The Whittier Historical Photograph Collection includes images documenting the foundation of the community of Whittier, California during the periods of the late 1800s to the middle of the 20th century. The images in the Whittier Historical Photograph Collection depict not only historical buildings and portraits of early Whittier settlers; they also document the beginnings of the California citrus, oil, and transportation industries. Many of the images in this collection display the prosperous time of growth as seen in similar early California settlements. Images include the Casa de Governor Pio Pico, (home of the last Mexican Governor of California), the Jonathan Bailey house, (purchased under the protection of the Homestead Act for $234), the Carnegie Library of Whittier, theaters (Sundown Drive-in), churches, local canyons, oil derricks, commercial buildings, personal photographs of residents, schools (including the reformatory school, Fred C. Nelles), and the funeral of poet John Greenleaf Whittier. The collection also includes images of historical craftsman homes, many of which are still standing. The collection includes photographic prints, negatives, and postcards.

205 photographs 205 online items

Collection open for research.