Philippine American War Photograph Albums: Finding Aid photCL 712

Contributing Institution: The Huntington Library

Title: Philippine American War photograph albums

Identifier/Call Number: photCL 712

Physical Description: 1.83 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Date (inclusive): approximately 1898-1902

Abstract: Four photograph albums of military activity and Filipino life during the Philippine American War, 1898-1902.

Language of Material: Materials are in English.

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The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

[Identification of item]. Philippine American War photograph albums, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Purchased from McBride Rare Books, September 2023.

Four photograph albums containing a total of 218 images (chiefly 4.5 x 6.5 inches) of the Philippine American War, taken by an unidentified photographer most likely associated with the 19th U.S. infantry stationed in Cebu, Philippines. Primarily in Cebu with some in San Nicolas and elsewhere, the images document Filipino life and culture as well as U.S. soldiers in military activities and recreation. Three photographs depict the refueling of a hospital ship in Hong Kong, and there are also images of the recruitment of Indigenous soldiers in Puerto Rico, and rare views of the surrenders of Filipino generals Mateo Noriel Luga and Aguedo del Rosario. The photographs are captioned and numbered continuously throughout the four albums. The first album, images 1 to 54, contains mostly detailed panoramas (3.5 x 12 inches) of Cebu and its port, plaza, and bay. The second album, images 55 to 109, contains a range of subjects including the 19th Infantry band baseball team, Filipino homes and families, elaborate Holy Day celebrations in San Nicolas, and several photographs of insurgents and their surrenders. The third album, images 111 to 165, includes church interiors, street and market scenes, and a family identified as "Spaniard and Filipino Mixed Family." The fourth album, images 166 to 218, includes several scenes from the 19th Infantry's training in Michigan, prior to their arrival in the Philippines; interior shots of Colonel Edward J. McClernand's home; a church procession in the streets of Cebu; and the deportation of prisoners to Guam. Some writing in the album reflects racist views toward Filipino and Chinese people.

Processed by Suzanne Oatey in January 2024.

Original arrangement of albums retained.