Ready Reference Files

California Poet Laureate

The honorary title of Poet Laureate was apparently first used in England during the Middle Ages; it was given to a poet appointed for life by an English sovereign as a member of the royal household who was expected to compose poems for court and national occasions. Today, it is a title given to a poet regarded by a country or region as its most eminent or representative poet.

California was the first state to appoint a poet laureate. The position, conferred by the California Legislature, was unofficial. There were five persons who held the honorary title of Poet Laureate of California; it was a lifetime appointment. In 2001, Governor Davis signed AB 113, which establishes an official position. The State Poet Laureate is now appointed by the Governor for a two-year term.

• Ina Donna Coolbrith: 1915--1928. The first laureate was Ina Donna Coolbrith, chosen by the governor and appointed on June 30, 1915, confirmed by Senate Concurrent Resolution 24, April 26, 1919. She was named "The Loved Laurel Crowned Poet of California" by the Legislature of 1919, and held the title until her death in 1928.

• Dr. Henry Meade Bland: 1929--1931. Dr. Henry Meade Bland, named "The Laurel Crowned Poet of California" by the 1929 Legislature, held the title until his death in 1931, just two years later.

• John Steven McGroarty: 1933--1944. In 1933, the Legislature designated John Steven McGroarty as "Poet Laureate of California," which title he held until his death in 1944.

• Gordon W. Norris: 1953--1961. Gordon W. Norris was appointed by the Legislature in 1953, and served until his death on December 18, 1961.

• Charles B. Garrigus: 1966--2000. Charles Garrigus was appointed by the Legislature in March 1966. Mr. Garrigus was the first Poet Laureate ever appointed who had also served in the State Legislature. He was a member of the Assembly from 1959--1966.

• Quincy Troupe: 2002. Quincy Troupe was appointed by Governor Gray Davis on June 11, 2002. He resigned in October 2002.

Sources: Wilson, E. Dotson, California Legislature 1994, Office of Assembly, Sacramento, CA, 1994, http://www.sunnyday.com/poetlaureate/cal.html, California First Lady Sharon Davis Announces Official Poet Laureate [press release #02-08], California Arts Council.

Verified by: GM, 4/98; RAP 8/2001; DS 7/02

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