Oral History Interview with Esther Pelzman

Note: High Amount of Hiss on Tape; High Background Noise on Tape

Series Title: The Stanford Home State Historical Park Oral History Project

Description: The Stanford House State Historical Park Oral History respondents were orphans and former residents, priests, nuns, administrators, and members of the ladies auxiliary of the Stanford and Lathrop Memorial Home for Friendless Children. The Stanford Mansion was once owned by Leland Stanford, who was the California Governor from 1862-1863. In 1900, Jane Stanford donated the home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento to be used for the children of California. It was given to the Sisters of Mercy who ran it as an orphanage named the Stanford and Lathrop Memorial Home for Friendless Children. In 1932, the home was handed over to the Sisters of Social Services who eventually transformed the mansion from an orphanage to a residence for dependent high school girls. Esther Pelzman lived at Stanford Home during the work week as her mother worked at Sutter's Hospital and paid the Sisters of Mercy to take care of her. She later lived at the house under the Sisters of Social Service while she attended Sacramento Junior College.

Call Number: TC198; TC198A; TC198B