This collection reflects the changing history of non-Native Americans perceptions about the often romanticized lives of past and current Native Americans. In the spirit of Edward Curtis, a renowned photographer of Native Americas, many photographers attempted to capture the day-to-day life and customs of their subjects before they vanished.
The collection also demonstrates the changes in commercial postcard photography and printing methods from the late 1800s to the mid-1900s, from black and white photography to color lithographic printing to the use of color photography. It also represents the work of both nationally and locally known photographers and photographic studios.
Williams acquired the images in the course of his work as a Forest Service sociologist and historian and due to his research interest in the history of Native Americans in the United States, especially that of the Pacific Northwest region. Gerald Williams worked for the U.S. Forest Service from 1979 to 2005 as a sociologist (1979-1998) and historian (1998-2005).
These materials were acquired by the former University Archives and the Special Collections and Archives Research Center in multiple accessions in 2007-2016. They were originally described as a component of the Gerald W. Williams Collection (MSS WilliamsG) and were separated for description as this collection in 2017.
Collection is open for research.
Gerald W. Williams Prints and Postcards of Native Americans Collection (P 317), Special Collections and Archives Research Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon.
The core of Gerald Williams' research materials are maintained as the
The Special Collections and Archives Research Center holds other collections with photographs, prints or content related to Native Americans including:
The collection is arranged by region, then by state or country, than roughly chronologically. Because many of the images are undated the chronological order is approximate. Series 1: Northwest – Alaska, circa 1890-1969; Series 2: Northwest – Canada, circa 1898-1929; Series 3: Northwest - Idaho and Montana, circa 1907-1969; Series 4: Northwest – Oregon, circa 1898-1956; Series 5: Northwest – Washington, circa 1887-1950; Series 6: Southwest – Arizona, 1902-1957; Series 7: Southwest – California circa 1907-1969; Series 8: Southwest – Colorado, circa 1920-1950; Series 9: Southwest - Nevada and Utah, circa 1907-1950; Series 10: Southwest - New Mexico, circa 1906-1950; and Series 11: Other Regions, circa 1906-1950.
The collection covers the time period from the late 19th century to the mid-20th century and consists primarily of black and white photographs, with some color lithographic and a few red tone images. The images depict daily Native American life in North America, with a focus on the northwestern and southwestern United States. The majority of the images are from Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. Also represented are Idaho, Montana, Canada, Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, Florida, Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin. Portraits of individuals, families, and mothers with children, photographs of ancient and more recent artifacts, dwellings and other ruins, such as Cliff House in Mesa Verde, and activities such as fishing, weaving baskets and blankets, and gathering huckleberries.
Many of the images are undated. Dates and date ranges were assigned as closely as possible based on the physical characteristics of the postcards and postmarks. Specific dates are based on postmarks or on a date on the photograph; items are marked as "undated" when no distinguishing marks were visible. With a few exceptions the postcards and prints have been mounted. Well-known photographers and studios such as J.H (Jervie Henry) Eastman of Eastman Studios, Lee Morehouse, and Patton Postcard Company are represented. Numbers listed in the description of the items were assigned by the publisher or the photographer.
The original titles of the prints and postcards were retained. The language reflects the perceptions of native peoples at the time. Variant spelling were also retained with the correct spelling enclosed in parentheses.
Format: Within this series there are 36 black and white postcards, 2 black and white prints, 3 color lithograph postcards, and 1 color postcard.
Photographers:
The photographers for most of these images are not identified, except for some postcards and photographs, which have the photographer’s last name, initials, or photo studio, written on the negative prior to printing. Photographers include: Albertype Company (Brooklyn, New York), Griffin's, Otto D. Goetze, Johnston, Elbridge (E.W) Merrill, Frank (FH) Nowell, Mike Roberts Color Productions (Berkley, California), Robinson Studio (Anchorage, Alaska), Scenic Photo Publishing Company (Seattle, Washington), Schallerer (Otto and Lillie Schallerer), Adolph Selige Publishing Company (St. Louis, Missouri), Eugene Tetinek, Winter and Pond Company (Juneau, Alaska), FHW (Frank H. Whaley), and Joseph Yolo.
Series 1 portrays Alaskan natives' everyday life in the late 1800s to the 1960s. Featured here are the photographic representations of Eskimo and Aleutian art such as totem poles. Some examples include Chief Johnson's Totem in Ketchikan, Alaska and Loon Tree of Sliding Bear Totem. Other aspects of life are highlighted, such as the scene in Chief Shakes' House that illustrates the dedication ceremony of the Chief's new home. Additional items of interest include Eskimo Dancers and Arctic Playmates, Kotzbue, Alaska, which depict the breadth of the series.
Extent: 42 images, 2 oversize prints, 8 folders
Totems at Kasa-an, Alaska. Studio: Albertype, Co. Brooklyn, NY. B/W postcard.
