Los Angeles city water rights collection, 1775-1974, bulk bulk 1966-1967

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Summary

Abstract:
Research material used by historians in the water rights case of the City of Los Angeles vs. City of San Fernando as well as copies of legal documents from the court case.
Extent:
133 items
Language:
The records are in English, although there are several items in Spanish.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection includes the research material used by Andrew F. Rolle and others to create the evidence used in the water rights case City of Los Angeles vs. City of San Fernando, et al, including copies of original land deeds, journal articles, maps, and original manuscripts by Rolle (including A History of Hispanic-American Rights and Usage with Respect to Land and Water in California). It also includes copies of several of the legal documents from the case including the decision by Judge Edmund M. Moor, the defendants' combined trial brief, the reporters' daily transcripts, as well as the manuscript prepared by Rolle and Engstrand entitled: A Study of Laws and Customs Pertaining to the Use of Water in California and Spain Mexico (3 volumes). There are a few letters between Rolle and the lawyers involved in the case. Many of the items have Andrew F. Rolle's handwritten comments and edits. Subjects in the collection include: history of Los Angeles and Los Angeles County, San Fernando, Burbank, Glendale; water rights and sources in the area; the Indians of the area; the missions in California; original land tenure and ranchos.

The original order was kept by the cataloger. The collection is housed in six boxes.

Biographical / historical:

The city of Los Angeles brought a case against San Fernando, Burbank, Glendale and 30 other defendants over use of underground water in September 1955 (the trial took place in 1966-1967). Historians Andrew Rolle, Iris Higbie Wilson Engstrand, John W. Caughey, other others, did research, presented evidence, and testified in the court case on behalf of the defendants.

Acquisition information:
The collection was a gift of Andrew F. Rolle, April 1985.
Rules or conventions:
Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
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