James Rolph, Jr. papers, 1909-1930

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Summary

Creators:
Rolph, James, 1869-1934
Abstract:
The collection includes diaries of Rolph's daily mayoral activities in 1917 and 1927, some correspondence, and campaign documents.
Extent:
3 boxes (1.6 cubic feet)
Language:
Collection materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], James Rolph Papers (SFH 19), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection includes diaries of Rolph's daily mayoral activities in 1917 and 1927, some correspondence, and campaign documents. Included is a note stating police captains should not permit gambling.

Biographical / historical:

James Rolph, Jr. was San Francisco's 30th mayor, from 1912 to 1931, the longest term served by a San Francisco mayor. Born in 1869 in San Francisco, he attended Mission District schools, graduating from Trinity College in 1888. Rolph became a successful shipbuilder and banker. He married Annie Reid, with whom he had three children. A charming and energetic man, he was known as "Sunny Jim."

Rolph oversaw the reconstruction of City Hall and the construction of many San Francisco buildings and tunnels and the Hetch Hetchy water system. He was also Vice President of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition held in San Francisco in 1915.

A member of the Republican Party, Rolph lost his party's nomination for Governor in 1918 but carried the Democratic ticket. He couldn't accept the minority party's nomination. In 1931, he left City Hall to take office as Governor of California. Rolph died in 1934.

Processing information:

During processing, the collection was refoldered and re-housed in acid-free folders and boxes. Some metal staples remain.

Arrangement:

Arranged to the folder level and organized alphabetically by folder title.

Physical location:
Open for research. The collection is offsite and advance notice is required for retrieval. Material must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research and available for use during San Francisco History Center hours. Photographs are available during Photo Desk hours. This collection must be requested at least 4 business days in advance of visit.

Terms of access:

Copyright has been assigned to the San Francisco Public Library. All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items and the copyright.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], James Rolph Papers (SFH 19), San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library.

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
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