James H. Osborne Photograph Collection

Collection

Identifier: SPC-2023-012

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The James H. Osborne Photograph Collection (1900s-1970s, 2006, 2007; undated) contains three boxes and three linear feet of mostly postcards, as well as few booklets, programs, and photographs relating to California. A majority of the images feature locations within the Los Angeles County area including Hollywood; downtown Los Angeles; San Gabriel Mission; Pasadena; Long Beach; San Pedro; Mt. Wilson; parks, hotels, and residences within Los Angeles; and other landmarks. Also included are postcards of San Diego; San Francisco; Berkeley; Santa Barbara; Yosemite; flora; and produce. This collection also includes photographs taken by Frank and Helen Buss of San Pedro, and the Pasadena Rose Parade. Dates in this collection range from the early 1900s-1970s and mostly pertain to postmark dates for the postcards.

Dates

1900s-1970s, 2006, 2007; undated

Conditions Governing Access

There are no access restrictions on this collection.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Director of Archives and Special Collections. Permission for publication is given on behalf of Special Collections as the owner of the physical materials and not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Extent

3 boxes

3 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

This collection includes photographs, postcards, ephemera, and memorabilia gathered by James H. Osborne, a resident, educator, and historian of Los Angeles County's South Bay. Osborne's family has lived in the South Bay since the end of the 19th century, and he has been an enthusiastic collector of all things related to his home region. The collection contains photographs showing everyday life in the region, often offering candid images of citizens attending major events, or dealing with hardships such as the devastating 1933 earthquake. While many of these contain photographic images, the majority show lithographed representations of noted buildings, parks, attractions, and events from most of the South Bay cities, as well as from Los Angeles and other parts of California. Material in this collection is available to view at:James H. Osborne Photograph Collection