David Fetherston papers, 1905-2019

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.