Governor Pat Brown's Inaugural Year

Edmund G. “Pat” Brown takes the oath of office from California Supreme Court Justice Phil Gibson at the State Capitol. Brown would go on to complete two terms in office, serving as Governor of California until 1967.

Governor Brown speaks from the dais in the Assembly Chambers at the State Capitol. The sign in Latin reminds occupants “It is the duty of legislators to make just laws.” 

Governor Brown signs a document at the State Capitol during the inauguration ceremony. 

A group of spectators stands along the gallery of the second-floor rotunda at the State Capitol to watch the inauguration of Governor Edmund G. Brown.

Governor Brown bends down to receive a kiss on the cheek after his inauguration ceremony. 

The Brown family pictured at the Executive Mansion on the night of the 1959 Inaugural Ball. Left to right: Barbara Brown Casey, Kathleen Brown, Cynthia Brown Kelly, First Lady Bernice Brown, and Governor Brown.

Governor Brown and family members greet dancer and actress Ann Miller at the Inaugural Ball. Left to right: Joseph Kelly, Barbara Brown Casey, Cynthia Brown Kelly, Pat Casey, Governor Brown, and Ann Miller. The following year Miller received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Governor Brown shakes hands with popular singer Nat King Cole, while First Lady Bernice Brown enjoys the moment. Later that year Cole would win a Best Performance trophy at the 2nd Annual Grammy Awards. 

The arrival of Governor Brown for the 1959 Inaugural Ball held at the Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento. Governor and First Lady Brown walk down a central aisle followed by Lieutenant Governor Glenn M. Anderson and Lee Marie Anderson.

Members of the Brown family standing with a group of people backstage at the Memorial Auditorium during the Inaugural Ball. 

Governor Brown speaks to Inaugural Ball attendees at Memorial Auditorium. 

Governor and First Lady Brown pose with Miss California, Terry Lynn Huntingdon, at the 1959 California State Fair. Later the same year, Huntingdon claimed the title of Miss USA – the first contestant from California to do so – and second runner-up in the Miss Universe contest.

Governor Brown and First Lady Bernice Brown visit the Alameda County exhibit at the 1959 California State Fair.

Governor and First Lady Brown in front of an exhibit on the California water system and a map listing the capacity of the State reservoirs. Brown’s administration implemented a comprehensive statewide water plan and expanded the state’s water resources.

Governor Brown talks with a group of teenagers at the State Fair. By 1959, teenagers in California – and across America – were being recognized as their own economic market, but the voting age would remain at 21 until the 26th Amendment passed in 1971. 

More items within Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park include: a $1 check donated to Brown’s gubernatorial campaign by Barbara Rockefeller, the dinner plates shown with the Brown family in the Executive Mansion dining room, and Bernice Brown’s 1959 inaugural ball gown.