Culbert Olson Talk at the Mosk

State Librarian Greg Lucas introduces Debra Deanne Olson

Debra Deanne Olson, a granddaughter of Governor Culbert Olson, spoke about her grandfather today at an event organized by the California State Library. Joining Debra was her daughter, Kaitlyn.

Olson, who served as Governor between 1939 and 1942, was the first Democrat to hold that office in almost 50 years. His four years in office were marked by building international tensions that exploded into the second world war halfway through his term.

Today’s lecture included family photos of the Governor and his children, as well as personal anecdotes about his friendships and family.

Debra Deanne Olson and Kaitlyn Olson look at documents relating to Governor Culbert Olson

Also in the room were a collection of documents relating to Olson’s term in office, including the document used to pardon Tom J. Mooney in 1939. Mooney, a prominent labor leader, had been convicted of the 1916 San Francisco Preparedness Day Bombing and served 22 years in prison before his pardon.