Tom and Toni Doyle Research Collection on Malibu History
Content Description
The Tom and Toni Doyle Research Collection on Malibu History contains legal records, publications, maps, and archival materials documenting the land ownership and historical development of Malibu and Southern California from early Spanish exploration through the 20th century. The collection primarily reflects the Doyles' extensive research into the complex land-use history and lineage of Rancho Malibu, as well as their work on local landmarks such as the Malibu Pier, Serra Retreat, and the Adamson House.
The materials include extensive chains of title, wills, deeds, and legal transcripts associated with Rancho Malibu's early owners, including José Bartolomé Tapia and Matthew Keller. Additionally, the collection features historical publications and clippings—such as WWII-era issues of the Malibu Bugle—alongside regional maps, correspondence, brochures, and research notes covering early maritime explorers and local indigenous history.
Dates
- Creation: 1928-2009
Creator
- Powell, Lawrence Clark, 1906-2001 (Person)
- Robinson, W. W. (William Wilcox), 1891-1972 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Advanced notice required for access.
Conditions Governing Use
Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.
Biographical / Historical
Tom and Toni Doyle lived in Malibu from 1947 until 2020. Along with an esteemed group of Malibu historians, including Ron Rindge and Judge John Merrick, they wrote books on the history of Malibu, “The Malibu Story”, “Malibu Potteries”. They were founding members and docents of the Malibu Lagoon Museum. This collection consists of copies of documents, publications and talks on their research of the Cabrillo journey to California in 1542, Rancho Malibu Chain of Title starting with Tapia in 1804, Malibu Bugle Newspaper in 1942 and Malibu phone directories from 1950 -1960s.
Full Extent
2 Linear Feet (2 letter-sized document boxes, 2 legal-sized document boxes, 1 oversize map, and 2 oversize flat documents)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
This resource contains the research collection of Tom and Toni Doyle, which includes legal records, publications, maps, and archival materials documenting the history, land ownership, and development of Malibu and Southern California from early Spanish exploration through the 20th century. Key items include extensive chains of title for Rancho Malibu, historical business directories, and records related to local landmarks like the Malibu Pier, Serra Retreat, and the Adamson House. It also features regional maps, newspaper clippings, and research on early explorers and local indigenous history.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged in the following 4 series: 1. Deeds, Titles, and Ownership 2. Publications and Clippings 3. Other Malibu and California Events/Documents 4. Maps
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gifted by Kathleen Doyle, daughter of Tom and Toni Doyle in April 2026.
Separated Materials
Malibu Business Directories were seperated and added to the Malibu Rare Books Collection and can be found on the Pepperdine Libraries database.
Processing Information
This collection was arranged and processed by Lilly Damphousse and Chris Miehl from June to July 2026.
Source
- Doyle, Tom (Person)
- Doyle, Toni (Person)
Subject
- Cabrillo, Juan Rodríguez, -1543 (Person)
- Keller, Matthew, 1810-1881 (Person)
- Title
- The Finding Aid of the Tom and Toni Doyle Research Collection on Malibu History
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Lilly Damphousse, under the supervision of Chris Miehl
- Date
- July 2026
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- The finding aid is written in English.
Repository Details
Part of the Pepperdine University, Special Collections and University Archives Repository
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu 90263-4786 USA
(310) 506-4323
specialcollections@pepperdine.edu