Hi Clyde,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
This is an official California State Assembly and Senate Resolution from 1939, urging the Democratic National Committee to hold the 1940 Democratic National Convention in California. The Joint Resolution (H.J.R. No. 50, Chapter 89) from the California Legislature was adopted in the Assmelby on May 25, 1939 and in the Senate on May 31, 1939. It's signers include the Governor of California at the time (Culbert L. Olson), the Speaker of the Assembly, and other legislative officers. It's purpose was to “memorialize” (officially petition) the Democratic National Committee and its chairman, James A. Farley, to choose a major California city as the host for the 1940 convention.

The Democratic National Convention is where presidential candidates are formally nominated and party platforms set. Hosting it was a political and economic prize — a sign of influence within the party and a way to boost the host state’s prominence. In 1939, the Democratic Party was under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s leadership, heading toward his unprecedented third term run in 1940. At the time, California was still emerging as a major political force. This resolution is part of its effort to be recognized as a central player in national politics. It emphasizes California’s Democratic governance (Olson was the first Democratic governor in decades) and its ability to host a major event.

Ultimately, the 1940 Democratic National Convention was not held in California — it took place in Chicago. This resolution is a snapshot of interwar U.S. politics, California boosterism, and the state’s aspirations for national prominence.

As you can imagine, these don't come to auction very often but can vary widely in value depending on a number of factors, including provenance and condition. Without knowing if this was owned by one of the signers, or how many were made, a conservative estimate would be $500-700 at auction. If this ends up being a facsimile copy, it's worth far less - $50-75 or one-tenth the value.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

A 1939 California State Resolution
Printed in the California State Printing Office in Sacramento by George M. Moore, State Printer.
Printed document with stylized foliate border, bearing the California state seal at the bottom.
19-3/4 by 13 inches
CONDITION: With creasing and some foxing spots along the lower reserve.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 500-700*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia