Description
The collection consists of over 10,000
black-and-white and color photographs, negatives, and slides, as well as pen-and-ink
drawings, postcards, and ephemeral materials, dating from 1898 to 1982 (bulk 1920s-1930s),
that were collected by the Automobile Club of Southern California. The materials form a
general photographic reference collection, as well as a broad visual survey of topics of
interest to California motorists. Included are images of sites in North and Central America
(with an emphasis on California), Europe, the Pacific Islands, and portraits, as well as
images related to other subjects of interest to the Club's membership. Many of the images
were published as illustrations for articles in the Club's first member magazine,
Touring Topics.
Background
Founded in Los Angeles in 1900, the Automobile Club of Southern California was one of the
nation's first automobile clubs. Its mission included the improvement of roads and driving
conditions in the State of California, and the proposing of traffic laws. In 1909, the
Automobile Club began publishing its member magazine, Touring
Topics, which became Westways in 1933. The magazine
chronicled landscapes and destinations that included extensive photographic coverage of the
deserts and coastal regions of California, the national parks of the American West, and
Hawaii. Many of the photographs included in this collection may have come from the personal
files of Philip Townsend Hanna (1896-1957), editor of Touring
Topics from 1926-1957, an enthusiastic amateur photographer, and a supporter of
local photographers.
Extent
45.36 Linear Feet
(59 boxes)
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 for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.