Hunt, Rockwell Dennis, 1868-

Historian, educator. Ph. D., Johns Hopkins University (1895). Taught at University of the Pacific, San Jose, Calif. (1896-1902). Principal, San Jose High School (1902-1908). Professor of Economics (1908-1920) and Dean of Graduate School (1920-1945) at University of Southern California. Director of California History Foundation at University of the Pacific, Stockton, Calif. (1946-1954). Author of numerous books and pamphlets on various aspects of California history, including "California and Californians" (1932), "John Bidwell, Prince of California Pioneers" (1942) and "History of the College of the Pacific" (1951). Hunt was named "Mr. California" (1954) by Governor Goodwin J. Knight.

From the description of Rockwell D. Hunt papers, 1850-1965. (University of the Pacific). WorldCat record id: 35178132

Economics professor, Dean of Graduate School, University of Southern California, Los Angeles (1908-1938). Ph. D. in History, Johns Hopkins (1895). Taught at University of the Pacific (1895-1902). Principal of San Jose High School (1902-1908). Founder and first director of California History Foundation (1945-1952). Author of "California's Stately Hall of Fame" (1950), "California and Californians" (1932), and a biography of John Bidwell (1942). Hunt was a prohibitionist. He studied effects of drinking alcohol, published diatribes against its consumption, and, before World War I, developed a course on "The Liquor Problem" which he taught for several years at the University of Southern California.

From the description of Hunt Prohibition Collection, 1914-1936. (University of the Pacific). WorldCat record id: 30859619

Biography

Rockwell Dennis Hunt was born in Sacramento (1868)and attended Napa College (B.A. 1890) and John Hopkins University, receiving a Ph.D. in Economic History from the latter institution in 1895. He taught History and Economics at the University of the Pacific for six years, leaving to become principal of San Jose High School(1902-1907) and later a professor of economics at the University of Southern California (1908-1920). In 1920 Hunt was named Dean of the Graduate School at USC, remaining in that position until his retirement (1945). In the following year he became Director of the California History Foundation at the University of the Pacific. California Governor Goodwin Knight subsequently named Dr. Hunt "Mr. California" in recognition of his many contributions to the study of California history. Hunt continued active in local historical society endeavors until his death (1966).

During his long career Hunt wrote numerous books and articles, many dealing with California history. His works include: California & Californians (1932), a 5 volume history; John Bidwell,Prince of California Pioneers (1942); California's Stately Hall of Fame (1950); History of the College of the Pacific (1951); and, Mr. California (1956), an autobiography.

From the guide to the Rockwell Dennis Hunt Papers, 1887-1966, (University of the Pacific. Library. Holt-Atherton Department of Special Collections)