L.A. Stories: Community SpotlightMain MenuIntroductionThe greater Los Angeles area is on the traditional lands of the Gabrielino/Tongva, Chumash, Fernandeño Tataviam and Yuhaaviatam/Maarenga’yam (Serrano) peoples. We acknowledge their presence here since time immemorial and recognize their continuing connection to the land, to the water and to their ancestors.PeoplePlacesContributorsChronology of ArtifactsMapping the CollectionVisualize the ExhibitIn this visualization, artifacts are green, themes are blue, and contributors to the exhibit are red.Acknowledgements
The Claremont Colleges, Special Collections
12021-10-18T16:05:16-07:00Curtis Fletcher3225f3b99ebb95ebd811595627293f68f680673e395904The Special Collections holdings reflect the diverse communities of the Claremont Colleges and the local area and region. For a list of collections especially pertinent to Los Angeles and Southern California visit their LAAS Directory page: https://laassubject.org/directory/profile/claremont-colleges-honnoldmudd-library-special-collections
https://library.claremont.edu/structured_gallery2021-10-19T11:16:52-07:00Curtis Fletcher3225f3b99ebb95ebd811595627293f68f680673eThe Special Collections holdings reflect the diverse communities of the Claremont Colleges and the local area and region. For a list of collections especially pertinent to Los Angeles and Southern California visit their LAAS Directory page: https://laassubject.org/directory/profile/claremont-colleges-honnoldmudd-library-special-collections
1media/Decora_catalogs_1.jpg2021-10-11T10:17:55-07:00Curtis Fletcher3225f3b99ebb95ebd811595627293f68f680673eDecora Ceramics catalogs5Two catalogs showing the types of ceramics produced at Ylyne Studio and Decora Ceramics. Smith Russell (1895-1979) began his career in ceramics in 1946 by purchasing Ylyne Studio in Los Angeles. In May 1947, Smith’s youngest son, Wilfred “Bill” Russell, purchased Palm Garden Pottery located in Inglewood. Smith and Bill became partners and Ylyne Studio moved to the Inglewood location. In May 1949, the partners incorporated under the name Decora Ceramics.media/Decora_catalogs_1.jpgplain2021-10-13T13:43:32-07:0001/01/1946-12/31/1953Special Collections, The Claremont CollegesIn Copyright - Educational Use Permitted (This Rights Statement can be used only for copyrighted Items for which the organization making the Item available is the rights-holder or has been explicitly authorized by the rights-holder(s) to allow third parties to use their Work(s) for educational purposes without first obtaining permission.)33.9528203 , -118.3599675Ylyne Studio and Decora CeramicsYlyne Studio and Decora Ceramics catalogs, Decora Ceramics records (H.Mss.0276), Special Collections, The Claremont Colleges Library.Suzanne Noruschatd5b4fb9efb1f1d6e4833d051ebc06907bb9dba64
1media/Decora_designs_2.jpg2021-10-11T10:17:56-07:00Curtis Fletcher3225f3b99ebb95ebd811595627293f68f680673eYlyne Studio and Decora Ceramics Designs2Smith Russell created new original products and glazes. The products were identified with the trade name “Florencita,” after Smith’s wife, Florence Midred (Dodge) Russell. These designs are watercolors of some of the earliest products in the Smithware and Florencita lines. Decora Ceramics enjoyed popularity nationwide, but my mid-1952 Japanese copies of their products, identical in design, precisely copied, and priced below Decora’s production costs, began to flood the market.media/Decora_designs_2.jpgplain2021-10-12T11:49:19-07:0001/01/1947-12/31/1953Special Collections, The Claremont Colleges LibraryIn Copyright - Educational Use Permitted (This Rights Statement can be used only for copyrighted Items for which the organization making the Item available is the rights-holder or has been explicitly authorized by the rights-holder(s) to allow third parties to use their Work(s) for educational purposes without first obtaining permission.)33.963889 , -118.367885Ylyne StudioDecora designs, Decora Ceramics records (H.Mss.0276), Special Collections, The Claremont Colleges Library.Curtis Fletcher3225f3b99ebb95ebd811595627293f68f680673e
1media/Decora_promo_3.jpg2021-10-11T10:17:56-07:00Curtis Fletcher3225f3b99ebb95ebd811595627293f68f680673eDecora Ceramics Promotional Flyer2Decora Ceramics promotional flyer depicting the plant located on Ash Avenue in Inglewood, personnel, owners, and production facilities and equipment. Products were hand-painted mostly by women artisans. The company created decorative household ceramic items such as ashtrays and wall plaques. Unable to compete with Japanese pottery manufacturers, the owners sold production equipment to others in the industry; other assets were auctioned off, the property was leased, and Decora Ceramics closed in the summer of 1953.media/Decora_promo_3.jpgplain2021-10-12T11:49:24-07:0001/01/1949-12/31/1953Special Collections, The Claremont Colleges LibraryIn Copyright - Educational Use Permitted (This Rights Statement can be used only for copyrighted Items for which the organization making the Item available is the rights-holder or has been explicitly authorized by the rights-holder(s) to allow third parties to use their Work(s) for educational purposes without first obtaining permission.)33.963889 , -118.367885Decora CeramicsDecora Ceramics promotional flyer, Decora Ceramics records (H.Mss.0276), Special Collections, The Claremont Colleges LibraryCurtis Fletcher3225f3b99ebb95ebd811595627293f68f680673e
1media/Fong_Foo_Sec_POM_Commencement_1922_thumbnail.jpg2021-10-11T10:17:50-07:00Curtis Fletcher3225f3b99ebb95ebd811595627293f68f680673eDr. Fong Foo Sec receiving the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. Commencement. 19222Fong Foo Sec (1869-1938) was Pomona College’s first Asian student, studying from 1897-1902. After completing four years in the preparatory department and one year of regular collegiate enrollment, Fong transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where he graduated with honors in 1905, before going on to earn dual master's degrees at Columbia University. In 1922, Fong received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Pomona College, the third awarded in the College’s history.media/Fong_Foo_Sec_POM_Commencement_1922.jpgplain2021-10-18T16:55:14-07:0006/01/1922The Claremont Colleges, Special CollectionsNo Copyright- in public domain34.0977683 , -117.7118837For additional information about this image see: https://www.instagram.com/p/CPV8q3PAR_K/Pomona CollegeDr. Fong Foo Sec receiving the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws, The Pomona College Quarterly Magazine (June 1922, Volume X, Number 4), Pomona College Book and Periodical Collection (PC-0010). Pomona College Archives, Special Collections, The Claremont Colleges Library, Claremont, California.Suzanne Noruschatd5b4fb9efb1f1d6e4833d051ebc06907bb9dba64