The collection reflects the activities of the California Historical Society's Southern California Branch from the late 1970s through the early 1990s. The primary visual collection was the C.C. Pierce photographic collection, acquired by the Society from the Title Insurance and Trust Corporation (TICOR) in 1941. The majority of the photographic materials have been digitized and incorporated into the USC Digital Library.

"C.C. Pierce Collection of Rare, Historical and Curious Photographs, Illustrating California, the Pacific Coast and the Southwest" was the earlier description given to a collection of photographs which document the history of Los Angeles and its environs from the 1860s to the 1930s. C.C. Pierce was one of the many enigmatic photographers of that era whose own history was not recorded. It is known that he arrived in Los Angeles in 1886, a time of energetic development which he set about to record with his camera. He succeeded in assembling a collection of close to 15,000 photographs and establishing a clientele of private collectors, museums and libraries. In addition to his own photographs he copied the works of his contemporaries, including Charles Puck and George Wharton James.

474.79 Linear Feet 777 boxes

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Manuscripts Librarian. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE. Advance notice required for access.