Edwards, John C.

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Unidentified Photographer, Portrait Photograph of John C. Edwards

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer: unidentified


THE SITTER:

Name: John C. Edwards

Description:

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation:

Bibliography:


THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  Tin type, approximately 6.1 x 9.6

Medium:

Description, front:

Description, back:

Date:

Condition:

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 2022-952-01-19c, Schwobeda/Bloom/Taylor/DeMartin Family & Friends Album

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Evans, Mary or Sarah (birth and death dates to be determined)

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Roy Crawford’s Portrait Photograph of Mary or Sarah Evans

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

ROY CRAWFORD worked as a portrait photographer in Petaluma between April 1898 and March 1900. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)


THE SITTER:

Name: Mary or Sarah Evans (as identified by a descendant)

Description: In this frontal, head-and-shoulders portrait, the woman looks slightly up to her right. Her light-colored hair has been combed into a high pompadour above her forehead, while the hair at the sides of her face has been combed back tightly above her ears. She wears a dark blouse with a high banded collar and soutache trim. Small, round earnings adorn her earlobes, and a brooch with two circles is fastened to the collar of her blouse. The ornament pinned to her right shoulder may be a pince-nez, a style of eyeglasses popular at the turn of the century.

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation: According to the descendant who granted permission to publish a digital copy of this portrait, the woman portrayed is either the first or second wife of Christmas Evans. Abel L. Evans of Emporia Kansas, born January 11, 1879 in Utica, New York was the son of Christmas Evans.

Bibliography:



THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: 11” x 8 1/2”

Medium: matte collodion print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This is a standard, frontal, head-and-shoulders portrait with a thin ecru boarder mounted on a light-brown, textured card.

Description, back: The back side of this portrait contains genealogical information which appears to have been written and subsequently corrected. Handwritten in cursive along the top is, “Grandma Evans”. Below this in handwritten print is: “Abel Evans Mother Wife” (“Mother” has been circled and “Mother and “wife” have been struck through); “Barbara Payne’s Great Grandmother” (“Great has been circled and struck through); “Peggy Madda (Bollow’s) Great, Great Grandmother” (the first “Great” has been circled and struck through); and “Joe Madda (Peggy’s son) Great, Great, Great, Grandmother” ( the first “Great” has been circled and struck through).

Date: April 1898 - March 1900

Condition: The edges of this portrait have been damaged, and there is a water stain on the top half.

Owner:  Private Collector, digital copy by permission

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Evans, Christmas (birth and death dates to be determined)

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Roy Crawford’s Portrait Photograph of Christmas Evans

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

ROY CRAWFORD worked as a portrait photographer in Petaluma between April 1898 and March 1900. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)


THE SITTER:

Name: Christmas Evans (as identified by a descendant)

Description: In this head-and-shoulders portrait, the man looks slightly up to his left. He is attired in a dark sack jacket with a matching vest. A white handkerchief has been placed in the left pocket of his jacket, and what is most probably a watch chain has been threaded through the top button of this vest. His hair has been combed back away from his face, and he sports a full walrus mustache and long, graying beard.

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation: According Christmas Evans’s descendant who granted permission to publish a digital copy of this portrait, Christmas Evans was the father of Abel L. Evans of Emporia, Kansas, born January 11, 1879 in Utica, New York.

Bibliography:


THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: 11” x 8 1/2”

Medium: matte collodion print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This is a standard, frontal, head-and-shoulders portrait with a thin ecru boarder mounted on a light-brown, textured card.

Description, back: Handwritten in cursive along the top is, “Grandpa Evans”. Below this in handwritten print is: “Abel Evan’s Father”.

Date: April 1898 - March 1900

Condition: The edges of this portrait have been damaged, and there are water stains along the top and right edges.

Owner:  Private Collector, digital copy by permission

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Edstrom, "Aunt Eliza" (b. & d. dates to be determined)

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George Webb’s, Portrait Photograph of “Uncle Edstrom & Aunt Eliza Edstrom”

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer:  George Webb

Studio Location: 400 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, California.

