Today’s post is written by Marissa Corona. Marissa is an archival processing intern for the William H. Hannon Library. She recently obtained her master’s in library and information science from UCLA and is working to expand her knowledge and expertise in library and information space.
As an archival processing intern at the William H. Hannon Library, I had the privilege of exploring the rich history of the Workman family through their extensive papers, one of two Workman family-related collections located in the library’s archives and special collections. Processing the collection over the past few months, it has become clear to me why the Workman family is a legacy worth highlighting. The family played a crucial role in the early development of Los Angeles, and their contributions are still present some 200 years later. Below, I explore the connections between Los Angeles, the Workman family, and my own family story, focusing on the themes of heritage, migration, and enduring family legacy.
The Workman Family: Pioneers of Early Los Angeles
The Workman family, led by William Workman, were among the early settlers who significantly contributed to the growth and development of Los Angeles in the 19th century. William, originally from England, arrived in California during the Mexican era and played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s history. William, along with his business partner John Rowland, acquired the expansive Rancho La Puente in 1842. This land grant became the foundation for their agricultural and commercial ventures, including cattle ranching, farming, and later, real estate development. The Workman family’s entrepreneurial spirit and strategic alliances helped establish Los Angeles as a burgeoning economic hub.
One of the most prominent properties owned by the Workman family was in Boyle Heights, an area that would become one of Los Angeles’ most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. The land in Boyle Heights was part of the original Rancho La Puente that Workman and Rowland acquired. As the city expanded, Boyle Heights became a melting pot of cultures, reflecting the broader trends of immigration and settlement that characterized Los Angeles.
The contributions of the Workman family continued to resonate into the 20th century, particularly through the lives of Thomas Edgar Workman and Margaret Kilgariff Workman (pictured at top). Thomas was an athlete, traveler, and entrepreneur, who graduated from Stanford University in 1915 and earned All-American honors in baseball, the first athlete from Stanford to be so honored in any sport. Margaret, his wife, compiled an outstanding record of service in social welfare, politics, and education in Los Angeles. Her significant contributions included serving on the California Relief Commission, co-chairing the successful Culbert Olson gubernatorial campaign, and being an active member of numerous liberal and philanthropic organizations, leaving a lasting impact on her community and beyond.
This collection highlights their family life, focusing on the accomplishments of Thomas and Margaret as well as their close bond with their four sons: Richard, David, William, and Henry. Their legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to family is woven throughout their history and continues to impact the city of Los Angeles.
My Archival Journey: Connecting the Past to the Present
Working with the Workman Papers has been a transformative experience, allowing me to uncover the layers of history that shaped Los Angeles. Each document, photograph, and artifact tells a story of resilience, ambition, and the quest for a better life – themes that resonate deeply with my own family’s history. Among the most fascinating aspects of my internship has been the discovery of personal letters, business records, and photographs that provide a glimpse into the daily lives and challenges faced by the family. These primary sources offer invaluable insights into their contributions and the broader historical context of Los Angeles’ development.
The Workman family’s extensive correspondence and cherished photographs vividly illustrate the deep bonds that have sustained them across generations. Their letters often reflect not just the events of their time but also the intimate thoughts and concerns shared between family members, particularly the heartfelt exchanges between mother and son. These personal documents reveal a family that places immense value on their relationships, using communication to maintain close ties despite physical distances or the passage of time.
This emphasis on family resonated with me, reminding me of my own family. My grandparents made a similar journey from Mexico during the 1960s. They would eventually settle less than 10 miles away from the Workman’s property in Boyle Heights in a town called Atwater Village. The property that my grandparents maintain in Atwater Village, and that remains within our family today, serves as a tangible link to our heritage. This continuity underscores the importance we place on preserving our history and staying connected across generations. Just as the Workman family used letters and photographs to keep their family close, my family gathers stories, photographs, and traditions that emphasize our shared past and the strong connections that unite us.
Both families, despite the differences in their historical contexts and specific experiences, demonstrate a profound commitment to family values. This parallel underscores a universal truth: the value of family transcends time and place, forming the foundation of our identities and legacies.
The Workman Family Papers: A Treasure Trove for Researchers
The most recent acquisition, which extends the current Workman Family Papers collection, is an assortment of materials recently donated by the family, including personal correspondence, business records, property deeds, photographs, and newspaper clippings. I was pleasantly surprised to find so many unique photographs from the 1880s in such excellent condition. The fashion of the time is often the focal point of these photographs, making it easier to identify the year or range of time they were taken. These items provide a comprehensive view of the family’s activities, relationships, and contributions to the region. This archival collection is a valuable resource for historians, genealogists, photographers, and anyone interested in the development of Los Angeles and Southern California.
Final Thoughts
My internship with the Workman Family Papers at the William H. Hannon Library has been an enlightening journey into the past, revealing the profound connections between my family’s history and the broader narrative of Los Angeles’ development. The Workman family’s contributions to the early days of Los Angeles serve as a reminder of the power of migration, heritage, and the enduring legacy of family. As I continue to explore and preserve these historical treasures, I am reminded of the importance of honoring our ancestors’ journeys and the indelible marks they leave on the world. Through the lens of the Workman family, I have come to appreciate the intricate tapestry of history that shapes our present and future. Their story, intertwined with my own, is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who forge new paths and build lasting legacies.
(banner photo: Photograph of Thomas Edgar Workman and Margaret Kilgariff Workman’s children David, Thomas, Richard and Henry, left to right.)
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