INVENTORIES OF THE COUNTY ARCHIVES OF CALIFORNIA

PREPARED BY
HISTORICAL RECORDS SURVEY

WORKS PROGRESS ADMINISTRATION

Excerpts of those portions dealing with California Records

   During the 1930's and 1940's the Work Projects Administration (WPA) began the process of inventorying County Archives [for several states]. Their work was cut short when funding elapsed prior to World War II, but several volumes were published.
   [It has been stated] ...  "The inventories produced by the Historical Records Survey Program attempt to do more than give merely a list of records--they attempt further to sketch in the historical background of the county or other unit of government, and to describe precisely and in detail the organization and functions of the government agencies whose records they list. The county, town, and other local inventories will, when completed, constitute an encyclopedia of local government as well as bibliography of local archives." ...
   While these records may no longer be stored in the vault, it is proof that they did exist at the time the book was compiled. It may take some digging, but chances are good that the records can be found.
  
                                                                                                                              page 60
                                                                                      OHIO GENEALOGICAL GUIDE
                                                                                                                            6th Edition
                                                                                                   by Carol Willsey Bell, C.G.

Note: A section in this Fresno WPA Inventory contains a good condensed history of poor relief in the early days of California.          PHL

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