Description
This collection contains photographs by commercial photographers dated ca. 1890-1910, illustrating recreation and scenery
on Catalina Island, a hotel and public parks in Southern California,
and various historical sites and street scenes in Mexico City. Many of the photographs include tourists and local residents,
such as bathers on Catalina Island, and people in parks and towns.
Background
Photographer Charles Betts Waite (1861-1927) was born December 19, 1861, in Auburn Township, Ohio. He first delved into photography
when he was in his late twenties, working as a view photographer for Burdick and Company in Los Angeles. Over time,
Waite became known for his work as a landscape photographer with his own studio.
After marrying at the age of thirty-five, Waite moved to Mexico City and established a photography studio there, specializing
in views of the city. He became associated with the Sonora News Company and contracted with them to take
photographs of Mexico's indigenous people and more out-of-the-way areas for travel magazines and books, and tourist postal
cards.
Waite lived in Mexico for almost 27 years before returning to Los Angeles in 1923. He died there on March 22, 1927.
Extent
114 photographs in 1 box; prints primarily 20.5 x 12.5 cm. (8 x 5 in.)
Restrictions
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material,
nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and
obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
Availability
Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader
Services.