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Guide to the Thomas (Tom) M. King Papers
MSS-2000-11
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Table of contents
Title: Thomas (Tom) M. King papers
Dates: 1971-1995
Bulk Dates: 1972-1974
Collection number: MSS-2000-11
Collection Size:
2 boxes
1.2 linear feet
Repository:
San Jose State University. Library.
San Jose, California 95192-0028
Abstract: The Thomas (Tom) M. King Papers document King's commitment to historic preservation in San Jose, California. The bulk of the
collection documents King's work with the San Jose Survey of Historic & Archaeological Sites from 1973 to 1974, which resulted
in the first complete inventory of historic buildings in San Jose, and included detailed records of buildings and homes by
planning district. The collection also highlights King's work with several other historic preservation projects in San Jose.
Physical location: Vault 1, Range 20B
Languages:
Languages represented in the collection:
English
The collection is open for research.
Copyright has not been assigned to the San Jose State University Library Special Collections & Archives. All requests for
permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Special Collections. Permission
for publication is given on behalf of the Special Collections & Archives as the owner of the physical items and is not intended
to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the reader. Copyright restrictions
also apply to digital reproductions of the original materials. Use of digital files is restricted to research and educational
purposes.
Thomas (Tom) M. King papers, MSS-2000-11, San Jose State University Library Special Collections and Archives.
Processing completed by Jennifer E. Johnson, 2006. EAD encoding by Jennifer E. Johnson, 2006. Reviewed by Danelle Moon, 2006.
Tom M. King was born in Colusa County, California in 1940. King moved to San Jose in 1971, where he became involved in historic
preservation. In 1974, he received his Master's Degree in Historic Urban Geography from San Jose State University. King's
interest in historic preservation led him to coordinate and conduct the San Jose Survey of Historic & Archaeological Sites
(SJSHAS) between 1973 and 1974. King's efforts resulted in the first comprehensive inventory of historic places completed
in San Jose. He later completed a similar survey of the city of Campbell while working for the Campbell City Historical Museum.
King founded the Victorian Preservation Association of Santa Clara in 1974; organized and operated annual historic downtown
bus tours at the San Jose Tapestry in Talent Festivals from 1976-1990; served as President of the Luther Burbank Neighborhood
Community Council; served on the board of the Preservation Action Council of San Jose for ten years; worked with the San Jose
Historic Landmark Commission; and acted as an advisor to Santa Clara County Supervisor Rod Diridon. King also taught high
school in the local area, as well as worked as a professional tour guide.
Scope and Content of Collection
In November of 2000, Tom M. King donated his papers to San Jose State University. This collection documents King's personal
and professional commitment to historic preservation in San Jose from 1971 to 1995. The bulk of the collection relates to
the San Jose Survey of Historic & Archaeological Sites (SJSHAS), a city-sponsored project undertaken by King from 1972-1974.
King began advocating this project while pursuing his graduate studies at San Jose State University. He coordinated and administered
the operation of the SJSHAS survey and organized a volunteer staff. Other records include details of King's various activities
with other historic preservation organizations throughout the San Jose area. The collection is arranged in one series, consisting
of clippings, correspondence, inventories, maps, photographs, reports, and university coursework.
The collection is arranged in one series, consisting of clippings, correspondence, inventories, maps, photographs, reports,
and university coursework.
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in
the library's online public access catalog.
Architecture--California--San Jose--Inventories
Historic Buildings--California--San Jose
Historic buildings--California--San Jose--Inventories
Historic preservation--California--San Jose
San Jose (Calif.)--Buildings, structures, etc.--Inventories
San Jose (Calif.). Historic Landmarks Commission