Private Journal of Mr. Julian Garcia (Bandmaster), 1896-1959, 1917-1950

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Summary

Title:
Private Journal of Mr. Julian Garcia (Bandmaster), 1896-1959
Dates:
1917-1950
Creators:
Garcia United States Navy
Abstract:
Extent:
23 pages
Language:
Preferred citation:

Private Journal of Mr. Julian Garcia (Bandmaster), 1896-1959. UC Davis, Welga Archive, Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies

Background

Scope and content:

The Julian Garcia journal contains information dating from 1931 to 1950, with the earliest material recounting events dating back to 1917. The journal consists of handwritten accounts, chronological timelines, newspaper clippings, photographs, and ephemera related to Julian's career in the United States (U.S.) Navy Band. This journal provides a glimpse of Filipino military service in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Armed Forces. The journal primarily focuses on Julian's career with the U.S. Navy, along with Garcia family history. Julian's career is documented in handwritten personal accounts and newspaper clippings, which list achievements, commendations, naval station assignments, and significant life events. A handwritten, chronological timeline details Julian's Naval career, from his enlistment date to retirement. Genealogical information is primarily documented in newspaper clippings, containing information regarding marriages, births, christenings, and family member enlistments to the U.S. Navy. Ephemera material consists of event invitations and religious leaflets.

Biographical / historical:

Julian Garcia was a Filipino American bandmaster for the U.S. Navy. Julian was born in Manila, Philippines on October 17, 1897, to Simeon and Victorina Garcia. Julian described his prospects in the Philippines as “dim and foggy”, but showed an intense ambition in music in his youth through his studies on the clarinet. He emigrated to Honolulu in Hawaii Territory in July 1915 with his parents and brother Crising, after his father joined the U.S. Armed Forces. After working a variety of jobs in and around the naval base in Honolulu, Julian applied to play in the 2nd Infantry Band in November 1916, but was rejected due to his ethnicity. However, he enlisted in the Navy on April 1917, and served as a Musician, 2nd Class, aboard the USS Navajo. He rose through the ranks to become a widely acclaimed Bandmaster on many ships during his many tours of duty until May 1937, when he transferred to the Naval Fleet Reserve. He was stationed at U.S. naval bases in Washington, Hawaii, Guam, and the Philippines, but eventually called San Pedro, California, his home later in life. “Being in the United States Navy,” he wrote later in life, “I consider myself very lucky and fortunate. I am very faithful in the performance of my duty.” During his career, Julian received numerous commendations, including two Good Conduct Awards in his service as Bandmaster. On 1949, Julian retired from the U.S. Navy. Throughout his life, Julian was an active member of the Methodist Church, volunteering as a clarinet soloist for church choirs. Julian passed away on February 6, 1959, in Los Angeles, California.

Acquisition information:
Donated by Garcia Family

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by UC Davis, Welga Archive, Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies staff.
Date Prepared:
1917-1950
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on April 17, 2025, 11:29 a.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

A digital copy of the journal is open for research.

Terms of access:

All applicable copyrights for the collection are protected under chapter 17 of the U.S. Copyright Code. Requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to Bulosan Center Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Regents of the University of California and the Bulosan Center for Filipinos Studies as the owner of the digital surrogate.

Preferred citation:

Private Journal of Mr. Julian Garcia (Bandmaster), 1896-1959. UC Davis, Welga Archive, Bulosan Center for Filipino Studies

Location of this collection:
3102 Hart Hall
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616, US
Contact:
(530) 298-7139
ajsarmiento@ucdavis.edu
Website