Pictorial California Collection, ca. 1926-1970

Title: Pictorial California Collection, ca. 1926-1970

Dates: 1926-1970

Collection Number: P-049

Creator/Collector:

Extent: 30 linear feet (Boxes: letter, legal, ov)

Repository: Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Abstract: Photographs from the archives of Pictorial California magazine (later renamed Pictorial California and the Pacific). Bound and loose issues of the magazine (1926-1970) are available (however there are issue gaps).

Language of Material: English

Research is by appointment only

Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder

Pictorial California Collection, ca. 1926-1970. Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Pictorial California debuted in December 1925 by founder Eugene Swarzwald. The magazine was self-described as the first rotogravure magazine with a 24-page picture book format. Volume 5, number 1, January 1930, appeared with a name change to Pictorial California and the Pacific. The expanded geographic coverage included a new directory of hotels, resorts and other travel information The magazine was later operated by Vivian Smith Swarzwald as Publisher and Editor through the issue of Volume 43, number 1 Winter 1968. A new incoming owner, William L. Lemons, published the next issue for the Spring of 1968 without introduction, but the following issue, Volume 43, number 3, introduced the publication in color. For an additional biographical and historical note, see a related collection at the Huntington Library, the Eugene Swarzwald "Pictorial California and the Pacific" Collection of Photographs.

Photographs from the archives of Pictorial California magazine (later renamed Pictorial California and the Pacific). Bound and loose issues of the magazine (1926-1970) are available (however there are issue gaps). The magazine heavily promoted Los Angeles and Southern California but also featured other places of interest throughout California and the Western United States. Motion picture personalities and prominent individuals were also featured. Part of the collection is arranged by date and issue number of the magazine (that is, where a photograph appeared in an issue); the balance is arranged by subject or motion picture personalities.