A guide to the Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) photograph album, 1897-1899

Processed by: L. Bianchi, March 2013.
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone: 415-561-7030
Fax: 415-556-3540
SAFR_Historic_Documents@nps.gov
URL: http://www.nps.gov/safr
2013

A Guide to the Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) photograph album

P01-026

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, National Park Service
2013, National Park Service

Title: Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) photograph album
Date: 1897-1899
Identifier/Call Number: P01-026 (SAFR 23365)
Creator: Unknown
Physical Description: 34 items.
Repository: San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Abstract: The Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) photograph album, 1897-1899, (SAFR 23365, P01-026) consists of photographs showing the construction and launching of CHITOSE at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California. The collection has been processed to the Item level and is open for use.
Physical Location: San Francisco Maritime NHP, Historic Documents Department
Language(s): In English.

Access

This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.

Publication and Use Rights

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the researcher's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Processing Note

The descriptions in this collection guide were compiled using the best available sources of information. Such sources include the creator's annotations or descriptions, collection accession files, primary and secondary source material and subject matter experts. While every effort was made to provide accurate information, in the event that you find any errors in this guide please contact the reference staff in order for us to evaulate and make corrections to this guide.
Please cite the title and collection number in any correspondence with our staff.

Preferred Citation

[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item Number], P01-026 (SAFR 23365), Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) photograph album, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park

Acquisition Information

SAFR-01569
SAFR-01569 is a transfer from the J. Porter Shaw Library (formerly library call number b V805.5.J3C5) to the Historic Documents Department in November 2000. It was formally accessioned in 2001. The San Francisco Maritime Museum stamp on the inside cover indicates that the album was acquired by the museum between 1950-1977.
Although the exact provenance of the CHITOSE photograph album is unidentified, shipbuilding companies were known to assemble photograph albums documenting the vessels they built. These albums were presented to persons involved with the vessel's construction or launching, such as the vessel's sponsor. However, the album in this collection may have been compiled by the Imperial Japanese Navy or the Japanese government rather than the shipbuilder, the Union Iron Works of San Francisco, California. Due to the album's Japanese fabric covers and the Japanese style accordion binding (orihon), the album was likely Japanese made. The fabric illustrations depict cards from Uta-garuta, a Japanese card game. The deck is composed of cards based on the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu, a classical Japanese anthology of one hundred Japanese poems by one hundred poets. The photograph album may have been presented to someone as a gift for their involvement in the CHITOSE's development.

Historical or Biographical Note

CHITOSE (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) was a Japanese naval vessel built by Union Iron Works in San Francisco, California. The keel was laid May 3, 1897, and she was launched January 22, 1898. At the launching, May Budd, niece of James Budd, Governor of California, christened the vessel and Gladys Sullivan, niece of James D. Phelan, Mayor of San Francisco, triggered the signal to release the vessel down the ways. Captain S. Sakuri and Lieutenant Y. Wadagaki of the Imperial Japanese Navy served as inspectors during the construction. The vessel's first official trial run was conducted in the Santa Barbara Channel, California, in January 1899. In March, CHITOSE was delivered to the Japanese government. Captain K. Sakuri served as the vessel's first captain. In 1931, CHITOSE was sunk during use as target practice.
Sources: Associated Press. "Japan's Navy Claims Another American Built Ship." Los Angeles Herald, Jan. 23, 1898. Chesneau, Roger, Eugaene M. Kolebsnik, and N.J.M. Campbell. Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships, 1860-1905. New York: Mayflower Books, 1979.

Collection Scope and Content

The Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) photograph album, 1897-1899, (SAFR 23365, P01-026) consists of photographs showing the construction and launching of CHITOSE at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California. The collection has been processed to the Item level and is open for use.
One photograph album containing photographs of CHITOSE (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), 1897-1899. The album (7.75 x 6 x 1.5 in.) contains 34 black-and-white albumen photographic prints mounted on 32 pages. The fabric covers feature color illustrations depicting Japanese people and writing on playing cards from Uta-garuta, a Japanese card game. The album photographs show CHITOSE during construction, launching, and outfitting at Union Iron Works. Three photographs of the vessel's interior show the captain's dining saloon, officer's ward room, and crew's quarters.
The album also contains portraits of Union Iron Works employees (George W. Dickie, Robert Forsyth, Fred A. Gardner, James O'Brien Gunn, Henry T. Scott, and Irving M. Scott); Imperial Japanese Navy personnel (Chief Engineer T. Hirabe, Commander I. Mori, Captain K. Sakuri, Captain S. Sakuri, and Lieutenant Y. Wadagaki); and May Budd and Gladys Sullivan, the young women chosen to assist with the vessel's launching.