Eskimos Leaving in Skin Canoe for Their Happy Home Cape Prince of Wales, Nome, Alaska. Photographer: O.D. Goetze, The Albertype Co. B/W postcard.
Native Women Weaving Baskets, Alaska. Photographer: Winter - Pond Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. C132.
Indian Burial Ground. Alaska. Studio: Adolph Selige, Pub Co. St. Louis - Leipzig. Northwest Indian Series. B/W postcard. Item no. 3603. Addressed to Miss Rose Woelfer. Postmarked St. Louis, MO.
The Totem Pole Maker. Alaska. Studio: Adolph Selige, Pub. Co. St. Louis - Leipzig. Northwestern Indian Series. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3613. Addressed to Miss Rose Woelfer. Postmarked St. Louis, MO.
Native Village on the Yukon River, Alaska. Photographer: F. H. Nowell. Published by Portland Post Card Co. Made in Germany. Color lithograph postcard.
Totem Poles in forest, Alaska. B/W postcard.
Inside Community House Poles-Mud Bight near Ketchikan, Alaska. Photographer: Schallerers. B/W postcard. Item no. S-487.
Chief Johnson's Totem, Ketchikan, Alaska. Photographer: Schallerers. B/W postcard. Item no. S-170.
Thlinget Tribe Sun and Raven Pole from Pennock Island - Saxman, Alaska. Photographer: Schallerers. B/W postcard. Item no. S-412.
Aleutian Island Natives, Alaska. Photographer: Schallerers. B/W postcard. Item no. S-192.
Natives and Hut - Bristol Bay, Alaska. Photographer: Schallerers. B/W postcard. Item no. S-388.
Totem Poles and Residences of Haida Indians, near Ketchikan, Alaska. Studio: Scenic Photo Publishing Co. Seattle, WA. B/W postcard. Item no. 15342.
Sitka Park, Alaska. Photographer: E.W. Merrill. B/W postcard. Script on back: Sitka's National Park. August 3-27. Trendy Totem Poles; 100 years old. With John Ross.
St. Phillips Church and Totems-Wrangell, Alaska. Photographer: Schallerers. B/W postcard. Item no. S-484.
The Loon Tree of Sliding Bear Totem Sakman (Saxman), Alaska near Ketchikan. Photographer: Schallerers. B/W postcard. Item no. S-473.
Dedication of new Chief Shakes House, Wrangell, Alaska. Photographer: Schallerers. B/W postcard. Item no. S-457.
Wrangell Totem. Photographer: Schallerers. B/W postcard. Item no. S-584.
Alaska Totem Poles. B/W postcard. Item no. P-1402.
Aleutian Girl, Unalaska. B/W postcard. Item no. P-1379.
Eskimo Pie. Subject: Native American mother nursing child. B/W postcard. Item no. P-575.
Abraham Lincoln Totem Pole. Studio: Mike Roberts Color Production, Berkeley 2, CA. Color by Ben Perry. Published by C.P. Johnston Co., Seattle. Color postcard. Item no: C5389
Henry Denny St. with grandchildren. Giant Oyster Pole Saxman, Alaska. Photographer: Joseph Yolo. Script on back of print: CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) enrolled Henry Denny Sr. and grandchildren at Saxman at base of Giant Oyster Totem. B/W print. Item no. 412061.
Alaska Eskimo Child. Studio: Robinson. Postmarked Anchorage, Alaska. Correspondence between a Mrs. Edna Grey and Florence, explaining why a trip to Portland, Oregon was missed. B/W postcard. Item no. 206-E.
Eskimo Ivory Carver Nome, Alaska. Studio: Robinson. B/W postcard. Item no. P-11.
Eskimo Dancers. Subjects are seen holding decorative masks. Studio: Robinson. B/W postcard. Item no. P-1.
Eskimo Mother and Children - Nome Alaska. Studio: Robinson. B/W postcard. Item no. P-2.
Totems at Ketchikan, Alaska. Photographer: Schallerers. B/W postcard. Item no. S-102.
Alaska Native Community House - Mud Bight near Ketchikan. Photographer: Schallerers. B/W postcard. Item no. S-482.
Indian Village, Alaska. Studio: Griffin's. B/W postcard. Item no. 5.
The Eagle Totem, Wrangell, Alaska. B/W postcard.
Chief Johnson Totem - Ketchikan, Alaska. Similar to Chief Johnson's Totem from the Schallerer studios. The most marked difference are the buildings surrounding the totem pole. B/W postcard. Item no. S-400.
Totem of Thlimget (Tlingit) Chief Kian - Ketchikan, Alaska. Photographer: Johnston. B/W postcard. Item no. 295.
Famous Indian Totems at Ketchikan Alaska 1 of 2. Photographer: Johnston. B/W postcard. Item no. 425.