THE SITTERS:

Names: “Uncle Edstrom” and “Aunt Eliza Edstrom”

Description: In this double portrait, Mr. and Mrs. (Eliza) Edstrom sit side-by-side, both looking somberly off to the viewer’s right. Mr. Edstrom is dressed in a double-breasted coat and matching trousers. The hair of his head, mustache and beard are pure white, and he carries a cane. Eliza Edstrom is dressed in a piped cape and matching skirt. Her hair is center-parted and combed behind her ears to the back of her head. She holds a book in her lap and wears a simply tied neck scarf.

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation: These two Edstrom family members may be related to Ed and Arthur Edstrom. All four Edstroms were associated with Santa Cruz.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.25 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This is a horizontal cabinet card with the photographer’s imprint along the right edge.

Description, back: Handwritten in cursive in pencil along the top edge is, "Aunt Eliza, Died June 29/91”. Above this date handwritten in ink is, “1891”, leading to the presumption that the death date of Eliza Edstrom was June 29, 1891. Below this is handwritten, “Aunt Eliza + Uncle Edstrom.”.

Date: between 1889 and June 29, 1891. George Web’s photographic studio operated at 400 Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz between 1889 and 1907. Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, 2018 edition, p. 180.

Condition: This cabinet card is in good condition.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1983-32-08

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Eno, (Mary) Eltha Crippen Nay (1861-1943)

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George Ross’ Portrait Photograph of (Mary) Eltha Crippen Nay Eno & Edwina C. Crippen

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

GEORGE COLVAINE ROSS was born February 12, 1832 in Edinburgh, Scotland and died in 1893 at the age of 60 in Petaluma, California. Unlike the other nineteenth century Petaluma photographers, Ross lived and worked in Petaluma for many years. He arrived in Petaluma in 1855, and in 1862 he began his profession as a photographer, moving his studio within the city several times as noted on his various carte de visite and cabinet card imprints. In 1869 he was also part of a short-lived photographic studio partnership with Elon D. Ormsby on Main Street in Petaluma. It was reported that Ross stopped working as a photographer soon after he developed a disability in 1888. Ross was among the most prolific Petaluma portrait photographers, and his work was of exceptionally high quality. Ross was buried in Petaluma’s Cypress Hill Memorial Park. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)


THE SITTERS:

Names: (Mary) Eltha Crippen Nay Eno & Edwina C. Crippen. When this portrait was taken, Eltha would have been known by her maiden name, Eltha Crippen. Edwina Crippen never married.

Description: This double portrait depicting the Crippen sisters is masterful. The older sister, Edwina, is seated on a one-armed studio chair while her sister, Eltha, six years her junior, stands next to her. With an elegant, confident posture and a self-possessed gaze, Edwina looks directly at the viewer while Eltha glances to the left with an air of apprehension. With a slightly submissive posture, Eltha leans towards Edwina and, with a childlike gesture, places her hand on her sister’s shoulder. Edwina wears a full-length, striped, waisted dress with a hem of six wide ruffles and full-length sleeves that terminate in a border of white lace. A black ribbon defines the yoke of her dress, and a matching ribbon has been tied under her white lace collar. Eltha wears a cuirass bodice over a calf-length skirt. Her short skirt and boots were the apparel of a girl; adult woman at this time wore their skirts full-length. Both sisters wear a thin black choker and dangling earrings. Their shoulder-length hair is curled and restrained with a ribbon headband.


Biographical Note: Eltha was born in Michigan on August 20, 1861, and traveled with her family to Petaluma in her early childhood. She lived with her sister, Edwina, for many years in their family home at 305 Liberty Street. They appear to have been very adventurous; they often traveled long distances together by car when it was unusual for ladies to do so. Their trips were often mentioned in the Petaluma newspapers. Early in her business career, Eltha owned the Woman’s Exchange in Petaluma. She actively managed the store for several years before hiring a manager in January 1922 and selling the business in September 1923. Beginning in March 1922, Eltha was listed in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier as an authorized member of the Petaluma Realty Board, and for twenty years she worked in Petaluma as a realtor and insurance agent. Eltha died at 82 on September 25, 1943, in Crescent City, California, where she and her husband had recently traveled in hopes of improving her health. She was buried in Petaluma’s Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Family Affiliation: Eltha’s parents were Petaluma pioneers, Perry W. Crippen (1823-1888) and Harriet Amelia Bump Crippen (1833-1924). She had three older brothers: Everton J. Crippen (1849-1922); Marvin A. Crippen (1854-1910); and Commodore Perry Crippen (1859-1906). She had one sister, Edwina C. Crippen (1855-1939). Eltha married Heber L. Nay in Santa Rosa June 5, 1884. They were divorced in 1921 after he filed for divorce on the grounds of desertion. They had no children. Eltha later married Joseph T. Eno.

