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Leonidas Ralph Mecham photograph collection, 1989-2004

Overview of the Collection

Collector
Mecham, Leonidas Ralph
Title
Leonidas Ralph Mecham photograph collection
Dates
1989-2004 (inclusive)
Quantity
35 items, (1 box)
Collection Number
P1287
Summary
Leonidas Ralph Mecham (1928-2019) served as served as the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts from 1985 until his retirement in 2006. The Leonidas Ralph Mecham photograph collection contains photographs sent to Mecham by friends and colleagues in correspondence and photographs related to Mecham's career.
Repository
University of Utah Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections, J. Willard Marriott Library
University of Utah
295 South 1500 East
Salt Lake City, UT
84112-0860

Telephone: 8015818863
special@library.utah.edu
Access Restrictions

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.

Languages
English
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Biographical Note

Leonidas Ralph Mecham was born on April 23, 1928 in Murray, Utah, to Minnie Isabella Frame and Leonidas DeVon Mecham. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Mecham served a mission in Great Britain. On August 10, 1950, he married Barbara Folsom; together, they had five children. Mecham graduated with a BS in Political Science from the University of Utah in 1951. After graduation, the Mechams moved to Washington D.C., where Mecham began working as a legislative assistant to Utah senator Wallace F. Bennett. Mecham continued his studies, graduating with a JD degree from George Washington University in 1963. He also achieved an MA in Public Administration from Harvard University. Mecham then served as vice president of the University of Utah, where he also taught constitutional law.

Mecham returned to Washington to work as special assistant to the United States Secretary of Commerce. On July 15, 1985, he was appointed Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. He served in this position for over 20 years, retiring in April 2006. During his tenure in the position, Mecham decentralized budget and management of courts, permitting courts to set local policies and budgetary priorities within broad national guidelines.

Leonidas Ralph Mecham died on March 9, 2019.

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Content Description

The Leonidas Ralph Mecham photograph collection consists of 1 box containing 35 black-and-white and color photograph prints. Subjects include photographs sent to Mecham by colleagues, with photocopies of the accompanying correspondence; photographs related to Mecham's career, including signed photographs from friends and colleagues and group photographs taken at events; and photographic Christmas cards sent to Mecham from colleagues and acquaintances. The collection dates from approximately 1989-2004.

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Use of the Collection

Restrictions on Use

It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain any necessary copyright clearances.

Permission to publish material from the Leonidas Ralph Mecham photograph collection must be obtained from the Special Collections Manuscript Curator.

Preferred Citation

Initial Citation: Leonidas Ralph Mecham photograph collection, P1287, Box [ ]. Special Collections and Archives. University of Utah, J. Willard Marriott Library. Salt Lake City, Utah.

Following Citations: P1287.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

Arranged by subject

Acquisition Information

Donated by Leonidas Ralph Mecham in 2006.

Processing Note

Processed by Special Collections staff.

Separated Materials

See also the Leonidas Ralph Mecham papers (ACCN 2288) in the Manuscripts Division of Special Collections.

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Detailed Description of the Collection

  • Description: Group Photographs
    Dates: 1993-2004
    Container: Box 1, Folder 1
  • Description: 10 Year Anniversary
    Dates: 1995
    Container: Box 1, Folder 2
  • Description: Christmas Cards
    Dates: 1989-1996
    Container: Box 1, Folder 3

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Corporate Names

  • United States. Administrative Office of the United States Courts

Geographical Names

  • Washington (D.C.)

Form or Genre Terms

  • color prints (photographs)
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