The collection contains 104 black and white photographs (with some duplicates) taken by photographer Merl LaVoy in China during the 1920's and 1930s. Many of the photos are taken in the Nanjing (Nanking) area which served as China's capital at various times in the nation's history including the Ming Dynasty (14th through 17th centuries). In 1928, Nationalist forces (Kuomingtang/KMT) led by Chiang Kai-shek (Jiang Jieshi), reestablished the capital in Nanjing during the civil war era with opposing Communist forces. Nanjing eventually fell to the Japanese in 1937. Most of the photos appear to be from the era of KMT rule and civil war strife, many showing evidence of the aftermath of battle and wartime destruction. There are a series of photographs showing U.S. Senator Hiram Bingham (1875-1956) of Connecticut meeting with various government officials including C. C. Wu (Wu Ch'ao-shu), the foreign minister of the Nanjing-based government from May 10, 1927-Jan. 2, 1928. There are also photos of other unidentified officials. Other locales include Canton and a series of photographs of the famous Ming Tombs located north of Beijing.

.2 linear feet (1 half-size document box)

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

None.