Perris District Defense Association and Val Verde Water Company Papers

The collection contains business correspondence, documents, and ephemera relating to the operation of the Perris District Defense Association, and a single document and multiple pieces of ephemera relating to the operation of the Val Verde Water Company. The materials are organized into two series 1. Perris District Defense Association material; and 2. Val Verde Water Company material. Within each series the materials are divided into sub-series of document type, and organized chronologically within these subseries. The one letter authored by the Val Verde water company to the Perris District Defense Association (HM 74201) is in the sub-series of letters pertaining to the Perris District Defense Association.

The correspondence of the Perris District Defense Association (HM 74187-74204) consist primarily of letters relating to the legal strategy the association regarding their attempt to release District property holders from their financial obligations to the Perris Irrigation District. HM 74195, a letter soliciting contributions from property holders in the district, offers a good overview of the aims of the association. HM 74205 is the agreement between the association and an attorney working in the legal department of the Southern California Railroad Company, who assisted the law firm of Works & Lee in serving as legal advisors for the association. The minutes of the Perris District Defense Association, HM 74206, offers perhaps the most complete record in the collection of the association's activities.

The materials of the Val Verde Water Co. are much more incomplete. The draft contract, HM 74207 outlines the company's intent to solicit subscriptions for the purpose of constructing a pumping station, and the two folders of ephemera provide a very partial sense of the company's quotidian expenses and activities.

There are also nine volumes in the collection; arranged chronologically. They include cash books, ledgers, journals, stock ledger, transfer journal, record book, and a minutes book that includes meeting minutes and the by-laws of the Val Verde Water Co. The material found in Minutes Book (HM 74416) includes: receipts, invoices, reports, proxy notes, meeting minutes, insurance information, miscellaneous financial documents and one piece of correspondence all related to the Val Verde Water Co.