Ernest Dawson
Ernest Dawson | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date San Antonio, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | November 15, 1947 (aged 64) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Antiquarian bookseller, publisher, mountain climber |
| Known for | President of the Sierra Club (1935–1937) |
Ernest Dawson (born 1 December 1882 in San Antonio, Texas – died 15 November 1947 in Los Angeles) was a notable American antiquarian bookseller, publisher of small press editions, mountain climbing enthusiast, and served as president of the Sierra Club.
Originally from Texas, Dawson relocated with his family to San Luis Obispo, California, in 1885. He gained initial experience in bookselling at J.A. Goodrich’s bookstore before moving to Los Angeles in 1897. There, he honed his skills under Henry Ward, an early innovator in the second-hand book trade and rental library business.
In 1905, Dawson established Dawson's Book Shop at 713 South Broadway, Los Angeles. He wed Sadie Alena Roberts in 1909. By 1912, the shop had issued a catalogue listing 211 works. Although he sold the enterprise that same year, he reacquired it in 1917 and moved it to 627 South Grand Avenue by 1922. During the 1930s, his sons Glen (1912–2016) and Muir (1921–2005) became involved in the company. The early 1940s saw Dawson's Book Shop broaden its scope to include small press publishing. Following Ernest’s passing in 1947, Glen and Muir took over management of the business.
In addition to his bookselling career, Dawson was passionate about mountaineering and led expeditions throughout the Sierra Nevada and Southern California regions. He held a position on the Sierra Club board from 1922 to 1925 and again from 1926 to 1937, serving as president between 1935 and 1937. Notably, in 1928 he accompanied his son Glen on a Matterhorn ascent alongside two guides.