Collection Arrangement

Each photograph in the album has been assigned an Item number. The Items are arranged in the order in which they were found by the processing archivist. The album was originally accordion-hinged; however, the binding is broken. The covers and most of the pages are now loose. As a result, it is not certain if the pages are in their original order. Item numbers were written in pencil next to the photographs in March 2013.

Related Materials

Related SFMNHP photograph collection: John T. Scott photograph collection, 1856-1923. SFMNHP, (SAFR 23362, P79-072a). Comprised of a photograph album and loose photographic prints primarily relating to the Union Iron Works of San Francisco, California. The photographs show various vessels and pieces of machinery built by the company. Includes views of CHITOSE under construction and machinery built for the vessel on album pages 100-105 (Series 1.1, File Units 105-110, Items 388-405).
Related SFMNHP manuscript collection: Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Shipbuilding Division, S.F., records, circa 1856-1973. SFMNHP, (SAFR 17494, HDC 0345). Comprised of vessel plans, order books, cost books, specifications, and other business-related documents of the Bethlehem Steel, Shipbuilding Division, San Francisco (formerly Union Iron Works and Risdon Iron Works). Contains ship plans for CHITOSE.
Researchers should note that there are other collections with materials related to CHITOSE and Union Iron Works in the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. They can search the Park's web catalog for more information.
  • This material is located at San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
Launch of Japanese man-of-war "Chitosa" [i.e., "Chitose"], 1898. Library of Congress Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division, LC 1085 (paper pos). Film published by Thomas A. Edison, Inc. showing the launching of CHITOSE at Union Iron Works, San Francisco on January 22, 1898. Also available digitally through the Library of Congress website.
  • This material is located at Library of Congress

Subjects and Indexing Terms

Ships--Launching
Shipbuilding
Shipbuilding--California--San Francisco
Shipyards
Shipyards--California--History
Warships
Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy)
Union Iron Works Co.
Japan. Kaigun
San Francisco (Calif.)
Albumen prints
Black-and-white prints (photographs)
Photograph albums

 

Item No. 01.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), view looking aft on board, likely pierside at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1898 October 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" October 1st 1898.
 

Item No. 02.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), starboard bow view, pierside at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1898 March 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" March 1st 1898.
 

Item No. 03.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) just after launching from Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1898 January 22

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

CHITOSE is in the middle distance. An unidentified steamship is on the right. Other small spectator vessels also in view.
Caption: "Chitose" January 22nd 1898.
 

Item No. 04.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), port bow view, pierside at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1898 November 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" November 1st 1898.
 

Item No. 05.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), bow view, in dry dock, possibly at Hunters Point, San Francisco, California, 1898 December 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" December 1st 1898.
 

Item No. 06.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), broadside view, launching from Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1898 January 22

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

The forward portion of the vessel is out of view. Spectators in row boats are in the foreground.
Caption: "Chitose" January 22nd 1898.
 

Item No. 07.  Medley of six portraits showing George W. Dickie, Robert Forsyth, Fred A. Gardner, James O'Brien Gunn, Henry T. Scott, and Irving M. Scott, circa 1897-1899

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

The six men were employees of Union Iron Works when CHITOSE (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) was built. George W. Dickie (bottom row, center) was Manager. Robert Forsyth (bottom row, left) was Chief Engineer. Fred A. Gardner (bottom row, right) was Guarantee Engineer of CHITOSE. James O'Brien Gunn (top row, right) was Secretary. Henry T. Scott (top row, center) was President and Treasurer. Irving M. Scott (top row, left) was Vice President and General Manager.
Caption: 1-Mr. H. T. Scott. President & Treasurer U. I. W. 2-Mr. I. M. Scott. Vice President & General Manager U. I. W. 3-Mr. J. O'B. Gunn. Secretary U. I. W. 4-Mr. G. W. Dickie. Manager U. I. W. 5-Mr. R. Forsth [sic]. Chief Engineer U. I. W. 6.-Mr. F. A. Gardner. Guarantee Engineer of the "Chitose" from U. I. W.
 

Item No. 08.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) during early stages of construction at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1897 May 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" May 1st 1897.
 

Item No. 09.  Portrait of Captain S. Sakuri, Inspector, Imperial Japanese Navy, circa 1897-1899

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 3.75 x 2.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Captain Sakuri is seated in a chair. He is dressed in a military uniform. Sakuri was involved with the construction of CHITOSE (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy).
Caption: Captain S. Sakuri. Inspecter [sic]. I.J.N.
 

