San Francisco Stereograph Collection, 1860s-1915

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Summary

Creators:
Muybridge, Eadweard, 1830-1904 Watkins, Carleton E. Keystone View Company
Abstract:
Extent:
4 stereograph boxes with 800 stereographs
Language:
Preferred citation:

San Francisco Stereograph Collection. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

Background

Scope and content:

The artificial collection consists of over 800 stereograph cards of San Francisco, California collected by the San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library. The stereograph cards range in date from the 1860s – 1915. Events depicted on the stereographs include expositions California Midwinter Exposition in Golden Gate Park and the Panama-Pacific International Exposition and the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. Places represented are Woodward’s Gardens, significant San Francisco buildings such as the Palace Hotel, and businesses, as well as many general views. The collection represents more than 40 photographers and publishers with the majority being San Francisco photographers but the collection includes publishers across the United States. Photography studios and publishers represented include Thomas Houseworth, B.W. Kilburn, Eadweard Muybridge, William Shew, Carleton Watkins, and Keystone View Company. There is a small section of unidentified photographers.

Biographical / historical:

Stereographs are two photographs mounted side by side and appear three-dimensional when inspected with a viewer. The collection was collected and assembled by the San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library. The collection includes multiple accessions and donors received over the life of the San Francisco History Center.

Acquisition information:
The stereographs were acquired from various sources, including donations and purchases. When known, provenance information is written on the stereograph verso with the accession number.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours.

Terms of access:

All requests for permission to publish from photographs must be submitted in writing to the Photo Curator. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

Preferred citation:

San Francisco Stereograph Collection. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

Location of this collection:
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102, US
Contact:
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
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