Pacific Geographic Society.

Pacific Geographic Society was founded in 1926 by Humphrey Read and reorganized in 1929 by Walter Gordon Clark. The Society was organized for the purpose of educational and scientific research pertaining to boundaries of the Pacific Ocean and to promote interests of states and countries bordering on the Pacific Ocean. The Society is believed to have disbanded in 1940-1941.

From the description of Pacific Geographic Society records, 1927-1940. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 462018669

HISTORICAL NOTE

The Pacific Geographic Society was founded in 1926 by Humphrey Read, to be reorganized in 1929 by the president, Walter Gordon Clark, and other officers.

According to the articles of incorporation (July 9, 1929) the following is an outline of the purposes and objectives of the Society: a) for educational and scientific research pertaining to boundaries of the Pacific Ocean, b) to promote interests of states and countries bordering on the Pacific Ocean through co-operative membership in education and scientific research, c) to give publicity to states and countries bordering on the Pacific Ocean, that a better understanding of statehood and citizenship may be realized, d) to enlighten the world through the publications by members of this corporation, e) to build, construct, purchase, lease, equip, or otherwise acquire.

Los Angeles served as the center and principal area of business for the enterprise. The corporation there was to "exist fifty years from and after the date of incorporation." In 1932-33 the Globe-Trotter Series of illustrated (motion picture) lectures was initiated, an activity which provided the major source of income of the Society.

Other activities included dinner meetings, often with entertainment for regents, etc., special dinners and receptions, exhibits in libraries and bookstores, selected tours (group and individual) to Mexico, South America, New Zealand and Hawaii. Mrs. Hughes (secretary and manager after the death of Mr. Palmer) often acted as a local booking agent for a number of lecturers, while the Society arranged programs for public schools and libraries, colleges and universities, and other interested organizations.

Several attempts were made to publish a magazine in conjunction with the Society, with no degree of success. A Bulletin and a Newsletter were circulated periodically but the Pacific Geographic Magazine and its successor, Pacific Horizons, began and concluded with Volume I, Number 1.

In 1936 a moratorium agreement with major creditors was effected and the Society is believed to have disbanded in 1940-4l.

From the guide to the Pacific Geograpic Society Records, 1927-1940, (Stanford University. Libraries. Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives.)