Famous Indian Totems at Ketchikan Alaska 2 of 2. Photographer: Johnston. B/W postcard. Item no. 425.
Eskimo Ivory Cutter. Photographer: Griffins. B/W postcard.
Omiak Barrow, Alaska. B/W postcard.
Native Alaskan Woman. Photographer: Eugene Tetinek. Published by Vern Brickley. B/W postcard.
Kicksetti Totem, Wrangell, Alaska. B/W postcard.
Arctic Playmates Kotzbue, Alaska. Photographer: FHW (Frank H. Whaley). Subjects are a young Native American girl and a puppy. B/W postcard. Item no. 135.
Chief Reindeer Herder, Chester Sevick Kotzebue Alaska. Photographer: FHW (Frank H. Whaley). B/W postcard. Item no. 147.
Totem Poles in Village Alaska Tongass National Forest. B/W print. Item no. 253205.
Format: 3 color lithographs make up this series.
Photographers: The photographers for most of these images are not identified, except for some postcards which have the photographer’s last name, or photo studio, written on the negative prior to printing. Photographers include: Lee Moorhouse (Pendleton, Oregon) and Adolph Selige Publishing Company (St. Louis, Missouri).
Series 2 presents native life in Northwestern Canada. This series features colorful representations of daily life such as children snuggled into papooses and fishermen from the Manhousett tribe. The Manhousett belong to the Coast Salish group, a loose organization of tribes that reside in the Pacific Northwest Coast region.
Extent: 3 images, 1 folder
Calm and Tempestuous Indians Papooses. Depicts four Native American infants in various emotional states. The children are wrapped into cradleboards. Photographer: Lee Moorhouse. Published by Newman Post Card Co. (Los Angeles, California). Made in Germany. Color lithograph Postcard.
Town Chief Weha's House. Studio: Adolph Selige Publishing Co. Printed in Germany. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3601.
Indian Fishermen. Manhousett Tribe. Vancouver Island. Studio: Adolph Selige, Pub Co. St. Louis - Leipzig. Northwest Indian Series. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3605. Addressed to Miss Rose Woelfer. Postmarked St. Louis, MO.
Format: The predominant media featured here are 7 black and white postcards, with 2 color lithograph postcards rounding out the series.
Photographers: The photographers for most of these images are not identified, except for some postcards and photographs which have the photographer’s last name, initials, or photo studio, written on the negative prior to printing. Photographers include: Wesley Andrews Inc., Publishers (Baker, Oregon), Custer Battlefield Historical & Museum Association, Inc. (Hardin, Montana), LiS, Kenneth F. Roahen (Billings, Montana), and RWG.
Series 3 predominantly presents subjects in Montana, with a single postcard of Idaho. This series mainly consists of black and white media, with a few prints in color. An item of interest is Flathead Indian Village, August 6, 1907 that includes a message written by Gerald W. Williams. An additional item of interest is the postcard, Hieroglyphic Carvings, highlighting a form of historical communication. Also featured in this series are prints of General Custer and his men, and the Little Big Horn battleground in Montana.
Extent: 9 images, 2 folders
Indian Hieroglyphic Carvings Found near Arco. (Petroglyphs.) Arco, Idaho. B/W postcard. Item no. 51.
Flathead Indian Village. Studio: Adolph Selige, Pub. Co. Northwestern Indian Series. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3606. Addressed to Miss Rose Woelfer. Postmarked St. Louis, MO.
Feast, After Death of Chief's Son, in Honor of Son, Flathead Reservation, Montana. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 1711. Includes correspondence from son to mother. Postmarked Missoula, MT.
Scene at Custer Battlefield, Hardin Montana. Studio: Wesley Andrews Inc., Publishers: Baker, Oregon. B/W postcard. Item no. 15.
The Indian Painted Rocks on Flathead Lake Montana. Photographer: LiS. B/W postcard.
Custer Battlefield. Photographer: RWG. B/W postcard. Item no. 130.
Officers of the 7th Cavalry. Studio: Custer Battlefield Historical & Museum Association, Inc. Custer Battlefield National Monument. Crow Agency, Montana. B/W postcard.
Custer Monument - Custer Battlefield National Monument. Montana. B/W postcard. Item no. KFR II. Include correspondence to a Mr. Harry Morgan. Postmarked Billings, MT.
Where Gen. Custer and 51 of His Troopers Were Slain. Custer Battlefield National Monument. Montana. Kfr 2. Studio: Roahen Photo's - Billings, Montana. B/W postcard.
Format: A diverse selection of 58 black and white postcards, 2 black and white prints, 24 color lithographs, and 2 red tone postcards.
