “Godey’s Ladies Journal”. A majority of the documents were created during the renovation and opening of the museum in the late 1950s. Some of the material was created and collected by the Heritage House Auxiliary including by-laws, membership cards, receipt book, membership lists, and correspondence, including letters from the 1970s on the removal of the Heritage House from the Civic Center. Other material not related to the Auxiliary were donated to the museum from citizens of Compton. Also included in this series are photographs of the Heritage House.