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Rawson J. Pickard Bastard Scrapbook

 Collection
Identifier: MS-0543

Scope and Contents

The Rawson J. Pickard Bastard Scrapbook belonged to Dr. Rawson J. Pickard, M. D. It is a repurposed book, formerly an anatomy textbook in French, the pages of which Dr. Rawson pasted over with various news clippings and pieces of ephemera. The spine has been altered to say “Tutti Bastardi” (All Bastards), with “A Curse” upon bastards typed as the title page to the volume. The items pasted onto the pages include newspaper clippings, letters, political campaign ads, flyers, and legal documents. These items document politicians and social figures whose behaviors Pickard deemed that of a bastard. The pages also include hand written commentary and notes by Dr Pickard.

Many political clippings point towards Dr. Pickard’s support for Herbert Hoover during the 1928 presidential race. He refers to the infamous white supremacist, James Hervey Johnson, as a “natural born bastard,” and Rep. Phil Swing as a “re-doubled bastard.” He also includes several clippings on local judges, as well as hospitals, namely Mercy Hospital (in the neighborhood of Hillcrest) and San Diego Hospital.

There are several article clippings and news polls pertaining to prohibition. Dr. Pickard’s annotations seem to suggest his own opposition to states heavily in favor of prohibition laws. WWII news clippings are pasted throughout as well, many of which include conditions for American servicemen in Nazi POW camps.

There are several pieces of correspondence regarding Dr Pickard's medical practice, Mercy Hospital, and billing conflicts. Some correspondence is between Dr Pickard and his fellow medical professionals, while other correspondences are between Dr Pickard and medical and government organizations.

Dates

  • Creation: 1925-1952

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

The copyright interests in some or all of these materials have not been transferred to San Diego State University. Copyright resides with the creator(s) of materials contained in the collection or their heirs. The nature of archival collections is such that multiple creators are often applicable and copyright status may be difficult or even impossible to determine. In any case, the user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, obtaining publication rights and copyright infringement. When requesting images from Special Collections & University Archives for publication, we require a signed agreement waiving San Diego State University of any liability in the event of a copyright violation.

Biographical Note

Born in 1882, Dr. Rawson J. Pickard, M.D., grew up in Chicago, Illinois. He moved to San Diego and practiced medicine in the 805 Watts Building. He lived with his wife Bertha Pickard.

Extent

0.20 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Accruals and Additions

9999-213

Title
Rawson J. Pickard Bastard Scrapbook
Status
Completed
Author
Christopher Pappas, Dakota Greenwich
Date
04/10/2018
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
eng

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections & University Archives Repository

Contact:
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