This unique 8-piece lot features evocative scenes from California and the American Southwest, dating from as early as 1916 through the 1950s. Highlights include:
Santa Monica Beach (early 1900s) – Crowds along the sand with early beachfront hotels in the background. Labeled “Santa Monica Beach” on back. Silver Gelatin. Believed to be from mid to late 1920's. Approximately 3 x 5"
Ghost Town – Bodie, California – Iconic leaning two-story wooden structure, possibly the Boone Store and Warehouse. Authentic mid-century photo on Kodak paper. Believed to be from the 1950's. 3.5 x 5"
Catalina Island (Avalon) – Scenic coastal view with hills and clustered buildings, partially obscured by a boat passenger. Photo was developed at Van Doran Photo Shop, Lincoln, NE. Estimated 1940's. 2.75 x 4.25"
Furnace Creek Inn / Death Valley Resort – Wide view of the building framed by desert hills; crisp and unmarked. Believed to be from late 40's or early 50's. 2.25 x 3.5"
"Indian Writings – Greenwater Canyon" – Five women posed in front of a rock wall believed to be near Death Valley's Greenwater ghost town. Marked "Indian Writings, Greenwater Canyon" Believed to be from late 1920's or early 1930's. 2.75 x 4.5"
Interior Lodge Attraction – Girl seated beside massive redwood table, likely from a Northern California roadside tourist stop promoting the “World’s Largest Redwood Table.” Visible tear left of center. Silver Gelatin. 3.5 x 3.5" Believed to be from the late 1940's to early 1950's.
Rock-cut stone structure (Old LA Zoo?) – Eerie image of faux-stone cages or ruins, now believed to be from the original Los Angeles Zoo prior to its closure in the 1960s. 3.5 x 3.5" Believed to be from the 1950's.
Looking North from Del Monte Inn – Pacific Grove (Feb 1916) – The writing is party obscured so this is best guess. Small tear in upper right corner. Some black adhesive on back. 3.5 x 2.5" Dated 1916.
These images capture everything from tourism and desert life to ghost towns and beach culture. Great for collectors of:
Early California photography
Ghost towns & abandoned America
Historic landmarks & tourism
Western and desert ephemera