San Francisco Lantern Slide Collection, 1890-1940

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Summary

Creators:
Moulin, Gabriel Taber, I. W. (Isaiah West), 1830-1912 Cardinell-Vincent Co., Cardinell-Vincent Co.,
Abstract:
Extent:
9 boxes (726 lantern slides). See itemized list under "Additional Collection Guides"
Language:
Preferred citation:

San Francisco Lantern Slide Collection. San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco History Center

Background

Scope and content:

This artificial collection consists of 726 lantern slides documenting significant San Francisco events including the Midwinter Fair of 1894, the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, and Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915. There are an extensive amount of exterior shots of San Francisco’s public schools after the 1906 Earthquake. The collection of lantern slides was assembled by San Francisco Public Library over the years from donations. The first donation of lantern slides was presented as a bequest from Dr. Louis J. Sawyer in 1935. Most of the slides are black and white but some are hand-colored and date circa 1890s - 1940s. Some lantern slides have the photographer, publisher or collector noted on the slide and has been incorporated into the finding guide. The photographers include Gabriel Moulin, Cardinell-Vincent, I. W. Taber and H.T. Henning. The collectors include Dr. Louis J. Sawyer and the publishers include George Kanzee and C. R. Skinner Manufacturing Co.. Lantern slides are positive transparent images on glass and were developed in the nineteenth century to entertain and educate. The glass slides were usually presented by traveling lecture projectionists in narrated “magic lantern” shows.

Acquisition information:
This artificial collection was created with the base of the Dr. Louis J. Sawyer gift in 1935. The source of the acquisitions of the other lantern slides is unknown.

Access and use

Restrictions:

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center’s 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 Lantern Slide 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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