Guide to the Department Store Santa Portraits Photograph Collection
1944-1955

Scope and Content

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.

Restrictions on Access

Collection is open to the public.

Historical Background

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.

Acquisition Info

Source: Michael Fairley, 2002.

Processing Info

Processed by Diane Constantine, 2004.

Inventory

																Date
1			Bob Thomas with Santa at Frederick & Nelson, Seattle, Wash.													1944
2			Boy in leather cap with Santa at Frederick & Nelson, Seattle, Wash.													1949
3			Child crying with Santa at Frederick & Nelson, Bellevue, Wash.													1951
4			George Miller with Santa at the Bon Marche-Palace, Spokane, Wash.													1952
5			Boy and girl with Santa at Rhodes Department Store, Seattle, Wash.													1954
6			George Miller with Santa at Meier and Frank, Portland, Or.													1955
7			Girl in coat with Santa
8			Girl in snowpants with Santa
Subject Terms
	Organizations:
		Frederick & Nelson.
	Subjects:
		Children--Northwest, Pacific--Photographs.
		Department store Santas--Northwest, Pacific--Photographs.
	Genre Headings:
		Photographic prints.
		Portrait photographs.