Ober family papers

Collection

Identifier: M157

Staff Only

Scope and Content of the Papers

This collection contains 10 folders and 1 oversize folder of correspondence, Christmas cards, and other printed and manuscript materials; and 8 folders of photographs. The materials document the long friendship of the Ober and Mercer families, including various parties, informal get-togethers, and charity and fundraising events in which the two families were involved, mainly on Lido Isle and nearby locations. The correspondence includes letters and notes to Polly Ober from Johnny Mercer, Ginger Mercer, and Amanda Mercer, and Christmas cards from the Mercers. Among the manuscript materials are a humorous poem about Lido Isle written by Johnny Mercer, and a eulogy written and delivered by Mike Ober on the death of Johnny Mercer in 1976. Numerous newsclippings, programs, and other printed materials relate to Mercer's life and work, featuring especially various tributes to Mercer dating from his lifetime and after his death. Photographs and snapshots include pictures of Polly Ober and her children Mike and Patsee, Johnny and Ginger Mercer and their children Amanda and Jeff, and other friends and celebrities associated with the Mercers and Obers.

Dates

1952-2000

Creator

Ober family (Family)

Restrictions on Access

Collection is open for research use.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Georgia State University is the owner of the physical collection and makes reproductions available for research, subject to the copyright law of the United States and item condition. Georgia State University may or may not own the rights to materials in the collection. It is the researcher's responsibility to verify copyright ownership and obtain permission from the copyright holder before publication, reproduction, or display of the materials beyond what is reasonable under copyright law. Researchers may quote selections from the collection under the fair use provision of copyright law.

Biographical Note on the Ober Family

Polly Ober was born in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1942 she married Colonel Matt S. Ober, Jr., who was a professional Marine with service as a Marine pilot in World War II and the Korean War. Although the Ober family was stationed in numerous locations, they resided on Lido Isle (Newport Beach, California) for a period of years in the 1950s and again during the 1960s. The couple had two children, Mike and Patsee. They became close friends with Johnny and Ginger Mercer and their children during the years they spent on Lido Isle. After Matt Ober's death in 1965, the Mercers remained good friends with Polly and the Ober children.

Extent

0.42 Linear Feet (in 1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract:

The Ober family lived near Johnny Mercer and his family on Lido Isle (Newport Beach, California) in the 1950s and 1960s. The two families became close friends. The collection contains correspondence, photographs, and other printed and manuscript materials, documenting the long relationship between the families, as well as collected material relating to Johnny Mercer, 1976-2000.

Arrangement

The papers are arranged by material type.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Polly Ober, November 15, 1999.

Separated Materials:

During processing various materials were separated to other Popular Music and Culture Music Collections. Consult the University Library's online catalog or contact Special Collections for access to sheet music.