Photographers: The photographers for most of these images are not identified, except for some postcards and photographs which have the photographer’s last name, or photo studio, written on the negative prior to printing. Photographers include: Anderson Scenic Post Cards (Portland, Oregon), Wesley Andrews Company (Portland, Oregon), D.M Averill and Company (Portland, Oregon), Cal Calvert (Portland, Oregon), Christian, Eastman Niew Company (Kennett, California), Ellis, H.E., Haas Brothers (Sheridan, Oregon), Kiser Photo Company (Portland, Oregon), Loewenfeld, Miller Photo Company (Klamath Falls, Oregon), Patterson Photo, Patton Post Card Company (Salem, Oregon), Portland Post Card Company (Portland, Oregon), M. Rieder (Los Angeles, California), Mike Roberts Color Productions (Berkley, California), Sawyer Scenic Photos (Portland, Oregon), A. Smith, A.L. Thomas, and D.D. Wilder.
Series 4 is the most voluminous part of this collection. Subjects range from people of the Umatilla tribes and the Nez Perce to activities captured from the Pendleton Round-Up, a yearly rodeo that prides itself on the exhibition of local pastimes. This series features some postcards with correspondence such as "Memaloose Island, 1909". Celilo Falls is featured in many of photographs, because the falls were an important tribal fishing area prior to the construction of the dam and the flooding of the falls.
Extent: 85 images, 15 folders
Girls' Dormitory at Indian School, Chemawa, Near Salem, Oregon (loose). Studio: Edward H. Mitchell, Publisher, San Francisco. Printed in the United States. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 1582.
Chief Charley, Warm Springs Indian (loose). Photographer: D.D. Wilder. D.M Averill and Co. Publishers, Portland, Oregon. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 673.
Chief Joseph Monument (loose). B/W postcard.
Indian eel fishing Snake River (loose). Studio: Portland Post Card Co. Printed in Germany. B/W postcard. Item no. 70536.
Klamath Indian Agency, Oregon (loose). Studio: Miller Photo Co., Klamath Falls Oregon. B/W postcard. Item no. 183.
Block House, Grande Ronde, Oregon - 2. Studio: Haas Bros., Sheridan, Oregon. Color lithograph postcard (Unmounted). Item no. 14. Includes correspondence to a Mr. Bill Fice.
Pendleton Round Up, Pendleton, Oregon (loose). Photographer: A. Smith. B/W postcard. Item no. P414.
Indian Village 1929 Indian Congress, Klamath Falls, Oregon (loose). Studio: Underwood's Pharmacy Klamath Falls, Oregon. B/W postcard. Item no. 37.
Indians Fishing at Celilo Falls of Columbia River in Oregon (loose). Made in U.S.A by E.C. Kropp Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. P54.
Parade Ground and Buildings of Indian Training School, Chemawa, Oregon. Studio: Patton Post Card Co., Salem, Oregon. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 10896. Postmarked Portland, OR, December 7, 11:30PM. Includes correspondence and is addressed to Master Richard Meade.
Old Fort Klamath, Oregon. Red tone postcard.
Indian Camp. Round up, Pendleton, Oregon. B/W postcard.
Siletz Agency. B/W postcard.
Siletz Women, Oregon. B/W postcard.
Indian Burying Ground, Mamaloose (Memaloose) Island in Columbia River. Studio: Portland Post Card Co. O. Newman Co. Made in Germany. B/W postcard. Item no. 2068.
Indian Dance, Park School May Day Drills, Salem, Oregon. B/W postcard. Item no. 47.
Block House, Grande Ronde Oregon - 1. B/W postcard.
Burial Place of Old Chief Joseph. B/W postcard.
Alaska Totem Poles, Government Exhibit Lewis and Clark Centennial, 1905 Portland, Oregon. B/W postcard. Item no. 1046.
Indian Grave in Idlewild Park - Columbia Beach, Oregon. Photographer: Kiser. B/W postcard.
Ruins of Old Fort Klamath, Oregon. Studio: D.M. Averill & Co., Publishers, Portland, Oregon. B/W postcard.
Indian Shaker Church, Klamath Reservation Chiloquin, Oregon Joe Jackson, Secretary. B/W postcard
Gilbert Menthorn and Mother, Pendleton Round-up. B/W postcard
Deserted Log Hut, Umatilla Reservation, Oregon. B/W postcard.
Old Fort Klamath, B/W Postcard
Pupils going to dinner. Klamath Indian School - K. A. Oregon. B/W postcard.
Indians Fishing at Celilo Falls. Columbia River in Oregon. Studio: E. C. Kropp Co. Color lithograph. Item no. 15264N.
Klamath Agency, Oregon. B/W postcard. The front of the postcard includes identifying script for some of the individuals in the image. The back of the postcard includes correspondence to a Mrs. S.B. Word.
Umatilla Twins. Studio: M. Rieder, Publ., Los Angeles, California. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 8823. Includes correspondence to Margaret Mann.
Block House, Grande Ronde, Oregon - 3. Studio: Haas Bros., Pharmacy, Sheridan, Oregon. Printed in Germany. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. A.14.
