Laura Scudder Papers, 1890-1959

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Summary

Abstract:
The Laura Scudder Papers consists of personal and business material relating to businesswoman Laura Scudder and her company.
Extent:
17.0 Linear feet (18 boxes, 9 framed photos, 50 video tapes, 8 film canisters, 1 sign, enamel, "blue bird")
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identify item], Laura Scudder Papers (2010.10.r), Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections and Archives, Chapman University, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of 22 document boxes containing personal and business correspondance, photos, home movies, newspaper articles, ads, clippings and ephemera pertaining to Laura Scudder's personal life, family and business.

Of particular interest are the original potato chip bags made of wax paper, the desing of which Scudder pioneered to keep chips fresh, and samples of original shipping boxes. Also, the many family vacation photographs, which show famous world locations and places in California from the 1890's to the 1950's. There are also many business letters and memos which give an intimate look at how Scudder Foods grew and was managed during its time of operation.

Biographical / historical:

Laura Clough Scudder (1881-1959) was an entrepreneur in Monterey Park, California, who made and sold potato chips and who pioneered the packaging of potato chips in sealed bags to extend freshness. Born in Philadelphia, Laura married Charles Scudder and worked as a nurse before moving to California. While there she became the first female attorney in Ukiah, California before moving to south Monterey Park, where she started her food company in 1926.

Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Scudder, on July 26, 2010.

Arrangement:

These papers were arranged, when possible, according to the original order in which the material was received.

Physical location:
Leatherby Libraries
Physical description:
Some of the ephemera is in a fragile state and a few of the photographs are damaged.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

There are no restrictions on the use of this material.

Preferred citation:

[identify item], Laura Scudder Papers (2010.10.r), Frank Mt. Pleasant Library of Special Collections and Archives, Chapman University, CA.

Location of this collection:
One University Drive
Orange, CA 92866, US
Contact:
(714) 532-7719
speccoll@chapman.edu
Website