H.C. Tibbitts Photograph Collection, 1909-1915

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Summary

Creators:
Tibbitts, Howard Coffin
Abstract:
The H.C. Tibbitts Photograph collection contains 114 black and white photographic prints taken by H.C. Tibbitts during his employment as a contract photographer for the Southern Pacific Railroad's magazine Sunset. The photographs predominately depict landscapes and agricultural views of the Santa Clara Valley between 1909 and 1915.
Extent:
Containers: 3 boxes Volume: .68 cubic feet
Language:
English

Background

Scope and content:

This collection is comprised of 114 black and white photographic prints taken by H.C. Tibbitts between 1909 and 1915. The photos are organized numerically mirroring the chronology of his travels. The majority of the photographs are geographically focused on the Santa Clara Valley, though additional photos of Vallejo, Martinez, Santa Cruz, and Big Basin State Park are included in the collection. The photographs generally feature beautifully composed landscapes of the Santa Clara Valley, focusing on agricultural scenes including orchards in blossom. Several panoramic prints have been created through the composite of multiple photographs. Popular historic photographic subjects include the Catherine Dunne Ranch in Morgan Hill, the Casa del Rey Hotel and golf course in Santa Cruz, and the Hotel Del Monte in Monterey.

Biographical / historical:

Howard Clinton Tibbitts (1863-1937) was a San Francisco based photographer who worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad for 40 years starting in 1892. He photographed extensively in the American West, Canada and Mexico, documenting landscapes, towns, agriculture, parks, and other local scenes to help promote the railroad. His work as used in the railroad's magazine Sunset starting with the first publication in 1898. Sunset attempted to change the "wild west" perception of California and Nevada through depictions of the beauty and grandeur of the West. The magazine especially featured locations on the Southern Pacific's Sunset line running from New Orleans to San Francisco.

Acquisition information:
This collection was donated to the Sourisseau Academy by Les Amis de Sourisseau in 2012.

Access and use

Location of this collection:
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0117, US
Contact:
(408) 808-2064
research@sourisseauacademy.org
Website