Memaloose Island, Columbia River, Ancient Indian Burying Ground. Studio: D. M. Averill & CO. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 643. Includes correspondence to a Mr. A.F. Moitoreh.
"The Simple Life" in Crook County, Oregon. Photographer: Reistle. Denver. Red tone postcard. Postmarked Prineville, OR. Includes correspondence to a Mrs. M. Ek
Indian Reservation, Oregon. Studio: Eastman View Co., Kennett, California. B/W postcard. Item no. 3372. On the front of the postcard, written in pen is "Superintendent house".
Siletz Men. Studio: Cal Calvert, Portland, Oregon. B/W postcard.
Umatilla Indians. B/W postcard. Postmarked Oregon City, OR. Includes correspondence to a Miss Lucy Pollard.
Indian Camp, Newport, Oregon. Studio: A. L. Thomas, Importer & Publisher. Color lithograph postcard. Postmarked Pioneer, OR. Includes correspondence to a Miss Gladas Rodgers.
Band Stand on the grounds of the U.S. Indian Training School, Chemawa, Oregon. Studio: Loewenfeld-Published by Patton Post Card CO., Salem, Oregon. Color lithograph postcard. Postmarked Salem, OR. Includes correspondence to a Mrs. H.L. Brown.
Ancient Indian Burying Ground Memaloose Island, Columbia River. Studio: Portland Post Card Co. Color lithograph postcard. Includes correspondence to a Miss Hallie Howlell.
Celilo Falls, Columbia River, Oregon. B/W postcard. Postmarked Celilo, OR. Includes correspondence to Robert and Grace Kautz.
The Grand March Round Up, Pendleton, Oregon. B/W postcard. Item no. 152.
Natural Bridge near Celilo Falls, Columbia River. Studio: Portland Post Card Co. Made in U.S.A. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 1372.
An Indian Relic Pacific City, Oregon. Studio: "Ovo" Foto. B/W postcard. Item no. 932. Includes correspondence to a Miss Susan Cornell.
Indians Spearing Salmon at Celilo Falls, Columbia River Highway, Oregon. Studio: A M. Prentiss/Wesley Andrews Co., Portland, Oregon. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 830.
Famous Indian Papoose Twins. Photographer: Lee Moorhouse. Similar to Calm and Tempestuous Indians Papooses, but ultimately different because it features only one set of twins. The other set are featured in Indian Papoose Twins. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 230.
Indian Papoose Twins. Photographer: Lee Moorhouse. Similar to Calm and Tempestuous Indians Papooses, but ultimately different as it only features one set of the twins. The first half can be found in Famous Indian Papoose Twins. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 231. Postmarked Idaho, February 28, 1943. Includes correspondence.
Papoose Weeps in his Calcleeps. Photographer: Markham. B/W postcard. Item no. 286. (Calcleeps is thought to be a Native American word for cradleboard.)
Indians Salmon Fishing at Celilo Falls, Columbia River, Oregon. Studio: Sawyer Scenic Photos. B/W postcard. Item no. C 13 232.
Celilo Falls. B/W postcard.
Indian Family beside Wallowa River. Studio: Dexter Press, Inc. Published by Futuristic Photography. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 41077-c.
Heceta Head Lighthouse and Keepers Houses. B/W print. Script on back: Light House at Heceta Head, Oregon.
Indians Fishing at Celilo Falls, Oregon. B/W postcard. Item no. 64.
Chief Joseph Monument Wallowa Lake - Oregon. B/W postcard.
Indian Boy with Eels, Oregon. B/W postcard. Item no. 59.
Indian Spearing Fish on the Klamath River. B/W postcard.
Indians Fishing at Celilo Falls, Oregon. B/W postcard. Item no. 17.
Memaloose Island - Indian Burial Ground, Columbia River. Photographer: Christian. B/W postcard. Item no. 744.
Celilo Falls, Oregon. Photographer: Christian. B/W postcard. Item no. 525.
Celilo Falls. Photographer: Christian. B/W postcard. Item no. 522.
Unique Sign at Entrance of Klamath Indian Agency, Oregon. Photographer: HE. B/W postcard. Item no. 242.
Indian Go-Cart Pendleton Round-Up. Photographer: Ellis B/W postcard. Item no. 2122. Includes correspondence to a J.E. Simpson.
Klamath Indian Agency Office, Oregon. B/W postcard. Postmarked Redmond, OR. Includes correspondence to a Mrs. L. V. Lindberry.
Picture Rock near Summer Lake, Oregon. Studio: Eastman's. B/W postcard. Item no. B-5697.
Indian Chiefs at Celilo Falls, Oregon (loose). B/W postcard. Item no. 98.
The Indian Mother (1 of 2). Klamath woman carrying child on her back. Studio: Patterson Photo. B/W postcard. Item no. 26 PAT.