Bibliography: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/136412553/eltha-eno, Petaluma Argus-Courier: October 4, 1921, p.8; October 25, 1921, p.2; January 28, 1922, p.2; September 26, 1923, p. 1; May 28, 1938, p.2; September 27, 1943, p. 3; September 28, 1943, p.6. Petaluma Daily Morning Courier: January 27, 1922, p.5. Petaluma Daily Mourning Courier: January 28, 1922, p. 4; March 25, 1922, p.6. The Press Democrat, September 29, 1943, p.5.

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: The only background detail in this carte de visite is a horizontal strip of wall molding.

Description, back: George Ross’ imprint is on the center of the back of this carte de visite.

Date: 1870-1875

Condition: The portrait is slightly soiled throughout, and the top edge of the card has been trimmed.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1979-425-01-p33-p21, Church Family & Friends Album

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Edstrom, “Uncle Edstrom” (b. & d. dates to be determined)

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George Webb’s, Portrait Photograph of “Uncle Edstrom & Aunt Eliza Edstrom”

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer:  George Webb

Studio Location: 400 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz, California.

THE SITTERS:

Names: “Uncle Edstrom” and “Aunt Eliza Edstrom”

Description: In this double portrait, Mr. and Mrs. (Eliza) Edstrom sit side-by-side, both looking somberly off to the viewer’s right. Mr. Edstrom is dressed in a double-breasted coat and matching trousers. The hair of his head, mustache and beard are pure white, and he carries a cane. Eliza Edstrom is dressed in a piped cape and matching skirt. Her hair is center-parted and combed behind her ears to the back of her head. She holds a book in her lap and wears a simply tied neck scarf.

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation: These two Edstrom family members may be related to Ed and Arthur Edstrom. All four Edstroms were associated with Santa Cruz.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.25 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This is a horizontal cabinet card with the photographer’s imprint along the right edge.

Description, back: Handwritten in cursive in pencil along the top edge is, "Aunt Eliza, Died June 29/91”. Above this date handwritten in ink is, “1891”, leading to the presumption that the death date of Eliza Edstrom was June 29, 1891. Below this is handwritten, “Aunt Eliza + Uncle Edstrom.”.

Date: between 1889 and June 29, 1891. George Web’s photographic studio operated at 400 Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz between 1889 and 1907. Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, 2018 edition, p. 180.

Condition: This cabinet card is in good condition.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1983-32-08

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Engle, Jennie (b. & d. dates to be determined)

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Bryan R. Johnson’s Portrait Photograph of Jennie Engle

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

BRYAN R. JOHNSON was born c. 1834 in New York State, and his death date is unidentified. After working as a photographer in several California cities, Johnson moved to Petaluma and beginning in December of 1862 co-partnered with Edward P. Butler at the Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery on Petaluma’s Phoenix Block. In April of 1863 Johnson took sole possession of the gallery and renamed it “Johnson’s Premier Pioneer Photographic Gallery”. In 1864 he moved his studio twice within the community and continued working in Petaluma at least until 1867. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Names: Jennie Engle

Description: This early carte de visite portrays Jennie Engle standing with her left hand resting on a balloon-back chair as her right hand falls gracefully to her side. She wears a form-fitting bodice with drop shoulders and wide bell sleeves. The fullness of her large hoop skirt is undoubtedly due to a cage crinoline, an undergarment typical of the time period. Her skirt is unadorned with the exception of large triangles of fabric along the edge of her hem which appear to be of a different fabric. Evidence of an under blouse are apparent in her white lace collar and large, white, lace, cuffs. Her hair is center-parted and simply pulled back behind her head. She wears large drop earrings, and a dark choker which ends in what appears to be a large locket.

