David Fetherston papers

Collection

Identifier: ACCN 3197

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The David Fetherston papers (1905-2019) contain personal and professional materials related to Fetherston's career as a journalist, photographer, writer, publisher, and automotive historian. The collection also contains materials related to the Southern California Timing Association (SCTA), Bonneville speed racing and vehicles, and land speed racing in general.

Dates

1905-2019

Creator

Fetherston, David, 1952-2021 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.

Conditions Governing Use

The library does not claim to control copyright for all materials in the collection. An individual depicted in a reproduction has privacy rights as outlined in Title 45 CFR, part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects). For further information, please review the J. Willard Marriott Library’s Use Agreement and Reproduction Request forms.

Biographical Note

David Fetherston (1952-2021) was a celebrated automotive historian, journalist and photographer, as well as a prolific author and publisher. Born on September 16, 1952, Fetherston was raised in Canberra, Australia and overcame dyslexia to receive a four year degree in 1975 from Canberra College (Photography/Film Making) and a two year degree in 1977 from the Canberra School of Art (Print Making and Design). In 1984 Fetherston moved to California and commenced his lifelong career as an automotive journalist and photographer. He contributed to numerous publications, including Custom Rodder, Street Machine, and Popular Hot Rodding. In 1984, Fetherston also established Fetherston Publishing, LLC, and began to write and self-publish the first of over forty titles. Notable among these are Heroes of Hot Rodding (1992), the 1999 Automotive Book of the Year American Woodys, and Bonneville - A Century of Speed (2013), a collaboration with land speed racer Ron Main to fundraise for the Bonneville "Save the Salt" campaign. In addition, Fetherston received a two year degree in 2003 from Santa Rosa Junior College (Marketing and Advertising), and worked as the Director of Marketing for Flowmaster Mufflers from 2004-2007. Fetherston was a dedicated attendee, participant, and press representative at Bonneville "Speed Week" and other land speed events and time trials. He was also a long-time member of many organizations, including the Southern California Timing Association, the Utah Salt Racers Association, the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association, the Society of Automotive Historians, and the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. David Fetherston passed away on February 26, 2021 in Sebastopol, California.

Extent

8.75 Linear Feet (18 Boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Arrangement

Arranged by subject.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Nanette Simmons in 2021.

Separated Materials

Photographs and vinyl have been transferred to the Multimedia Archives of Special Collections. Books have been transferred to the Print and Journal Division of Special Collections.