Thanks to all for the answers to my question about getting an informational certificate. I will try again to order one. My first request was returned, but perhaps because I did not designate informational, and I did not meet the qualifications for the certified one. Martha
Did anyone else attend the lecture today by Hynda Rudd, sponsored by the Los Angeles Historical Society? I'm so glad I was there. Hynda Rudd was the first archivist for the City of Los Angeles. She came to Los Angeles from Utah in 1978 (another printout says 1880 - will have to confirm). She says she had 130 years of back-log when she assumed her position. I'm reading from my hastily scribbled notes (I'm blonde this week, so forgot that I had a tape-recorder in my purse): The oldest document in the archives is a letter written by Hilario Machado in 1827. Framed, and on display, in the administrative office of the Archives is the original deed to Griffith Park, signed by G. J. Griffith. 12,000 sq. ft. of the Records Center (at 555 Ramirez Street) is dedicated to the Archives - on the Third Floor. Every Minute Book from 1850 is at the Archives. The oldest document on file is a letter, dated 1827, and written by Hilario Machado. A large collection of Abel Stearns' documents are on file and have never been translated / transcribed. (This one blew me away!) The 1828 - 1848 Mexican Minute Books (sic) are in the Archives (I think these are the minutes of the council meetings) Map of the 'first cemetery.' I believe I saw names on the plots. I may be wrong and I should have asked. This is not the Sisters of Mercy Cemetery or the Jewish Cemetery. There is a book or books: Honor Roll of WWII Los Angeles military men - photos, names and other information. Oh, also a book of arrestees, with pictures and crimes - but I didn't write down the dates. They looked liked 1880's to me. I'm copying this message to Ms Rudd, so if I have made any errors, they will be corrected. If you ever have an opportunity to hear Hynda Rudd speak, I would recommend that you attend her lecture. K in Bkf