Description
The Sun Sketches of San Mateo album contains 25 photographic prints taken by Carleton E. Watkins in 1875 featuring views of
early San Mateo County. Especially featured is the Baywood residence and estate of financier John Parrott, built in 1868 on
what was previously the Rancho de las Pulgas. Also pictured are the Fair Oaks and El Cerrito residences, owned by W.D.M. Howard
and Thomas H. Selby, respectively; St. Matthews Church; the first hotel of San Mateo; El Camino Real; Crystal Springs Road;
San Mateo Creek; Crystal Springs Valley; and a view of the town of San Mateo. Watkins' wagon, by which he traveled on many
of his photographic expeditions, is visible in some of the prints.
Background
Carleton E. Watkins was born in Oneonta, Oswego county, New York, on November 11, 1829. He was the youngest of five children
of a Scottish innkeeper. During his youth he became acquainted with Collis P. Huntington, who frequented his father's hotel.
Soon after the discovery of gold, both young men went to California, where Huntington later became one of the Big Four who
built the Central Pacific Railroad.
Extent
25 albumen prints, 21 x 31 cm., mounted; bound in album, 51 x 46 cm.
25 digital objects
Restrictions
Materials in this collection may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction
of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions,
privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond
that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be
commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user.
Availability
Restricted originals. Use viewing prints only. Use of originals only by permission of the Curator of Pictorial Collections,
The Bancroft Library.