Ruth and Victor Jones Papers

Collection

Identifier: NC1434

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Ruth and Victor Jones Papers consist of letters and photographs that document their friendship with James E. and Florence Church. The letters discuss family the cabins, "Teamo" and "Tree House" and their construction. The photographs document family outings as well as Ruth's time as a student at the University of Nevada and Victor's time as a physical education teacher and football coach. Additionally, the collection contains memorabilia about Church, including a copy of his publication Law and Society, published in December 1939, and information on James E. Church.

Dates

1916-1965

Creator

Jones, Elaine Ruth (Creator, Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research. Materials must be used on-site; advance notice suggested. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Biographical / Historical

Elaine "Ruth" Murray was born on September 11, 1895 in Bodega, California and attended the University of Nevada from 1912-1916. Ruth, Elaine's preferred name, married Victor William "Casey" Jones, who was born on December 4, 1885 in Georgetown, Colorado, on June 16, 1920 in Elaine's mother's yard. They had met while both were teaching at Tonopah High School. Victor also coached basektball and football while in Tonopah. From 1922-1924, Victor began teaching at Carson High School as well as coaching. During his time here, Carson High School won the State Championship in basketball and football. In 1924, the family relocated to San Rafael, California where Victor continued to teach and Elaine transitioned to a stay at home mom taking care of their children.

While at the University, Ruth met Dr. James E. Church, classics professor and father of the modern snow survey, which began a lasting friendship between the Jones and Church families. Both families built cabins in close proximity to each other at Lake Tahoe, the Jones' called "Teamo" and the Churches' called "Tree House." The families coordinated the delivery of building materials to both locations.

Ruth and Victor had three children: Deane Richard Jones (November 21, 1921-April 1945), who was killed in Europe during World War II; Dorothea "Dodie" (Jones) Hill (August 10, 1923-January 20, 1987); and Ruth Helen "Petey" (Jones) Walsh (May 6, 1925-January 9, 2023).

Victor "Casey" passed away on March 1, 1962 in San Ragael, California; Elaine "Ruth" passed away on January 5, 1980.

Extent

0.82 Linear Feet (8 folders in 2 shared boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Elaine "Ruth" Murray (1895-1980) and Victor William "Casey" Jones owned a cabin at Lake Tahoe near James E. and Florence Church's cabin, the Tree House. The couple were friends of the Churches and communicated regularly. The collection contains letters from James Church to the Joneses as well as photographs documenting the relationship between the Jones and Church families.

Arrangement

Arranged by material type.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Gary Smith on behalf of his wife, Marilyn "Missy" Walsh-Smith, and Ruth and Victor's daughter, Ruth Helen "Petey" (Jones) Walsh, in December 2022.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Jessica Maddox in January 2023. During processing, standard archival preservation measures were taken to ensure the longevity of the materials. This includes rehousing into appropriate acid-free containers and sleeving photographic prints.