San Francisco Cabinet Card Collection, 1870-1900

Collection context

Summary

Title:
San Francisco Cabinet Card Collection
Dates:
1870-1900
Creators:
Taber, I. W. (Isaiah West), 1830-1912 San Francisco Public Library
Abstract:
Extent:
5 pamphlet boxes with 570 cabinet cards
Language:
Preferred citation:

San Francisco Cabinet Card Collection. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

Background

Scope and content:

The artificial collection consists of over 570 portrait cabinet cards by San Francisco, California photographers and photo studios collected by the San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library. The cabinet cards range in date from the 1880s – early 1900s. The pictorial portraits include prominent San Francisco men and women including Lillie Coit, Chief of Police I.W. Lees, M.H. DeYoung, Archbishop Riordan, and Lotta Crabtree, as well as significant artists, writers, businessmen, politicians, entertainers. At least half of the portraits are unidentified. San Francisco photographers and photography studios represented include Bradley and Rulofson, Elite, Falk, Mora, Morse, Sarony, Taber, New York Gallery and others.

Biographical / historical:

The collection was collected and assembled by the San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library. The collection includes multiple accessions and donors received over the life of the San Francisco History Center.

Acquisition information:
The portraits were acquired from various sources, including donations and purchases.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center staff.
Date Prepared:
1870-1900
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish from photographs must be submitted in writing to the Photo Curator. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Preferred citation:

San Francisco Cabinet Card Collection. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567