William M. McCarthy Photograph Collection, 1905-1938

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Summary

Creators:
McCarthy, William M.
Abstract:
The William M. McCarthy Photograph Collection consists of eleven photograph albums (approximately 3 cubic feet of material). The 2,998 photographs, taken between 1905 and 1938, include family, personal, and vacation photos taken by William M. McCarthy while he and his wife traveled on automobile trips across California primarily, but also the United States in general, Mexico, Canada, and Cuba. The photographs depict William's interest in armories, tourist attractions, historic sights, and family.
Extent:
2,998 photographs, in 11 albums, occupying approximately 3 cubic feet.
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English

Background

Scope and content:

The William M. McCarthy Photograph Collection consists of eleven photograph albums (approximately 3 cubic feet of material). The 2,998 photographs include family, personal, and vacation photos taken by William M. McCarthy while he and his wife traveled throughout the United States, Canada, Cuba, and Mexico.

Subjects strengths include, but are not limited to, the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire; Panama Pacific International Exposition; Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition; Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition; Panama California Exposition; San Diego Exposition; Yosemite National Park; Yellowstone National Park; Grand Canyon; Niagara Falls; Golden Gate Park; Lake Tahoe; and armories and artillery guns.

Biographical / historical:

William M. McCarthy was born in 1876. He entered federal service at the Benicia Arsenal as an armament expert in 1903 and retired on January 1, 1933. During World War I, William became the supervisor of the Pacific Coast armaments and continued in that capacity until his retirement. William died in 1956 at the age of 80. His wife, Grace C., died the next year. They were married for 56 years. Having no children, the McCarthys spent many hours pursuing their passion for both photography and travel. William's photographs depict his interest in armories, tourist attractions, historic sights, and family.

Acquisition information:
Audrey Fullerton of Sacramento, California donated the collection to the California State Archives in 1996. Ms. Fullerton acquired the albums from her uncle, Mr. William M. McCarthy, the photographer of the collection.
Physical location:
California State Archives
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Location of this collection:
1020 "O" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814, US
Contact:
(916) 653-2246
reference@sos.ca.gov
Website