Bancroftiana, Number 121 Fall 2002: Undergraduate Research: A Brave New World

Undergraduate Research: A Brave New World

My first encounter with The Bancroft Library was during the Fall 2001 semester. In lieu of a regular class meeting, my instructor for a history seminar scheduled a presentation at Bancroft. I must admit that at the time I was a bit overwhelmed, and the whole presentation seemed to fly right over my head. I knew I would probably be working at The Bancroft Library, though, as I planned to write my undergraduate thesis on the development of the San Joaquin Valley. Still, I was too intimidated to actually make it into the Heller Reading Room.

David Daramus, UC Class of 2002, examines California maps on one of his many visits to Bancroft's Heller Reading Room. Photo: Erica Nordmeier

As the spring semester rolled around it became time for me to begin my thesis paper. This would be my last semester at Berkeley, and it seemed due time (I began my studies at Cal in the Fall of 1987). I enrolled in my history thesis-writing class, not knowing how or where I would begin such a formidable project. Again, my instructor scheduled a presentation at Bancroft. This time I knew I had better pay close attention, or it might be another semester at Berkeley.

Something clicked. Bill Brown led the presentation, in which we perused vintage photographs of San Francisco and letters to family members from miners during the California Gold Rush period. The ability to examine these important historical documents really piqued my interest and filled me with inspiration. After completing a preliminary search at The Bancroft Library website and taking a few deep breaths, I decided to make my first entrance into the Heller Reading Room.

"All patrons must register with the Library," the receptionist informed me. I wondered what I was getting myself into. I will never forget how nervous I was as I entered for the first time. I did not have much experience with primary source research, but I plunged right in. The first documents I reviewed were part of the Frank Norris Collection. Wow! I couldn't believe that I was actually holding pages of the original manuscript for The Octopus in my hand. "Better be very careful with these," I told myself.

Well, from there I was off and running. As I delved deeper into my research, I realized that The Bancroft Library would provide a wealth of information for my primary source paper. My thesis was a comparative study of the Yokuts Indians and early Anglo-American settlers in the San Joaquin Valley, entitled The Struggle for Survival in the Big Valley. Among the resources I consulted at The Bancroft Library were several early histories of the San Joaquin Valley as well as the memoirs of Anglo-American settlers in the region. I was also able to review sources Frank Norris used in writing The Octopus . Probably the most important primary source material I analyzed was a collection of records relating to the Mussel Slough Affair, a conflict that occurred between American settlers in the San Joaquin Valley and the Southern Pacific Railroad. Each day I spent in Bancroft I grew more confident, and the progress of my research seemed to benefit as a result. This was due in no small part to the help and encouragement of many Bancroft staff members, who seemed only too willing to help.

Although I'll be leaving Berkeley after this semester, I won't be sad because I feel that I have experienced something very special. I realize that researching at The Bancroft Library is a rare and special opportunity, and I truly cherish the times I spent in the Reading Room. And who knows, one day I may return to Bancroft as a professional researcher. At any rate, at least I can tell others who have a special interest in the history of California and the West that The Bancroft Library is an invaluable resource for them. My thanks to Bill Brown and everyone who has helped make my time at Bancroft seem more like play than work.

—David Daramus
UC Berkeley Class of 2002