Description
This collection comprises the personal papers of Christine Shirley, a former resident of Crystal Cove, California and member
of the Crystal Cove Residents' Association Executive Committee. The collection includes records from the Crystal Cove Residents'
Association. Materials reflect Shirley's involvement in the association's efforts to add Crystal Cove to the National Register
of Historic Places and its legal struggles with the State of California over tenancy of the Crystal Cove cottages.
Background
Christine F. Shirley was a resident of Crystal Cove, California from 1967 until 2001 and a long-time activist for preserving
its 46 rustic cottages and the surrounding natural environment. Shirley first began to visit Crystal Cove in the 1930s with
her cousin and fellow Cove resident Ruthie Van Wyck. She purchased the lease to cottage 23 in 1967 and spent most weekends
thereafter at Crystal Cove with her children. At the time, she lived with her family in the Hollywood Hills and taught at
Los Angeles High School. She married Jack Shirley in 1970 after they met at Crystal Cove.
Extent
7.3 linear feet
(8 boxes and 1 oversized folder)
Restrictions
Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and
their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and Archives.
Availability
The collection is open for research.