CONNECT with the CityNew Discoveries
Welcome to the New Discoveries blog! City of San Diego City Clerk Archives staff use this area to upload newly rediscovered documents from San Diego’s history. In their duties, staff often find unique and interesting pieces of history they want to bring to the public. Those documents are uploaded here and then organized into their appropriate Collection, or a new Collection is created. Please check back frequently for fascinating new finds and discoveries!
Published on
undated, Amazing Image of Kate O. Sessions
Download Image
Check out this amazing image of Kate O. Sessions! Katherine Olivia Sessions was born on November 8, 1857, responsible for the beautiful work as a landscape architect that you continue to see throughout Balboa Park to date. Deemed as the “Mother of Balboa Park,” an American botanist, winning international commendation for her extensive expertise in gardening and her vast knowledge of all types of horticultural subjects.
Published on
October 17, 1924 - Dr. Charlotte Johnson Baker's Report
Read this report completed by our famous first female Doctor in San Diego, Dr. Charlotte Johnson Baker. Dr. Baker improved women’s lives throughout the years, including the right to vote. This document is another pivotal piece that she played in advocating for young girls and the importance in having a place to be cared for other than jail.
Published on
1924-1958 - San Diego Zoo Attendance
The San Diego Zoo is a favorite landmark of many San Diegans and visitors alike, check out what we found in the City Clerk Archives! This census captures the visitor attendance from 1924 all the way through 1958! This document also captures the City and County growth in population rate!
Published on
September 18, 1922 - A Last Recommendation
William Ellsworth Smythe wrote the History of San Diego at the turn of the last Century. He passed away less than a month after this letter was dated. His book has two parts, a historical overview of when the City was first settled by Junipero Serra and then after California incorporated into America with personal stories of locals from the front lines.
Published on
August 12, 1913 - The California State Flower: A Snow Plant?
When California was choosing a state flower, someone had suggested the Snow Plant. This letter from Laura Kimball, a fern collector from National City, related to the famous Kimball brothers, details her thoughts on the fungi with an amusing description.
Published on
August 4, 1874 through October 5, 1875 - Show Me the Money: Horton Signs a Check
Cancelled checks are not often kept by anyone, but these receipts were found in the City Archives. To our surprise and delight, we found A. E. Horton’s signature on the back of them!