Leach family papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 2617

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Collection consists of correspondence, diaries, time books, account books, memorabilia, travel documents, legal documents, and writings, including manuscripts of John Leach's book, "Ox Bows and Bare Feet," as well as other miscellaneous personal and business papers, circa 1886-1980. Also included are two unprocessed additions designated Accession 24713 and Accession 24734. Accession 24713 consists of one box of papers of John Leach, circa 1952-1975, with most dating from approximately 1961-1970. These include mostly news clippings and personal reminiscences regarding Leach's life and activities, including his work with the YMCA, the Junior Rose Festival, and his historical writing. Also included is a letter, dated March 28, 1963, from Justice William O. Douglas; photographs of Leach; and a typescript of his autobiography (including copies of photographs) detailing his childhood in Heppner and eastern Oregon. Accession 24734 consists of 36 envelopes containing letters and other writings of John Leach, sent to Mr. and Mrs. Leigh and Jean Whitford. Also includes one clipping and two loose letters.

Dates

Creation: circa 1886-1980

Creator

Leach family (Family)

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

John R. Leach was born in 1882 in Weston, Oregon. He graduated from the Oregon Agricultural College (now Oregon State University) in 1906. He was a Portland pharmacist and founder of the Southeast Portland chapter of the Chamber of Commerce. Lilla Leach was born in Barlow, Oregon, around 1886. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 1908. She taught botany in Eugene and discovered 15 plant species over her lifetime. She and John R. Leach married in 1913. In 1931, the Leaches purchased a five-acre tract at the foot of Mt. Scott and transformed the land into a botanical garden.

Extent

2.68 Cubic Feet (1 record carton, 5 document cases, 1 flat box, 1 card file box, and 1 oversize folder; 1 document case unprocessed additions)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gifts of Mrs. Leigh Whitford, September 1980, August 2002, and September 2002.

Related Materials

Also available at the Oregon Historical Society Research Library are the Leach family's photographs, Org. Lot 370, the John and Lilla Leach collection; and John Leach's book, "Ox Bows and Bare Feet."