Alonso S. Perales Papers, 1898-1991 | University of Houston Libraries

Containing 17 series and housed in 14 boxes, this collection documents the life and work of Alonso S. Perales and, to a lesser degree, that of his wife, Marta Pérez de Perales. The collection also contains the correspondence with Perales by noteworthy civil rights leaders as J. T. Canales, Dr. Carlos Castañeda, José Luz Saenz, Mauro Machado, George I. Sánchez and Adela Sloss de Vento. The Alonso S. Perales Papers also contain the organizational papers for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Committee of One Hundred Citizens and League of Loyal Citizens and various other civil rights organizations. Perales’ journalism, essays, speeches and radio addresses are represented on hundreds of pages of typescript, at times with marginalia. His published materials include books, pamphlets and thousands of newspaper columns and letters to the editor. The collection also includes onionskin copies of typewritten letters from Perales to recipients, including community leaders, national and state politicians, and their typewritten letters responding to him. An extensive newspaper clipping file and full pages of newspapers from around Texas that carried his writing are also conserved in this collection. A particularly interesting chapter in the Perales documentation corresponds to his service as Consul for Nicaragua in San Antonio, during which he seems to have forged a strong relationship with Nicaraguan President Anastasio Somoza. Also included is a rich collection of personal and business photographs, many of which have been identified, and important memorabilia, such as awards, certificates and citations given to Mr. Perales.

Related Materials:

I. Selections from the Alonso S. Perales Papers digital collection (http://digital.lib.uh.edu/cdm4/about_collection.php?CISOROOT=/perales)

II. Alsono S. Perales Papers Microfilm:

(a) Inventory (pdf) (http://info.lib.uh.edu/sites/default/files/docs/Alonso_S_Perales_Microfilm_IndexII.pdf)

(b) Catalog listing (http://library.uh.edu/search~S11?/eMicrofilm+2309/emicrofilm+2309/-3,-1,0,B/exact&FF=emicrofilm+2309&1,22)