Harry Park Photographs and Other Material

1886-1955


Descriptive Summary

Title: Harry Park Photographs and Other Material
Dates: 1886-1955
Collection Number: P-271
Creator/Collector: Park, Harry Matthews, Ransom
Extent: (Boxes: 2 letter, 1 legal)
Repository: Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
Abstract: Photographs and other material. Park originated from Baltimore, but later settled in Los Angeles, thus many of the photos show early Los Angeles and fellow bicycle enthusiasts. Noteworthy are the items reflecting Park having earned his flying license from instructor Glenn H. Curtiss. Also, there are items demonstrating some of the earliest moving picture images taken by inventor C. Francis Jenkins. 1886-1953 (photos of Ransom Matthews dated 1955).
Language of Material: English

Access

Research is by appointment only

Publication Rights

Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder

Preferred Citation

Harry Park Photographs and Other Material. Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Biography/Administrative History

Park (1869 - 1955) was an aerial stunt bicyclist, as well as an automobile aerialist, in a career that began in 1885. He performed stunts throughout the U.S., and in Mexico City. Married in 1895, he also teamed with his wife Gertrude, under the name "the Bretons." He originated from Baltimore, but later settled in Los Angeles.

Scope and Content of Collection

Photographs and other material. Park originated from Baltimore, but later settled in Los Angeles, thus many of the photos show early Los Angeles and fellow bicycle enthusiasts. Noteworthy are the items reflecting Park having earned his flying license from instructor Glenn H. Curtiss. Also, there are items demonstrating some of the earliest moving picture images taken by inventor C. Francis Jenkins. Box 1 contains photos related to Harry and Gertrude Park. Box 2 contains photos of other people and places. Box 3 contains Park's correspondence and documents, as well as papers of former museum curator Ransom Matthews, who corresponded with Park. 1886-1953 (photos of Ransom Matthews dated 1955).

Indexing Terms

Stunt performers
Camera, early photography & moving pictures
Curtiss, Glenn Hammond, 1878-1930
Jenkins, C. Francis (Charles Francis), 1867-1934