The B.D. Jackson Collection of Negatives and Photographs consists of more than 4,800 photographs, glass plate negatives, and film negatives, as well related manuscript and ephemeral materials, created by Southern California photographer B.D. Jackson (ca. 1850-1937). The collection dates from 1903 to the 1950s (bulk 1920s-1930s) and provides a visual history of the growth of the San Gabriel Valley and Southern California's suburban communities, a survey of California and the West's notable landscapes, and an overview of Jackson's career as a landscape and scenic view photographer.

Bradford "Dan" Jackson (ca. 1850/51-1937) was born in Sullivan, Ohio, around 1850. He began his career as a portrait photographer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1901, in search of a better climate, he moved with his wife, Cora, and his stepdaughter, Ruth, to Pomona, California, where he purchased a portrait studio. In addition to portrait work, he began photographing the surrounding towns, mountains, and beaches of Southern California. Jackson lived and worked at various times in Pomona, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Hollywood, La Canada, Glendora, La Crescenta, and Glendale, all of which figure in his work. Eventually he gave up the portrait aspect of the business and concentrated on landscape views for the production of stereographs and postcards. As he said, "Views don't talk back."

35 Linear Feet (62 boxes)

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