Cantua Photograph Collection, 1850-1950

View only results with digital items
Printable guide [HTML]

Online content

Online items

Summary

Title:
Cantua Photograph Collection
Dates:
1850-1950
Creators:
Cantua, Dolores
Abstract:
Extent:
240 photographic prints, including tintypes
Language:
Preferred citation:

Cantua Photograph Collection. History San Jose Research Library

Background

Scope and content:

Photo collection consisting of 240 prints, ranging from tintypes to cabinet card portraits to early 20th century snapshots and portraits. The subjects of most of the images appear to be Hispanic Americans and early Californio families. While the majority of the images are portraits (including weddings and First communions), others document ranch activities and members of the U.S. Army 14th Regiment during World War I. Although the collection was donated by the Cantua family, it is unclear whether the photos are related to their family. The majority of photos are unidentified, but the Rafael Selaya family (Monterey and San Jose area) appears frequently. Other identified names include Fred Selaya; Tomas M. del Castillo, Maria del Castillo, Francisco P. del Castillo; Florence and Chester Montoya; Kenneth Robert Weeks and Jeanette Dorothy Weeks; Sirick "Alex" Malone and Alfred Malone, Jr.; Rita Higuera; Mrs. Antona or Antonia Selaya or Salaya; Nellie Sepeda, or Sefreda; Mrs. Cavalli, Mrs. Fisher, "Aunt Iona".

Biographical / historical:

According to Mercury News articles, Bob Cantua's father, Frank T. Cantua, was descended through his father from colonial settlers of Monterey and early-day ranchers in the San Benito area. Frank's mother, a Chaboya, belonged to one of the earliest families of the Santa Clara Valley. Dolores is believed to have been a native of Oregon. She and Robert Cantua resided in San Jose before moving to Medford, Oregon sometime before 2008.

Acquisition information:
The collection was donated in 1983 by Dolores Daisy Cantua, nee Gardener (1930-2017), who was married to Robert Cantua.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by History San Jose Research Library staff.
Date Prepared:
1850-1950
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Photo collection consisting of 240 prints, ranging from early tintypes to early 20th century snapshots and portraits. The subjects of most of the images appear to be Hispanic Americans and early Californio families.

Terms of access:

All of the images are believed to be in the public domain.

Preferred citation:

Cantua Photograph Collection. History San Jose Research Library

Location of this collection:
1661 Senter Road
San Jose, CA 95112, US
Contact:
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
Website