Description
The Stephen Zetterberg Papers consist of 2 cubic feet of records reflecting Zetterberg's activities in the California Democratic
Council (CDC), the Los Angeles County Democratic Central Committee, and Democratic Party. Zetterberg was instrumental in the
formation of the CDC, a statewide grassroots association of Democratic Clubs and County Committees.
Background
Stephen Zetterberg was born in in Galesberg, Illinois in 1916. As a teenager he moved to Claremont, California with his family
and graduated from Claremont High. He then went on to earn his bachelor's degree in government at Pomona College in 1938.
Zetterberg was also awarded a fellowship from the National Instiute of Public Affairs in 1938 and he married Connie Lyon in
1940. After graduation from Yale Law School in 1942, he served with the United States Coast Guard.
In 1945, Zetterberg was an assistant to United States Senator Scott Lucas in Washington, D.C. The next year Zetterberg returned
to California to take the bar exam as well as work for the Jerry Voorhis congressional campaign. After Voorhis lost to Richard
Nixon, Zetterberg joined the law firm of Carter, Young and Zetterberg in Pomona.
In 1948, Zetterberg was the Democratic candidate that ran against Nixon for Congress. Due to cross-filing Nixon defeated him
the primary. Zetterberg ran again in 1950 but lost in the general election to Patrick Hillings.
Restrictions
For permission to reproduce or publish, please contact the California State Archives. Permission for reproduction or publication
is given on behalf of the California State Archives as the owner of the physical items. The researcher assumes all responsibility
for possible infringement which may arise from reproduction or publication of materials from the California State Archives
collections.