Department Store Santa Portraits Photograph Collection, 1944-1955

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.