Roy Leeper and Gaylord Hall collection of Miné Okubo papers, circa 1940-2001

Biographical materials include Dr. Roy Leeper's medical licenses from the states of Virginia and California.

The bulk of this series consists of letters from Miné Okubo to Gaylord Hall and Roy Leeper. Many of the letters begin by mentioning her mood or health and she often inquires about the health and activities of Hall and Leeper and their mutual friends, although they do not tend to be overly personal. Okubo references her artistic process, specific artworks purchased by or of interest to Hall and Leeper, and acknowledges receipt of payment for a work of art. Many of the letters are illustrated in pen or colored pencil.

There is also one letter from Leeper to Okubo; a letter to Howard Hamilton; and scattered letters between Doris and Harry Tono, Okubo, and Leeper and Hall.

Some letters greet both Roy Leeper and Gaylord Hall in the letter but are addressed to one on the envelope; those letters are organized based on the addressed envelope.

Writings by Miné Okubo include a statement concerning the pricing for her artwork and a list of works of art. There is also one note, likely written by Roy Leeper.

Personal business records mostly concern Roy Leeper's and Gaylord Hall's purchase and loan of artwork by Miné Okubo. There are price lists; receipts and statements for payments received by Okubo, many of which mention specific works of art; and records from loans of their Miné Okubo artwork to the San Francisco Museum of Art and the Oakland Museum of Art for exhibition. A certificate of authenticity is for a Japanese ivory figurine, although it is not clear who owned the piece.

Printed materials concern Okubo's career as an artist and writer, including her experiences in the World War II Japanese American confinement camp in Topaz, Utah. There is a brochure and program for award events, clippings, a publication in Japanese concerning Executive Order 9066, exhibition announcements, issues of periodicals; and a poster featuring Okubo as a courageous California woman. Also found is the 1944 issue of Fortune magazine featuring Okubo's illustrations for two articles, "Issei, Nisei, Kibei" and "The Citizen-Subject...Tightens His Belt and Wipes Off His Smile."

Photographs are of Miné Okubo with her art at an exhibition; portraits of Roy Leeper or Gaylord Hall; and photographs of Okubo's works of art.

Found here are Okubo's painted sketches and drawings depicting cats and flowers, some of which may have been used for her holiday cards.