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Fred A. Granata research papers

 Collection
Identifier: Coll793

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of papers and photographs created or gathered by Fred A. Granata for historical research. Large sections of the collection concern Granata's research into the history of Italian-Americans in Oregon, including his histories of the Catholic churches St. Michael the Archangel and St. Vincent de Paul Parish's Downtown Chapel in Portland, Oregon. The materials also concern Granata's research on World War II prisoners of war held in the United States, particularly Italian prisoners who volunteered for the American-organized Italian Service Units, such as the 25th Italian Service Unit stationed at the Vancouver Barracks in Washington state. Additional topics represented in the collection include war crimes, with an emphasis on the Nuremberg Trials, Nuremberg Trials judge James T. Brand, and the trial of Tomoyuki Yamashita and prosecutor Robert M. Kerr; the early 20th century trials of Marie Equi and Emma Goldman, and their significance in relation to civil liberties and governmental powers; general research regarding Italy and Italian-Americans; biographical information about Italian fashion designer Emilio Pucci; and biographical information about writer Joaquin Miller. In addition to Granata's own writings, drafts, notes, and correspondence, the collection includes large amounts of photocopied materials and web page printouts, as well as some original photographs and documents. The collection also includes books that Granata read for his research.

Dates

  • Creation: circa 1880-2010
  • Creation: Majority of material found within 1991-2010

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The Oregon Historical Society owns the materials in the Research Library and makes available reproductions for research, publication, and other uses. The Society does not necessarily hold copyright to all materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may require seeking additional authorization from copyright owners.

Biographical Note

Fred A. Granata was born in Portland, Oregon, and was one of three children of Italian immigrants. He graduated from Columbia Preparatory School in 1949, then served in the United States Navy during the Korean War. In 1957, he earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Oregon School of Law, after which he spent 32 years in private law practice and another 18 years as senior counsel for a Portland law firm; the Oregon State Bar recognized Granata for his 50 years of service in 2007. Granata frequently traveled, including annual trips to Italy. He also held a lifelong interest in history, and spent his later years in the study of historical topics, particularly relating to Oregon, and the history of Italians and Italian-Americans in Oregon. He died in July 2010.

Extent

11 Cubic Feet (9 record cartons, 1 document case, and 1 slim document case)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Writings and compiled material (largely reproductions) from Fred Granata's research on a variety of historical topics and individuals from the 1990s and 2000s.

Arrangement

The collection is arranged in the following series: Series 1. Oregon history; Series 2. Italians and Italian-Americans; Series 3. World War II Prisoners of War; Series 4. War Crimes; Series 5. Research on Marie Equi, Emma Goldman, civil liberties, and government powers; Series 6. Research on Emilio Pucci; Series 7: Research on Joaquin Miller.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

Oral histories on cassette and files on CD-ROM may require special playback devices to access. Contact staff for assistance.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Stephen Granata, July 2010 (Acc. 27138).

Title
Guide to the Fred A. Granata research papers
Status
Completed
Author
Jeffrey A. Hayes
Date
2019
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid is written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the Oregon Historical Society Research Library Repository

Contact:
1200 SW Park Ave.
Portland OR 97205 United States
5033065204
5033065240