Cantua Photograph Collection
Finding aid created by History San Jose Research Library staff using RecordEXPRESS
History San Jose Research Library
2023
1661 Senter Road
San Jose, California 95112
(408) 287-2290
research@historysanjose.org
http://www.historysanjose.org/
Title: Cantua Photograph Collection
Dates: 1850-1950
Collection Number: 1983-24
Creator/Collector:
Cantua, Dolores
Extent: 240 photographic prints, including tintypes
Online items available
Repository:
History San Jose Research Library
San Jose, California 95112
Abstract: Photo collection consisting of 238 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.
Language of Material: English
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.
All of the images are believed to be in the public domain.
[Identification of item]. Cantua Photograph Collection. Collection Number: 1983-24. History San Jose Research Library
The collection was donated in 1983 by Dolores Daisy Cantua, nee Gardener (1930-2017), who was married to Robert Cantua.
Biography/Administrative History
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.
Scope and Content of Collection
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".
Hispanic Americans
Mexican Americans
Families
Ranchers
Portraits
Selaya, Rafael
del Castillo, Tomas M.
del Castillo, Francisco P.
Selaya, Fred
Montoya, Florence
Montoya, Chester
del Castillo
Selaya
Weeks
Montoya
Malone
San Jose (Calif.)
Monterey (Calif.)
photographic prints
tintypes
cabinet photographs
snapshots
cartes-de-visite (card photographs)
children's portraits