The Indian Mother (2 of 2). Klamath woman carrying child on her back. Studio: Laws. B/W postcard. Item no. 26. Duplicate
Indian Writing near Valley Falls, Oregon (1 of 2). (Possibly the Greaser Petroglyph Site.) Studio: Eastman's. B/W postcard. Item no. B-8386.
Indian Writing near Valley Falls, Oregon (2 of 2). (Possibly the Greaser Petroglyph Site.) Studio: Eastman's. B/W postcard. Item no. B-8386. Postmarked Lakeview, OR, July 13, 1967. Includes correspondence to a Mr. Wyatt from his daughters.
Indians fishing at Celilo Falls - Columbia River Hwy., Oregon. Studio: Sawyer's. B/W postcard. Item no. 16739.
Indians Fishing at Celilo Falls. B/W postcard.
Chief Tommy Thompson at Celilo Falls, Oregon. B/W postcard. Item no. 115.
Indian Papoose. The Dalles, Oregon. B/W postcard. Item no. 100. The term papoose can refer to a cradleboard, a type of child carrier, or a designation of a Native American child. It is unclear in this image as to which definition the title refers to.
"Wild Eagle" Fort Klamath, Oregon. B/W postcard.
Indians in Costume at Celilo Falls, Oregon. B/W postcard. Item no. 112.
Celilo Falls. B/W print.
Henry Thompson at Celilo Falls. B/W postcard. Item no. 117. Postmarked Celilo, Oregon. Includes brief correspondence to a Mrs. Kenneth Elliot.
Indian Hieroglyphics Cascadia, Oregon. Photographer: Christian. B/W postcard. Item no. 5133. Postmarked Sweet Home, OR. The title of this image is somewhat inaccurate as Native American writings are not hieroglyphs, rather they are petroglyphs. The front of the postcard states that the cultural wonder is a mere 14 miles from Sweet Home. The back of the postcard includes correspondence from a Mrs. Ernest Barnes to a Mrs. Edith Fleeman.
Indian Village near The Dalles Oregon. Photographer: Smith. B/W postcard. Item no. P-385.
Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce. Studio: Anderson Scenic Post Cards, Portland, Oregon. Color lithograph postcard.
Indians Netting Fish at Celilo Falls Oregon-Washington (1). Studio: Anderson Scenic Post Cards, Portland, Oregon. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. CR3.
Indians Netting Fish on the Mighty Columbia River, Oregon (2). Studio: Anderson Scenic Post Cards, Portland, Oregon. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. CR. 3AA. Probable duplicate of Indians Netting Fish at Celilo Falls.
Salmon Fishing, Celilo Falls, Oregon. Studio: Mike Roberts Color Productions. Distributed by: Rhodes News Agency, Boise, Idaho. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. C3823.
Celilo Falls, Oregon. Photographer: Christian. B/W postcard. Item no. 11-521.
Chief's Wife Lillie Heath, Warm Springs. Studio: Anderson Scenic Post Cards, Portland, Oregon. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. KAH.8.
Indians of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon. The subjects in the image are identified as: Harvey Tohet, Chief Nathen Heath, Blanche Tohet, Alec Tohet. Studio: Anderson Scenic Post Cards, Portland, Oregon. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. KAH.9.
Mrs. Blanche Tohet Warm Springs, Oregon. Studio: Anderson Scenic Post Cards, Portland, Oregon. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. KAH.10.
Format: 21 black and white postcards, 11 black and white prints, 19 color lithographs, and 1 color postcard. This series contains the largest amount of black and white prints in the collection.
Photographers: The photographers for most of these images are not identified, except for some postcards which have the photographer’s last name, or photo studio, written on the negative prior to printing. Photographer include: Bon Marche (Seattle, Washington), C.E Wheelock Company (Peoria, Illinois), Detroit Photographic Company, E.C. Kropp Company (Milwaukee, Wisconsin), Ellis, Ellis Post Card Company (Arlington, Washington), Frank Filloon, Ray Filloon, Frank Flack, Jones, Lowman & Hanford Co. (Seattle, Washington), Willam Godsoe (WG) MacFarlane (Toronto, Ontario), Edward H. Mitchell, Publisher (San Francisco, California), Pictorial, Portland Post Card Company (Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington), Puget Sound News Company (Seattle, Washington), pve, Adolph Selige Publishing Company (St. Louis, Missouri), Simmer, Kenneth Dupee (KD) Swan, Valentine Souvenir Company (Brooklyn, New York), O.J. Wingren (La Conner, Washington), and Wischmeyer (Seattle, Washington).
Series 5 provides contrasting views of Native American life in Washington. Different styles of living are evident in the prints, such as the Swinomish Indian Reservation, December 18, 1900 or Indian Camp at Hop Fields, c.1920s. The series illustrates the traditions that tie many of the featured tribes to the coast. This is especially evident in Salmon Bake, 1950 and Indian Canoes on Puget Sound, 1939-1950.
