Photographic views of the Golden Gate Mining Claim [and the Golden Feather Mining Claim] situated on Feather River, Butte County, Cal., 1891

Summary

Creators:

Watkins, Carleton E.

Abstract:

A portfolio of two related sets of riverbed mining views on the Feather River in Butte County, California. These views constitute C.E. Watkins' last known commercial commission and were taken in November, 1891.

Extent:

28 mounted photographic prints : albumen ; mounts 57 x 73 cm., images 42 x 55 cm. or smaller, + 1 portfolio (containing 13 plans and blueprints) 11 digital objects (11 images)

Language:

Collection materials are in English

Background

Scope and content:

A portfolio of two related sets of riverbed mining views on the Feather River in Butte County, California. These views constitute C.E. Watkins' last known commercial commission and were taken in November, 1891. The mammoth-size albumen prints from wet plate negatives document river diversion, flumes, dams, and the mining of the dry riverbed. The first twenty views (termed "Set 1" in this guide) are of the Golden Gate Mining Claim. Each bears a printed label identifying it as such, with a hand-written number that correlates to a more detailed printed listing mounted in the portfolio. The final eight views (termed "Set 2" in this guide) depict the Golden Feather Mining Claim and bear similar printed labels and numbers that correlated to a second printed listing, also included in the portfolio. Although numbered and listed separately on their mounts and on the original printed lists, the Bancroft copies clearly constituted a single set contained in one portfolio. The portfolio cover bears the presentation text, in gold: "Warren G. Sanborn, Compliments of Frank McLaughlin, 1891."

A second porfolio accompanies the photographic prints and contains plans and blueprints related to the mining operations.

Physical location:

Many of the Bancroft Library collections are stored offsite and advance notice may be required for use. For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the library's online catalog.

Rules or conventions:

Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Note:

All photographic prints except nine are duplicated in the Hearst Mining Collection of The Bancroft Library (BANC PIC 1905.17175). Location of duplicates has been noted in item descriptions.

Earlier citations of item numbers in this collection may simply refer to items 1 through 28. Current numbering, reflecting the numbering found on mounts and original printed listings, designates 1-20 as "Set 1: 1-20", and the succeeding views 1-8 as "Set 2: 1-8." Earlier citations refering to items 21-28 should be taken to refer to Set 2:1 through Set 2:8.

Location of this collection:

UC Berkeley, Bancroft Library

University of California, Berkeley, The Bancroft Library

Berkeley, CA 94720-6000, US

Contact:

510-642-6481

bancref-library@berkeley.edu

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