Description
The Henry Finch Jr. photograph collection, 1892-1934, (SAFR 24258, P97-011) is comprised of copy negatives of Henry Finch
and Sons salvage divers and various steam and sailing vessels, mostly in Seattle, Washington. The collection has been processed
to the Collection level and is open for use.
Background
Henry Finch Sr. (1850-1926) operated Henry Finch and Sons, a diving and salvage business, with his son, Henry Finch Jr. (1887-1961),
in Seattle, Washington. Prior to his diving business, Finch Sr. worked at the lifesaving station located in Manistee, Michigan,
from at least 1880-1889 (additional years possible, but not confirmed). Circa 1900, he travelled to Alaska for gold prospecting.
Sometime between 1900-1910, he relocated to Seattle, Washington, and began a career as a salvage diver throughout the Pacific
Northwest and Alaska.