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation: According to the handwritten inscription on the back of the carte de visite, Jennie Engle was the “wife of Capt. Engle”.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite, size N/A

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: The backdrop of this carte de visit is an elaborately painted landscape with a tree on the right and a shoreline body of water on the left. The subject stands on a carpet with a medallion pattern, and to the lower left is a checker board design which may be part of the painted backdrop. A large upholstered balloon backed chair typical of the period is has been used as a prop.

Description, back: Handwritten along the top of this carte de visite in black ink in cursive is, “Mrs Jennie Engle wife of Capt. Engle”. In the center is Bryan Johnson’s imprint. Along the bottom edge is written, “Negatives preserved, from which extra Copies can be had at less than regular prices.”.

Date: December 1862 to 1867

Condition: All four corners of this carte de visite have been clipped. Otherwise, this portrait is in good condition.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1992-IDI-07-p12-p18

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Eastman, Benjamin Durgin (1802-1881)

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Conant Artistic Photographer’s Portrait Photograph of Benjamin Durgin Eastman

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographic Studio: Conant Artistic Photographer, 478 1/2 Congress St., Portland, Maine

THE SITTER:

Name: Benjamin Durgin Eastman

Description: This is a head-and-shoulders portrait of Benjamin Durgin Eastman as an elderly man. He wears oval spectacles and sports a short, gray, Shenandoah beard. He looks up to his right with a gaze that appears confident and inquisitive.

Biographical Note: Benjamin Durgin Eastman was not a Petaluman. He was the brother-in-law of Albion Paris Whitney, an important Petaluma pioneer, California State Senator and merchant.

Family Affiliation: Benjamin Durgin Eastman was married to Nancy Fisher Whitney Eastman (1828-1910), the sister of Petaluma pioneer, Albion Paris Whitney (1825-1884). Although he was significantly older, he was Albion’s brother-in-law.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 1890 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: Handwritten in cursive in pencil along the bottom left edge of the card is, “B. Eastman (over)”.

Description, back: Handwritten in blue ink in cursive along the top edge of the card is written, “Benjamin Durgin Eastman”, and below this, handwritten in pencil in cursive is, “Mrs. Whitney was an Eastman”. Benjamin Durgin Eastman, however was Susan Whitney’s husband’s brother-in-law. Susan Whitney’s father was Otis Eastman (1806-1905). In the center of the card is an elaborate imprint which includes, “Conant, Artistic Photographer, 478 Congress St. Portland”.

Date: undated

Condition: This carte de visite has faded, and there is light foxing throughout.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1891-835-31

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.

Eastman, Flora Frances (1841-1863)

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Lewis Dowe’s Portrait Photograph of Flora Frances Eastman

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

LEWIS DOWE was born in 1838 in Hanover, New Hampshire and died in 1919 in Portland, Oregon. He arrived in Petaluma in September of 1875 and set up his photography studio in the rooms formerly occupied by photographer Hugh Anderson. Dowe worked in Petaluma as both a “view” and portrait photographer until he departed the town in March of 1882. (For additional information on this photographer and to view all portraits by him in the collection, click on his name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Flora Frances Eastman

Description: This is a head-and-shoulders carte de visite portrait of Flora Frances Eastman. She looks off into the distance to her left and poses with a calm demeanor. The front sections of her center-parted hair have been cut short, and the remainder of her hair may be long and pulled back into a bun. She wears a dark blouse with white, front, buttons. Her blouse has large, faux, lapels created by the application of three lines of black trimming over both of her shoulders. This type of chevron trimming was a typical form of decoration during and directly after the Civil War. She also wears a narrow, wide-spread, white, collar which is adorned with a small, oval, brooch at the center of her neck.

Biographical Note:

Family Affiliation: Flora Frances Eastman was the sister of the Petaluma pioneer, Susan Durgin Eastman Whitney (1832-1917), and Charles Austin Eastman (1848-1916).

