Description
This collection consists of an album of 28 photographic prints of Joel Parker Whitney's Spring Valley Ranch in Placer County,
California. The photographs were taken by the firm of Runnels & Stateler of San Francisco, circa 1889. Included are photographs
of the ranch and ranch properties in oak-covered foothills; 2 photographs of the vineyard; 1 photograph of Whitney under the
trees; 3 photographs of unidentified children; and many photographs of "The Oaks," Whitney's mansion, including exterior and
interior views. Captions are printed below each photograph.
Background
Joel Parker Whitney (1835-1913) was born in Gardner, Massachusetts. Lured to California at the age of 17 by prospects of gold,
he tired quickly of the tedium of mining and joined a hunting party near San Francisco. He soon tired of hunting as well and
briefly joined his brothers' mercantile business in San Francisco before becoming an independent shipper. With the money earned
from his successful shipping business, Whitney was able to contribute sizable sums of money to his father's sheep ranch, known
as the Whitney Ranch, near Rocklin, California. When his father died in 1873, Whitney inherited the land and about 15,000
sheep from Australia. The sheep were larger and had heavier fleece than American sheep. He sold thousands of these sheep to
other ranchers as they continued breeding and the business became quite profitable.
Extent
1 album (28 photographic prints) ; 28 x 34 cm.
28 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
Collection is available for use.