California State University, Fresno, Special Collections Research Center

Academy Records, 1935-1991

The Academy Records, 1935-1991

Summary

Creators:
Academy (Fresno, Calif.)
Language:
English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], The Academy Records, Sanoian Special Collections Library, California State University, Fresno.

Background

Scope and content:

The Academy records date from 1935 to 1991 and measure 3.75 linear feet. The records are arranged in two series: History, constitution and by-laws, and Membership records and topical papers. The bulk of the collection consists of membership records and the topical papers presented by members over the years. The records document the issues and subjects which concerned these prominent Fresno citizens over the decades.

The History, constitution and by-laws series (1935-1976) includes a summary of general information: officers, speakers and paper titles, membership rosters and meeting locations, along with attendance records and financial information (checking account and bank statements). Also included is a history of the first thirty-four years, the following ten years, and various revisions of The Academy's constitution and by-laws.

The Membership records and topical papers series (1935-1991) contains meeting announcements, minutes from Academy meetings, rosters, attendance sheets and correspondence (e.g., resignations, membership offers, condolences to and from members of The Academy). It also contains all topical papers kept from the oral presentations (one per meeting). Some folders contain only minutes, others only topical papers, and some contain minutes, topical papers and correspondence. Originally housed in binders, this series is arranged chronologically in the exact order in which The Academy's secretary-treasurer kept them.

Biographical / historical:

On October 17, 1935, The Academy met at the Hotel Californian in Fresno, California, for the first time. Businessman Thomas Risley was the founder of The Academy. He and university president Frank Thomas selected fourteen men who were the first members. The name "The Academy" was suggested by Reverend James Dowling, a charter member. The Academy's purpose was "to discuss intelligently the problems of the time" (Box 1, History, constitution and by-laws, folder 1).

There have been prominent Fresnans among the Academy's members. Most were associated with Fresno State College (now California State University, Fresno). There were several presidents: Arnold Joyal, Frederic Ness, Frank Thomas, and Norman Baxter. There were also several distinguished professors: William Beatty, Jr., Mitchell Briggs, Jose Canales, Karl Falk, Emory Ratcliffe, Edward Tenney, Jose Elgorriaga, and Clair Nelsen, to name a few. Other members were well known in the city of Fresno, for example, Reverend James Dowling, Rabbi David Greenberg, businessman and benefactor Leon Peters, justice Philip Conley, financier Thomas Risley and journalist Roger Tatarian.

The organization meets once a month from October to May, a total of eight times per year. Each meeting begins with a social hour where members have dinner and converse. After dinner the meeting is opened. One of the members presents a report on an area of personal interest. Comments are then made and discussion follows. The Academy continues to meet to this day.

Acquisition information:
The records were donated by The Academy in 1991.
Physical description:
2.25 linear feet

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Copyright has not been transferred to California State University, Fresno.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item], The Academy Records, Sanoian Special Collections Library, California State University, Fresno.

Location of this collection:
5200 North Barton Avenue, M/S ML 34
Fresno, CA 93740-8014, US
Contact:
(559) 278-2595
specialc@listserv.csufresno.edu
Website
History, constitution and by-laws, 1935-1976 (2 folders)
Contents
General
Containers:
Box Box 1
Membership records and topical papers
Contents
Minutes, 1935-1950
Containers:
Box Box 1
Minutes and correspondence, 1950-1968 (2 folders)
Containers:
Box Box 2
Minutes, correspondence and topical papers
Contents
1950-1953
1956-1958
1958/59
1959/60-1960/61
1961/62-1963/64
Topical papers
Contents
1964/65
1965/66
1966/67
Containers:
Box Box 3
1967/68
Minutes, correspondence and topical papers
Contents
1968/69
1969/70
1970/71
1971/72
1972/73
1973/74
Containers:
Box Box 4
1974/75
1975/76-1976/77
1977/78
1978/79
1979/80
1980/81
1981/82-1982/83
Containers:
Box Box 5
1983/84-1985/86
1986/87
1987/88
1988/89
1989/90
Containers:
Box Box 6
1990/91