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: carte de visite, approximately 6.25 x 10.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This portrait is set within a vertical oval.

Description, back: Handwritten in pencil in cursive along the top edge is, “Flora - Daujhter of Ottis + Florella Eastman”. Below this is written, “mother’s sister” followed by the initials “CWS”. The later most probably refers to the author of the inscription, Clara Whitney Spear (1873-1954), Susan Durgin Eastman Whitney’s daughter. The photographer’s imprint appears in the center of the card on a diagonal alignment. “L. DOWE, Photographer, Petaluma, Cal.”.

Date: This portrait is a curious anomaly: the photographer of this portrait, Lewis Dowe, worked in Petaluma between September 1875 and March 1882, but the sitter died February 8, 1863 at the age of 21. A possible explanation is that the sitter’s sister, Petaluman, Susan Durgin Eastman Whitney, engaged her favorite photographer, the very talented Lewis Dowe, to create a carte de visite copy from an earlier portrait of Flora. This would explain the flattened and wooden appearance of the image.

Condition: This portrait is soiled and has slight foxing throughout.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1981-835-15

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Eastman, Charles Austin (1848-1916)

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Ross & Ormsby’s Portrait Photograph of Charles Austin Eastman

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

ROSS & ORMSBY was a Petaluma photography studio operated by George Colvaine Ross (born February 12, 1832, Edinburgh, Scotland; died 1893, Petaluma, California) and Elon D. Ormsby (died March 6, 1895, Oakland, California). The Ross & Ormsby studio was located, “At Ross’ old gallery, Main Street, two doors above the Wickersham + Co’s bank”. Ross, already an established portrait photographer in Petaluma, renamed his studio, placing his new partner’s name after his own. The Ross & Ormsby studio was first advertised in the Petaluma Weekly Argus on May 20, 1869, and the final advertisement for the studio appeared on June 11, 1870. (For additional information on this photography studio and to view all portraits in this archive with its imprint, click on its name in blue above.)

THE SITTER:

Name: Charles Austin Eastman

Description: Charles Austin Eastman sits at ease with his left hand resting on his thigh, and his right arm on the fringed armrest of the studio chair. He is dressed in a sack jacket with large piped lapels. His trousers and vest are made of a dark, matching, plaid fabric. He wears a white shirt with a banded collar and a bow tie at his neck. He is clean shaven and has thick, wavy, hair.

Biographical Note: Like his sister, Petaluma pioneer, Susan Durgin Eastman Whitney, Charles Austin Eastman was born in New England. Possibly at her invitation, Charles arrived in Petaluma in the 1870s and lived here for some time, but by 1878 he had settled in Humboldt County. While living in Humboldt County, he worked as a tallyman in the lumber industry.

Family Affiliation: Charles Austin Eastman’s wife was Mary Graves. Among his siblings were Flora Eastman (1841-1863) and Petaluma pioneer, Susan Durgin Eastman Whitney (1832-1917). Their father was Otis Eastman (1806-1905) who lived several of his last years in Petaluma with his daughter, Susan Durgin Eastman Whitney.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size:  carte de visite, approximately 6.25 x 10.5 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: Along the bottom left edge of the card is written in ornate script and red ink, “Ross & Ormsby,”, and along the right edge is, “Petaluma.”.

Description, back: Handwritten along the top edge in pencil in cursive is, “Charley Eastman”, “1871”, and Susan D.’s brother”.

Date: 1871 (as identified on the back of the card). It is quite probable that the Ross & Ormsby studio only operated between May 1869 and the summer of 1870. The date of 1871 on the back of this card may be misleading; it may simply have been the result of Ross exhausting previously printed card inventory.

Condition: This carte de visite is soiled throughout, and both side edges and the top edge have been trimmed.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1981-835-24

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Edstrom, Arthur (b. & d. dates to be determined)

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Charles McMillan’s Portrait Photograph of Arthur Edstrom

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer:  Charles McMillan

Photographic Studio: Charles McMillan opened his photography studio in 1891 at the corner of Sacramento and Virginia Streets in Vallejo. He was also reported to have a studio in Vallejo at 314 Georgia Street.

