Scope and Content Restrictions on Access Historical Background Acquisition Info Processing Info InventorySubject Terms |
1944-1955 |
| Title: | Department Store Santa Portraits Photograph Collection |
| Date Span: | 1944-1955 |
| Quantity: | 8 photographic prints (1 folder) |
| PH Collection No.: | 658 |
| Location: | K0900 |
| Languages: | Collection materials are in English. |
This collection of portraits displays children in various emotional states sitting on Santa Claus’s lap. Seven of the photos are in their original card frames. All of the matted photos were taken in large department stores in the Pacific Northwest.
Collection is open to the public.
The latter half of the 19th century in the Pacific Northwest saw the founding of several major department store chains: Meier and Frank in Portland, Oregon, and the Bon Marché, Rhodes Department Store, and Frederick and Nelson in Seattle, Washington. By the mid-20th century, an annual portrait with Santa had become tradition for many families. The prints were packaged in paper cards or frames printed with the name and slogan of the store. Frequently, the year and a cheery holiday message were added, making the photos suitable as gifts.
Source: Michael Fairley, 2002.
Processed by Diane Constantine, 2004.