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.

209 photographs in 3 boxes (179 prints, 18 negatives, 9 stereographs, 2 tintypes, 1 glass plate) ; prints 25 x 35.5 cm. (10 x 14 in.) and smaller + correspondence, maps, ephemera, notes, and a name index.

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.

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.