THE SITTER:

Name: Arthur Edstrom

Description: In this cabinet card, Arthur Edstrom appears as a young man dressed in a wool jacket and a white shirt with a banded collar. He wears a dark tie with white, zig-zagged lines and a star tiepin.

Biographical Note: Arthur Edstrom was reported in the Santa Cruz papers to have carried out several real estate transaction in the 1890s with Edwin C. Edstrom.

Family Affiliation: There are two portraits in this archive taken by Charles McMillan and each portrays a young man with the surname Edstrom. (Edwin & Arthur.) It is possible they had their portraits taken at the same time and that they are brothers. An Edwin Edstrom was reported to have died in 1896 of old age at his residence on Third Street in Petaluma. Possibly this was the sitter’s father. Also see the portrait of “Uncle Edstrom and Aunt Eliza Edstrom” in this collection.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.25 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This is a three quarter view, head-shot portrait of a young man mounted on a dark card. The photographer’s imprint is printed in gold along the bottom.

Description, back: Handwritten in cursive in black ink along the top edge is, “Arthur Edslrom”. Below this handwritten in cursive in pencil is “Edstrom”.

Date: Date: This portrait must date to 1891 or sometime thereafter, because that was the year Charles McMillan set up his photography studio in Vallejo, California.

Condition: This cabinet card has several spots along the right and top edges and has moderate foxing throughout.

Owner:  Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1983-32-10

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use. 

Edstrom, Edwin C. (b. & d. dates to be determined)

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Charles McMillan’s Portrait Photograph of Edwin C. Edstrom

THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:

Photographer:  Charles McMillan

Photographic Studio: Charles McMillan opened his photography studio in 1891 at the corner of Sacramento and Virginia Streets in Vallejo. He was also reported to have a studio in Vallejo at 314 Georgia Street.

THE SITTER:

Name: Edwin C. Edstrom

Description: In this cabinet card Ed Edstrom appears as a young man dressed in a corduroy jacket and a white shirt with a banded collar. He wears a dark tie with small white dots and a star and crescent moon tiepin.

Biographical Note: It was reported in the Petaluma papers that in 1895 Edwin C. Edstrom bought out his partner, C. Wurdig’s interest in the California Market located on Western Avenue in Petaluma. Later the same year, it was reported that the California Market on Western Avenue was turned over to the Petaluma Labor Exchange and was being conducted as a Labor Exchange depository. C. H. Wurdig was reported to be the manager and E. C. Edstrom was reported to be the assistant manager. Edwin C. Edstrom was reported in the Santa Cruz papers to have made several real estate transactions in the 1890s, several with Arthur Edstrom.

Ed Edstrom 1983-32-09 side b

Family Affiliation: It seems two young men with the surname Edstrom had their portrait taken by Charles McMillan in Vallejo, California sometime after 1891; consequently, they may be related, possibly brothers, Edwin and Arthur. An Edwin Edstrom was reported to have died in 1896 of old age at his resident on Third Street in Petaluma. Possibly, this was the sitter’s father. Also see the portrait of “Uncle Edstrom and Aunt Eliza Edstrom” in this collection.

Bibliography:

THE PHOTOGRAPH:

Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 10.75 x 16.25 cm

Medium: albumen photographic print mounted on cardstock

Description, front: This is a three quarter view, head-and-shoulder portrait of a young man mounted on a dark card. The photographer’s imprint is printed in gold along the bottom.

Description, back: Handwritten in cursive in black ink is, “Ed. Edstrom”.

Date: This portrait must date to 1891 or sometime thereafter, because that was the year Charles McMillan set up his photography studio in Vallejo, California.

Condition: There is slight foxing throughout this portrait

Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1983-32-09

Reproduction rights: The Petaluma Museum Association makes no assertions as to ownership of any original copyrights to the digitized images here reproduced.  These images are intended for personal or research use only. Any other kind of use, including, but not limited to commercial or scholarly publication in any medium or format, public exhibition, or use online or in a web site, may be subject to additional restrictions including but not limited to the copyrights held by parties other than the Association. USERS ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for determining the existence of such rights and for obtaining any permissions and/or paying associated fees necessary for the proposed use.