Franklin S. Farquhar Papers, 1902-1945

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Summary

Creators:
Farquhar, Franklin S. (Franklin Smith), 1865-
Abstract:
This collection contains the papers of California historian and journalist Franklin S. Farquhar (1865-1947), including diaries chronicling daily activities and reminiscences, as well as manuscripts of several of his writings. His earlier diaries were written while he lived in Washington State (1906-1910); the later ones, which include references to World War II, were written while in California (1930s-1940s).
Extent:
27 items + clipping in 4 boxes
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains the papers of California historian and journalist Franklin S. Farquhar (1865-1947), including diaries chronicling daily activities and reminiscences, as well as manuscripts of several of his writings.

Most of Farquhar's diaries, which are arranged, chronologically, include his daily activities but also include reminiscences about his life and family history and musings on a variety of topics. There is one "Account Book and Memo Book" from 1902 to 1907 and one "Journal" (1938) which includes Farquhar's memories of his life (it includes no daily entries). His earlier diaries (1906-1911) were written while he was living in Washington; the later diaries were written while he was living in California. In his diaries, Farquhar also talks about the attack on Pearl Harbor, World War II, Franklin Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, his brother-in-law Rear Admiral William R. Furlong, the bombing of Hiroshima and Japan's surrender. Many of the volumes have loose clippings with them, the majority of which are obituaries for people Farquhar knew. The manuscripts include copies of several of his writings including ‟49,And What of the Years?, and History of Livingston, California. These books deal with early California history and pioneers, the Gold Rush, and the Chinese in California. There are also two manuscripts regarding the genealogy of the Burgess and Farquhar families. These manuscripts, which are arranged alphabetically by title, are all carbon copies with Farquhar's handwritten edits.

Biographical / historical:

Franklin S. Farquhar (1865-1947), journalist and California historian, was born in Fayette City, Pennsylvania, on February 28, 1865. In April 1900, Farquhar, who was city editor of the Daily News Standard of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, moved his family to Montesano, Washington (where one of his uncles had been living for sometime). After an 8-month stay there, the family moved to Yakima, where Farquhar became city editor of the Weekly Republic. After moving a few more times in the state of Washington, Farquhar and his family moved to Livingston, Merced County, California, in 1916. Farquhar first worked at the Weekly Chronicle, and in 1918, he became the town's postmaster. He held the post until 1935, after which he retired to his farm "Carmichael Place," just south of Livingston. Farquhar has published several books including History of Livingston, California , which was published in 1945. Farquhar's brother-in-law was United States Navy Rear Admiral William R. Furlong (their wives were sisters).

Acquisition information:
Gift of Franklin S. Farquhar, June 1946.
Arrangement:

Organized in the following order:

  • Diaries (Boxes 1-3) arranged chronologically
  • Manuscripts (Box 4) arranged alphabetically by title

Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

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