UUM_P1287 Guide to the Leonidas Ralph Mecham photograph collection, 1989-2004 Mecham (Leonidas Ralph) photograph collection Finding aid created by Claire A. Kempa Multimedia Archives, J. Willard Marriott Library, University of Utah
295 South 1500 East Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0860 801-581-8864 http://lib.utah.edu/collections/multimedia-archives
2023 Encoded in Adobe Dreamweaver by Claire A. Kempa 2023. Finding aid encoded in English in Latin script. Finding aid based on DACS (Describing Archives: A Content Standard, 2nd Edition) University of Utah Libraries, Special Collections Photographs Division
Special Collections 295 South 1500 East Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0860 801-581-8864 http://lib.utah.edu/collections/multimedia-archives
P1287 Mecham, Leonidas Ralph Leonidas Ralph Mecham photograph collection 1989-2004 35 items 1 box 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. Collection materials are in English. 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.

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.

Arranged by subject

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.

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.

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.

Donated by Leonidas Ralph Mecham in 2006.

Processed by Special Collections staff.

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

 United States. Administrative Office of the United States Courts Washington (D.C.) Photographs color prints (photographs) 1 1 Group Photographs 1993-2004 1 2 10 Year Anniversary 1995 1 3 Christmas Cards 1989-1996