Gordon (John C.) Photographic Negatives Collection, 1905-1950, 1920-1945

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Summary

Title:
John C. Gordon Photographic Negatives Collection
Dates:
1905-1950, 1920-1945
Abstract:
The John C. Gordon Photographic Negatives Collection documents the history of San José and Santa Clara Valley from 1905-1950 (bulk 1920-1945). The collection consists of approximately 15,000 glass plate, acetate and nitrate negatives. The negatives are arranged by index number, format and topic, and include a variety of subjects that illustrate everyday life in the region. This collection documents the changes in area business ventures that include agriculture, fruit canning and processing, banking, local businesses, aeronautics, railroads, and other manufacturing businesses. This collection is arranged into two series: Series I: Indexed Negatives – Acetate & Nitrate, c. 1926-1945; and Series II: Topical Negatives – Glass, Acetate & Nitrate, undated (bulk).
Extent:
136 boxes (70.5 linear feet)
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

John C. Gordon Photographic Negatives Collection, MSS-2011-05-01, San José State University Library, Special Collections & Archives.

Background

Scope and content:

The John C. Gordon Photographic Negatives Collection documents the history of San José and the Santa Clara Valley from c. 1905-1950 (bulk 1920-1945). The collection consists of approximately 15,000 glass plate, acetate and nitrate photographic negatives, and includes a variety of topics that provide a 50-year visual history of the region. Arranged by index number, format and topic, the collection documents everyday life, the historical context of place and time, and illustrates the changes in area business ventures that include agriculture, fruit canning and processing, banking, local businesses, aeronautics, railroads, and other manufacturing businesses. In addition, the collection includes images of the Winchester Mystery House, the Lick Observatory, storefronts, hospitals, hotels, landscapes, funerals, weddings, parks, parades, and many mixed group shots of families and local organizations.

Please note that other materials created by John C. Gordon include 6,000 photographic prints, 187 panorama prints, and 525 panorama nitrate and safety film negatives. These items are located in the John C. Gordon Photographic Collection.

Biographical / historical:

John C. Gordon (1887-1967) was born in Soldiers Grove, Wisconsin on January 3, 1887, the first son of Reverend G. W. Gordon. Reverend Gordon earned his living as a photographer and as a Methodist preacher. John Gordon attended Albion College in Michigan, and later took a teaching position in Nebraska. On June 8, 1910, he married Mina Eleanor Schnackenberg and following their wedding reception, the couple moved to Campbell, California. Their first residence was in a prune orchard located on Budd Avenue, and within a few years they relocated to Mayellen Avenue near West San Carlos Street. Gordon earned his early living working at the local hardware store, while raising his young family.

In 1916 Gordon opened a commercial photography studio located on 97 South First Street in downtown San José, just above what was then known as Lean’s Jewelry Store. He later moved to 395 South First Street where he remained until his retirement in 1963. As a local commercial photographer, Gordon served the business community by creating glass slides for advertisements used to promote local theaters, sporting events, civic events, and weddings. In addition, Gordon photographed accidents and criminal trials for the local newspaper, the San José Mercury News.

An active community member and businessman, Gordon belonged to the Chamber of Commerce, the San José Water Board, and was Master of the Campbell Grange. He also held membership in the Knights of the Round Table, served on the school board, the YMCA, and the First Methodist Church. Gordon was a noted singer, song leader, and musician, and loaned many of his musical instruments (piano, guitar, marimba, saxophone, and trombone) for use in Santa Clara Valley’s annual Fiesta de las Rosas Parade, as well as the school band.

John C. Gordon died at the age of 80 in 1967, and was buried at the Los Gatos Cemetery next to his wife, who died in 1950. His children, Ronald H. Gordon, Doris Herschbach, and Wilbur C. Gordon sold their father’s photographic collection to San José State University in 1996.

Processing information:

Collection processed by Project Archivists Daniel Jarvis and Erin M. Louthen, and the student assistant staff at SJSU Special Collections & Archives. Finding aid EAD encoded by Daniel Jarvis and Erin M. Louthen. Reviewed by Danelle Moon, Project Director.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into two series: Series I: Indexed Negatives – Acetate & Nitrate, c. 1926-1945; and Series II: Topical Negatives – Glass, Acetate & Nitrate, undated (bulk).

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Daniel Jarvis and Erin M. Louthen
Sponsor:
Finding aid funded by the generous support of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using ArchivesSpace on 2017-05-09 17:50:31 -0700 .

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The John C. Gordon Photographic Negatives Collection is comprised of several film formats and mediums, including large format glass plate negatives and cellulose nitrate film. Glass plate negatives in this collection have been moved and stored separately. Due to its considerable volume and external constraints on department staffing, budget, and project time, the cellulose nitrate film of this collection has remained interfiled with cellulose acetate film. Glass and nitrate film is especially sensitive to environmental conditions and physical handling, and can be easily damaged or become hazardous to human health. Frequent handling and removal from a temperature controlled environment can also accelerate the decomposition of film. Consequently, the John C. Gordon Photographic Negatives Collection will be accessed by appointment only at the sole discretion of the Director of SJSU Special Collections & Archives. To prevent possible exposure to degraded nitrate film, patrons approved for research will use respiratory, eye, and hand protection. Patrons using the collection will follow staff directions on how to properly handle and view film for research.

Preferred citation:

John C. Gordon Photographic Negatives Collection, MSS-2011-05-01, San José State University Library, Special Collections & Archives.

Location of this collection:
One Washington Square
San Jose, CA 95192-0028, US
Contact:
408-808-2062
special.collections@sjsu.edu
Website