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Historical Society of Southern California Collection -- Ana Bégué de Packman Collection of Photographs and Papers
photCL 400 volume 33  
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Collection Overview
 
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Description
This collection contains photographs related to Southern California history that were collected by Ana Bégué de Packman (1882-1973), a descendant of early Spanish-Mexican landowners in the region and the Secretary of the Historical Society of Southern California from the 1930s to 1950s. The collection dates from 1820 to 1955 (bulk 1930s) and includes photographs, as well as correspondence, maps, ephemera, and newspaper clippings related to Southern California ranchos, the Spanish-Mexican families who owned them, and Los Angeles during the late 1800s. The majority of the collection consists of portraits of rancho families and their descendants, as well as photographs of the town of San Juan Capistrano and its environs, including Mission San Juan Capistrano and the adobe houses surrounding the mission. Photographers include: Charles C. Pierce, Charles J. Prudhomme, Charles C. Puck, and Edward Vischer.
Background
Ana Bégué de Packman (1882-1973), a descendent of Juan Francisco Reyes, the alcade of the Pueblo de Los Angeles, served as the Secretary of the Historical Society of Southern California from the 1930s through the 1950s; she was involved in educational outreach programs, took part in speaking engagements, and supported restoration efforts for various California landmarks. Packman was also the curator of Casa Figueroa from 1934 to 1941, an historic Los Angeles adobe built by Don Ramon Figueroa prior to the arrival of Anglo-Americans that was later demolished in 1965.Founded in 1883, the Historical Society of Southern California (HSSC) is the oldest historical society in California. As part of its mission to collect and preserve Southern California's history, the HSSC amassed a photo archive over many decades. The HSSC shifted its emphasis to programs and publications in the 1980s and, in 1992, the organization donated its photo archive to The Huntington Library.
Extent
2.6 Linear Feet (3 boxes) (209 photographs: 179 prints, 18 film negatives, 9 stereographs, 2 tintypes, 1 glass plate negative) ; prints 25 x 35.5 cm (10 x 14 in.) and smaller + correspondence, maps, ephemera, notes, and a name index.)
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 to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.