Mill Valley history photograph collection, 1880-2006, bulk Circa 1890-1930
Online content
Collection context
Summary
- Creators:
- Mill Valley Public Library. Lucretia Little History Room and Little, Lucretia Hanson, 1908-1977
- Abstract:
- The Mill Valley Public Library History Room collection contains images of historical interest of Mill Valley, Mount Tamalpais, Muir Woods, and some immediate surrounding areas. There is a sizable collection of photographs and artifacts, such as brochures and timetables, from the Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railway and the Northwestern Pacific Railroad that served Mill Valley primarily in the early part of the 20th Century. The collection of photos depicts the origins of Mill Valley as a lumber town centered around the old lumber mill. The images of Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods depict scenes of hiking and the hiking clubs of the period, the panoramic views and natural beauty of the area, leisure activities, tourism, the taverns, inns, and trails on the mountain, and the annual Mountain Play. There is also a sizable collection of photographs on the annual Dipsea Race and some of the fires and floods that periodically ravished the town and countryside. There is also a sizable collection of photographs of notable people and families, including conservationist John Muir and Congressman William Kent. Many photos also depict commerce and town life in the early part of the 20th Century.
- Extent:
- Approximately 2,000-3,000 photographs, many with negatives 200 online items
- Language:
- Languages represented in the collection: English
- Preferred citation:
-
Mill Valley history photograph collection. Mill Valley Public Library, Mill Valley, California.
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The Mill Valley Public Library History Room collection contains images of historical interest of Mill Valley, Mount Tamalpais, Muir Woods, and some immediate surrounding areas. There is a sizable collection of photographs and artifacts, such as brochures and timetables, from the Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railway and the Northwestern Pacific Railroad that served Mill Valley primarily in the early part of the 20th Century. The collection of photos depicts the origins of Mill Valley as a lumber town centered around the old lumber mill. The images of Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods depict scenes of hiking and the hiking clubs of the period, the panoramic views and natural beauty of the area, leisure activities, tourism, the taverns, inns, and trails on the mountain, and the annual Mountain Play. There is also a sizable collection of photographs on the annual Dipsea Race and some of the fires and floods that periodically ravished the town and countryside. There is also a sizable collection of photographs of notable people and families, including conservationist John Muir and Congressman William Kent. Many photos also depict commerce and town life in the early part of the 20th Century.
- Acquisition information:
- The original core collection was a gift from Lucretia Hanson Little. The library has maintained and grown the collection through the present time.
- Processing information:
-
The 200 photos for inclusion in the California Digital Library are intended to give a representation of life on the mountain in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. They also portray significant people, places, and events in Mill Valley history. Project activities included culling photos from the subject files and performing additional research, as necessary to fill in additional information. The photos were scanned by Northern Micrographics and the records were entered and cataloged by the History Room staff.
- Rules or conventions:
- Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
Collection is open for research during History Room open hours; please consult repository for more information.
- Terms of access:
-
Property rights reside with the Mill Valley Public Library. The creators of the records and their heirs generally retain literary rights. For permission to publish or reproduce please contact the History Room Librarian.
- Preferred citation:
-
Mill Valley history photograph collection. Mill Valley Public Library, Mill Valley, California.
- Location of this collection:
-
375 Throckmorton AvenueMill Valley, CA 94941, US
- Contact:
- 415-389-4292 x203