Extent: 52 images, 10 folders
Angeline.(Eldest daughter of Chief Seattle.) B/W postcard. Item no. 133.
Puget Sound Indians. Studio: Lowman & Hanford S & P. CO., PUB. Seattle. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 1056.
Moki Indian Cigarette Smoker. Studio: Detroit Photographic Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 5244. Postmarked Castle Rock, WA, August 18, 1906. Addressed to a Miss Virginia Multhauf. Includes brief correspondence on the front of the postcard.
The Swinomish Indian Reservation. Skagit County, Washington. Studio: O. J. Wingren, La Conner, Wash./ Excelsior ANC, N.Y. B/W postcard. Item no. A4464. Includes correspondence to a Mrs. Odin Blix.
Chief Seattle. Studio: Edward H. Mitchell, Publisher, San Francisco. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 660.
Indian Hop Pickers, Washington. Studio: Puget Sound News Company, Seattle, Wash. Excelsior ANC N.Y. B/W postcard. Item no. A 4384.
Daughter of Chief Spencer, Yakima Reservation. B/W postcard.
Siwash Indian Basket Maker, Washington State 1 of 2. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 1011.
Siwash Indian Basket Maker, Washington State 2 of 2. Studio: Lowman & Hanford S & P. CO., PUB. Seattle. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 1011. Duplicate. Postmarked Ferndale, WA. Includes brief correspondence to a Master Lester Caldin.
The Wyaach Valley, Makah Indian Reserve, Clallam Co. Washington. Studio: Wischmeyer, Seattle Washington. B/W postcard. Item no. 236.
Return of the Whale Hunters - 1. (Puget Sound Indians.) Studio: Adolph Selige, Pub. Co. Printed in Germany. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3618.
Return of the Whale Hunters - 2. (Puget Sound Indians.) Northwestern Indian Series. Studio: Adolph Selige, Pub. Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3618.Postmarked St. Louis, MO. Includes correspondence to a Miss Rose Woelfer.
Fisherman's Return. (Puget Sound Indian). Northwestern Indian Series. Studio: Adolph Selige, Pub. Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3620. Postmarked St. Louis, MO. Includes correspondence to a Miss Rose Woelfer.
The Old Indian Whale Hunter of Puget Sound. Northwestern Indian Series. Studio: Adolph Selige, Pub. Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3615. Postmarked St. Louis, MO. Includes correspondence to a Miss Rose Woelfer.
The Young Whaler. (Puget Sound Indian). Northwestern Indian Series. Studio: Adolph Selige, Pub. Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3617. Postmarked St. Louis, MO. Includes correspondence to a Miss Rose Woelfer.
The Indian Whaling Canoe of Puget Sound 1 of 2. Studio: Adolph Selige Publishing Co. Printed in Germany. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3616.
The Indian Whaling Canoe of Puget Sound 2 of 2. Northwestern Indian Series. Studio: Adolph Selige Publishing Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3616. Duplicate. Postmarked St. Louis, MO. Includes correspondence to a Miss Rose Woelfer.
Fisherman & Family (Puget Sound Indian). Northwestern Indian Series. Studio: Adolph Selige Publishing Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3619. Postmarked St. Louis, MO. Includes correspondence to a Miss Rose Woelfer.
Tulalip Indian Reservation, Everett, Washington. Studio: W. G. MacFarlane, Toronto. Printed in Germany. B/W postcard. Addressed to a Mr. Harry Church.
Totem Pole, Tacoma, Washington. Studio: E. C. Kropp Co. B/W postcard.
Indian Scenes near Everett, Washington 1 of 2. Studio: H. A. Landers, Importer & Publisher. Made in Germany. B/W postcard. Includes correspondence to a Miss Agusty Behendo.
Quiniault (Quinault ) Indian Scenes Near Hoquiam, Wash. -2 Studio: C.E. Wheelock Co. B/W postcard. Probable duplicate of Indian Scenes near Everett, Washington.
Puget Sound Indians, (SIWASH) Seattle, Washington. Studio: Edward H. Mitchell, Publisher, San Francisco. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 61.
Princess Angeline, Daughter of Chief Seattle. Studio: Portland Post Card Co. Made in Germany. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 5235.
Typical Northwest Indian. Studio: Adolph Selige, Pub Co. St. Luis - Leipzig. Northwest Indian Series. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3614. Postmarked St. Louis, MO. Addressed to a Miss Rose Woelfer.
Hat Island, Washington. Indian Fishing Village. Studio: Portland Post Card Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 5119. Postmarked Seattle, WA. Includes correspondence to a Miss Cora Crooks.
Puget Sound Indians Drying Cod Fish near Seattle, Washington. Studio: Bon Marche, Seattle Washington. B/W postcard.