Item No. 10.  Portrait of Lieutenant Y. Wadagaki, Inspector, Imperial Japanese Navy, circa 1897-1899

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 3.75 x 2.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Lieutenant Wadagaki is dressed in a suit. He was involved with the construction of CHITOSE (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy).
Caption: Lieutenant Y. Wadagaki. Inspecter [sic]. I.J.N.
 

Item No. 11.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) frame under construction, looking aft at keel level, at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1897 June 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" June 1st 1897.
 

Item No. 12.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) frame under construction, looking aft from an elevation, at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1897 July 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" July 1st 1897.
 

Item No. 13.  Medley of three portraits showing Captain K. Sakuri, Commander I. Mori, Chief Engineer T. Hirabe, and one group portrait of thirteen captains and officers, circa 1897-1899

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

The men are members of the Japanese Imperial Navy and officers aboard CHITOSE (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy).
Caption: 1-Captain K. Sakuri. Captain of the "Chitose" I.J.N. 2-Commander I. Mori. Executive officer of the "Chitose" I.J.N. 3-Chief Engineer T. Hirabe. Of the "Chitose" I.J.N. 4-Captains & officers of the "Chitose" I.J.N.
 

Item No. 14.  Portrait of May Budd, circa 1897-1899

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 2.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

May Budd christened CHITOSE (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) at the vessel's launch on January 22, 1898. She was the niece of James Budd, Governor of California.
Caption: Miss May. Budd.
 

Item No. 15.  Portrait of Gladys Sullivan, circa 1897-1899

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 2.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Gladys Sullivan triggered the signal to release CHITOSE (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) down the ways at the vessel's launch on January 22, 1898. Gladys Sullivan was the niece of James D. Phelan, Mayor of San Francisco from 1897-1902.
Caption: Miss Gladys. Sullivan.
 

Item No. 16.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) under construction, showing plates on the underside of the hull, at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1897 August 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

View also shows wooden posts in place to support the vessel.
Caption: "Chitose" August 1st 1897.
 

Item No. 17.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) launching, starboard bow view, at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1898 January 22

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Vessel has nearly completed sliding down the ways. Spectators in foreground.
Caption: "Chitose" January 22nd 1898.
 

Item No. 18.  Group portrait of seventeen men aboard Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), 1899 January 3

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Two rows of men, one row seated and one row standing, on deck. Includes members of the Imperial Japanese Navy, including Captain K. Sakuri. The photograph was taken around the time of CHITOSE's trial runs in the Santa Barbara Channel, California.
Caption: "Chitose" January 3rd 1899.
 

Item No. 19.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) anchored in the stream, port bow view, possibly on San Francisco Bay, California, 1899 March 4

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

A Japanese flag is flying from her stern.
Caption: "Chitose" March 4th 1899.
 

Item No. 20.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) under construction, showing partial broadside view of hull near stern, at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1898 January 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" January 1st 1898.
 

Item No. 21.  Captain's dining saloon aboard Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), circa 1897-1899

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" Captain's Dining Saloon.
 

Item No. 22.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) under construction, view near stern, at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1897 December 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" December 1st 1897.
 

Item No. 23.  Crew's quarters aboard Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), circa 1897-1899

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" Crew's Quarter.
 

Item No. 24.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) under construction at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1897 October 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" October 1st 1897.
 

Item No. 25.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) under construction, showing framing between decks, at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1897 November 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" November 1st 1897.
 

Item No. 26.  Officer's ward room aboard Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), circa 1897-1899

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" Officer's Ward Room.
 

Item No. 27.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) under way, starboard broadside view, 1899 November 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" November 1st 1899.
 

Item No. 28.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) under construction at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1897 September 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" September 1st 1897.
 

Item No. 29.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), port bow view, pierside during outfitting at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1898 September 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" September 1st 1898.
 

Item No. 30.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) machinery, possibly the engine, under construction in the Union Iron Works shop, San Francisco, California, 1898 April 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" April 1st 1898.
 

Item No. 31.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), starboard bow view, pierside during outfitting at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1898 May 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" May 1st 1898.
 

Item No. 32.  Engines built by Union Iron Works for Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), not yet installed, 1898 August 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.25 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" August 1st 1898.
 

Item No. 33.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy), port bow view, pierside during outfitting at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1898 July 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" July 1st 1898.
 

Item No. 34.  Chitose (built 1898; cruiser: Imperial Japanese Navy) deck view during outfitting at Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California, 1898 June 1

Extent: 1 photograph.
Physical Description: 1 black-and-white albumen photographic print, 4 x 5.5 in.

Scope and Content Note

Caption: "Chitose" June 1st 1898.