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Steele (James King) Photograph Collection of the Philippines and
Other Locations
photCL 694
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Contributing Institution:
The Huntington Library
Title: James King Steele photograph collection of the Philippines and other
locations
Identifier/Call Number: photCL 694
Physical Description:
7.4 Linear Feet
(7 boxes)
Date (inclusive): approximately
1920-1936
Abstract: A collection of photographs taken for
and by travel promoter James King Steele, primarily while living and working in the
Philippines. Also some photographs of tourist locations in other countries.
Language of Material: Materials are in
English.
Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at
the Huntington Library for more information.
The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from
or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The
responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining
necessary permissions rests with the researcher.
[Identification of item]. James King Steele photograph collection of the Philippines and
other locations, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Gift of Edith Shorb Steele, 1950.
James King Steele (1875-1937) was an American travel author, editor, and publicist. In
1904, he married Edith Shorb, daughter of James de Barth Shorb. Steele published the Del
Monte (California) Weekly from 1908 to 1911, was editor and publisher of the World Traveler
from 1911 to 1916, and editor of the travel magazine Japan from 1917 to 1929. He was also
the manager of the publication department at Toyo Kisen Kaisha (Oriental Steamship Company).
Steele was active in tourist development organizations, including the Philippine Tourist
Association from 1930 to 1935, and the Japan Tourist Bureau, which he founded. He lectured,
wrote articles on Asia, and presented radio talks on a variety of subjects.
Professional photographs and snapshots primarily of various cities, villages, landmarks,
and people in the Philippines. There are images of Filipinos in everyday activities and
photographs of popular tourist areas and hotels. The collection also includes photographs of
Japan, China, Manchuria, Mexico, the Western United States, and others. The photographs were
collected or taken by James King Steele, who was active in the Asia tourist industry from
approximately 1911 to 1935. Many of the photographs are promotional or press photos, with
typed captions from news agencies. Others are snapshots taken by Steele, or
professionally-made photographs.
There are approximately 1,800 photographs, dating from approximately 1925 to 1936. They
include black-and-white prints in various sizes, many photographic postcards, six color
lithographic postcards, and approximately 300 of Steele's film negatives. Most of the
negatives have corresponding prints in the collection, but there may be some negatives
without prints and prints without negatives.
Processed by Suzanne Oatey in February 2023.
Organized in three series:
- Series 1. Philippines, approximately 1925-1936
- Subseries 1. Photographs by region
- Subseries 2. Subjects
- Series 2. Other countries, approximately 1920-1936
- Series 3. Negatives, approximately 1930-1936
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
RESTRICTED: Box 7: Negatives housed in cold storage; extended retrieval and delivery time
required.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
China -- Description and travel
Geishas
Hotels
Japan -- Description and travel
Manchuria (China)
Mexico -- Description and travel
National parks and reserves -- West (U.S.) -- Photographs
Philippines -- Description and travel
Philippines -- History --
1898-1946
Philippines -- Photographs
Tourism -- Philippines
Tourists -- Photographs
United States -- Description and travel
Negatives
Photographic postcards
Photographs
Promotional materials
Publicity photographs
Aguinaldo, Emilio,
1869-1964
Fairbanks, Douglas, 1883-1939
Steele, James King, 1875-1937