Photographs of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest by Mayo & Weed, approximately 1890s

Collection context

Summary

Creators:
Mayo & Weed
Abstract:
An album of 122 photographs by the Chicago, Illinois, photography firm of Mayo & Weed, dating from the 1890s, that depicts scenery and glaciers in Alaska; Native Alaskans, homes and totems; and towns and scenery in the western United States and Canada. Many photographs include tourists traveling by train and ship.
Extent:
122 photographs in 1 album; prints 19 x 24 cm (7.5 x 9.5 in) and smaller, album 29 x 37.5 cm (11 x 15 in)
Language:
English.

Background

Scope and content:

This album contains 122 photographic prints by the Chicago, Illinois, photography firm of Mayo & Weed that depicts scenery and glaciers in Alaska; Native Alaskans; some Native American totems, and a variety of scenic views in the western United States and Canada. These photographs were taken ca. 1890s. The organization of the album's photographs mirrors a trip from Denver, Colorado, to Alaska, with stops at various tourist destinations, and includes images of Caucasian tourists; Salt Lake City, Utah; Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs, Colorado; Wrangell, Alaska; Sitka, Alaska; Alaskan natives; glaciers; totems; British Columbia health resorts; and Western railway lines. Brigham Young, a leader of the Mormon Church, is listed as a personal name index term because a photograph of his grave is included in this collection.

The photograph album has the word "Alaska" embossed on the cover and "Alaska / Mayo & Weed, Chicago" embossed on the spine. Almost all of the photographs have a printed caption included in the bottom of the photograph.

Biographical / historical:

Charles A. Mayo and Jarvis E. Weed made up a photography partnership based in Chicago, Illinois. Their firm, Mayo & Weed, acted as “special artists” for Grafton’s Tours, which was also Chicago based. For an Alaskan-themed travel catalogue, Weed traveled through the Pacific Northwest, taking photographs as he went. Upon his return, Mayo & Weed published the photos not only in the catalogue, but also in albums to sell.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Willard De Groot, June 25, 1976.
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open to qualified researchers by prior application through the Reader Services Department. For more information, contact Reader Services.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2129