Collection Guide
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A guide to the John W. Classen photograph collection, circa 1880-1900
P98-019 (SAFR 23848)
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Title: John W. Classen photograph collection
Date: circa 1880-1900
Identifier/Call Number: P98-019 (SAFR 23848)
Creator:
Classen, John W.
Physical Description:
13 items.
Repository:
San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Historic Documents Department
Building E, Fort Mason
San Francisco, CA 94123
Abstract: The John W. Classen photograph collection, circa 1880-1900, (SAFR 23848, P98-019), is comprised mainly of photographs of feluccas,
schooners, and steamships in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.
Physical Location: San Francisco Maritime NHP, Historic Documents Department
Language(s):
In English.
This collection is open for use unless otherwise noted.
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.
The photographs of Fort Point were not transferred to Golden Gate National Recreation Area due to the inclusion of additional
out-of-scope photographs in the collection (Mission Dolores and the Presentation Convent).
Description Notes:
Dates refer to when the original photograph was taken. Some of the photographic prints in this collection are reproductions
that were made much later than when the original photograph was taken.
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.
[Item description], [Location within collection organization identified by Collection Number/Series Number/File Unit Number/Item
Number], P98-019 (SAFR 23848), John W. Classen photograph collection, San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
SAFR-01271
The collection was donated in 1998 by the grandson of John W. Classen. Mr. Classen believed his grandfather was the photographer;
however, it is more likely that he collected the photographs. The style of the photographs varies greatly (e.g. different
types of mounts) and some are reproductions.
Historical or Biographical Note
John William Classen (November 24, 1863- April 16, 1934) was an employee of the Tacoma Mill Company. He began his career with
the company in approximately 1889 as a secretary and worked his way up to manager in the 1920s. He was born in San Francisco,
California, but after the 1906 earthquake he relocated to San Mateo County where he remained until his death. He was married
to Augusta Classen and they had a son, Willard John Classen.
- 1900 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2004. Accessed May 15, 2014.
- 1930 United States Federal Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2002. Accessed May 15, 2014.
- California, San Francisco Area Funeral Home Records, 1895-1985 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Accessed May 15, 2014.
The John W. Classen photograph collection, circa 1880-1900, (SAFR 23848, P98-019), is comprised mainly of photographs of feluccas,
schooners, and steamships in the San Francisco Bay Area, California.
Contains photographs of various vessels in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, circa 1880-1900. There are 13 black-and-white
photographic prints. Includes photographs of AMERICA (built 1888; schooner, 2m: pilot vessel), BENDER BROTHERS (built 1889;
schooner, 2m), EUREKA (steamship), MONTSERRAT (freighter), and RELIEF (built 1884; tugboat), as well as feluccas at Fisherman's
Wharf. Also includes photographs of Fort Point, Mission San Francisco de Asis (Mission Dolores), and the Presentation Convent,
all in San Francisco.
No arrangement due to the small size of the collection.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Feluccas
Merchant ships
Schooners
San Francisco Bay (Calif.)
San Francisco Bay Area (Calif.)
San Francisco (Calif.)
Fisherman's Wharf (San Francisco, Calif.)
Fort Point (San Francisco, Calif.)
Albumen prints
Black-and-white prints (photographs)
Gelatin silver prints