[Photograph Album] - HOLMES FAMILY PHOTO ALBUM: KANSAS, NEW MEXICO, CALIFORNIA, OREGON, WASHINGTON

Portland, Oregon: Woodard Clarke & Co. Chemists, (n.d.). C. 1895-1898. Period brown pebbled cloth album with blind-stamped panels, white moire paste downs. [48] pp. ms annotations in pencil. 153 original b/w silver gelatin photographs, all about 4" x 3-1/4"-5" x 3 1/2", mounted. Oblong format: 11 1/4" x 15-1/4". Boards a bit soiled/frayed, some splitting at joints, lower board detached, photos are still quite clear, with a few faded to yellow; overall VG. A unique collection of photos from the lives and travels of R. J. Holmes and family, who would go on to found a successful coal and ice company in Portland. The album includes many one-of-a-kind views of homes in Kansas City, historic sites in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and homes, businesses and scenic views of Portland, Oregon. Notably, the photos include the flooding of the Wilamette River in downtown Portland, ships and coastal shots from the Southern Washington coast, winter scenes and many beautiful formal and informal portraits of the Holmes family including but not limited to travel, leisure and work. Not all of the photos are annotated, but many include the names of family members, dates and locations. This album beautifully preserves a glimpse of life during this period and many important landmarks along the Western United States at the turn of the century.