The Rafael Sala papers relating to the America's Making exposition, 1920-1921, consist of typescript correspondence, reference files, and printed matter regarding his participation in the exposition as chairman of the Hispanic Section's Committee on Exhibits. Correspondents include John H. Finley, William Laurel Harris, H.C. Heaton, John Musser, and Lawrence A. Wilkins. Sala's reference files, bound with metal clips, contain typescript memoranda issued by America's Making, Inc. and the Hispanic Section outlining Hispanic contributions to the nation to guide their own work, with mention of exhibit and pageantry plans, 1920-1921. Similar collected memoranda, two addressed to him as committee chair, are grouped under the file title "America's Making Suggestions." A pamphlet and copies of a flyer issued by America's Making, Inc. are also included.
Letters, 1921 March 30-September 13, express increasing concern over Sala's missed meetings and the delay in presenting operational plans. Section chairman H.C. Heaton's letter of September 13th, however, notes that the Hispanic Section had no funding to carry out plans submitted by its committees on Exhibits and Pageantry. The crisis was somehow resolved as Hispanic immigrants were represented in the exposition the following month.
Letters and documents are in typescript or typescript copies, in English and in Spanish, the latter chiefly translations of English text. Some items bear Sala's notes as to the time and place of appointments; there are also draft responses to letters in English in a different hand. A lengthy letter from William Laurel Harris of the Art Center to Lawrence A. Wilkins dated 1921 May 4, suggests topics for the exhibitions, and potential contacts regarding art and artifacts. Letters include a meeting notice addressed to Monna Alfau, who married Sala in 1923.