Indian Camp at Hop Fields, Seattle, Washington. Studio: Bon Marche, Seattle Washington. B/W postcard.
Totem Pole- Tacoma Washington. Studio: pve. B/W postcard. Item no. A-32.
Theodore Hudson Quliute Indian Dugout Canoe. Studio: Ellis Post Card Co. Arlington, Washington. Color postcard.
Canoeing on Olympic Peninsula Streams with Indian Guide and Cedar Dugout Canoe. Studio: Jones. B/W postcard. Item no. 3485.
Indian Village near Spokane. Studio: Valentine Souvenir Co. New York. Printed in U.S.A. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 84-72. Includes correspondence to a Charles Schmidt.
Petroglyphs at Rock Island. Photographer: Simmer. B/W postcard. Item no. 74. Includes correspondence to a Mrs. Barry Bertseig.
Birthplace of Seattle Monument. Studio: Pictorial. B/W postcard. Item no. B-70.
Indian Canoes on Puget Sound. B/W postcard.
Pacific Ocean Quinault Indian Reservation near Grays Harbor. Photographer: B. B. Jones. B/W postcard. Item no. 3258.
Indian Picture Rocks Vantage Washington. (Petroglyphs) Photographer: Ellis. B/W postcard. Item no. 589.
Salmon Bake, Neah Bay. Photographer: Ellis. B/W postcard. Item no. 9133.
Indian Canoe - La Push, Washington. Studio: Ellis Post Card Co. Photographer: Ryan . B/W postcard. Item no. 5339.
Chief Seattle. B/W postcard. Item no. 1620.
Indian Procession at Rodeo, Ellensburg, Washington. Color lithograph postcard.
Indian Woman Huckleberry Picker Columbia National Forest, Washington. Photographer: K.D. Swan. B/W print. Includes tag that denotes title and price.
Male Berry Picker Columbia National Forest. Photographer: K.D. Swan. B/W print. Item no. 281589. Includes tag that denotes title and price.
Indian Woman Huckleberry Picker Columbia National Forest. Photographer: K.D. Swan. B/W print. Item no. 281587. Includes tag that denotes title and price. On the back of the print, a credit line is featured.
Indian Woman with Baby Columbia National Forest. Photographer: Ray Filloon. B/W print. Item no. 435. Includes tag that denotes title and price. On the back of the print, a credit line is featured.
Drying Huckleberries Columbia National Forest -1. Photographer: Ray Filloon. B/W print. Item no. 435968. Includes tag that denotes title and price. On the back of the print, a credit line is featured.
Indian Woman Drying Huckleberries -2. Photographer: Ray Filloon. B/W print. Item no. 435968. Includes tag that denotes title and price. On the back of the print, a credit line is featured.
Hide Scraping Columbia National Forest. Photographer: Ray Filloon. B/W print. Item no. 435964. Includes tag that denotes title and price. On the back of the print, a credit line is featured.
Louie Charley, Papoose, and Flora OnePenny Picking huckleberries Columbia National Forest, Washington. Photographer: Ray Filloon. B/W print. Item no. 385217. Includes tag that denotes title and price. On the back of the print, a credit line is featured.
Indian Woman on Horseback with Huckleberries Columbia National Forest. Photographer: Frank Filloon. B/W print. Item no. 435970. Includes tag that denotes title and price. On the back of the print, a credit line is featured.
Mrs. James Bedell, Sauk River Area. Photographer: Ray Filloon. B/W print. Item no. 437601. Includes tag that denotes title and price. On the back of the print, a brief description is featured.
Harvey Family at Cold Spring Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Photographer: Frank Flack. B/W print. Item no. 461777. Includes tag that denotes title and price, as well as an additional card with the same information. On the back of the print, a credit line is featured.
Format: 6 black and white postcards and 5 color lithograph postcards.
Photographers: The photographers for most of these images are not identified, except for some postcards which have the photographer’s last name, or photo studio, written on the negative prior to printing. Photographers include: Berryhill Company, Detroit Photographic Company, Frashers Fotos (Pomona, California), Adolph Selige Publishing Company (St. Louis, Missouri), and Curt Teich Company (Chicago, Illinois).
Series 6 marks a geographical change in direction for this collection. This series heads south and focuses on the warmer climate of Arizona. This is especially apparent in items Indian Home, Arizona, March 13, 1913 and Citadel Ruin, 1950. This series features mostly outdoor natural wonders and aspects of daily life such as blanket weaving.
Extent: 11 images, 2 folders
Pueblo Indian with Olla. Studio: Detroit Photographic Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 6503. Something to note, ollas are traditionally ceramic jars that are often used for storage of food or water.
Navajo Indian Weaving Blanket. Arizona. Studio: Adolph Selige, Pub Co. St. Louis - Leipzig. Printed in Germany. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 6223. Includes correspondence to a Mrs. Mona Browne.
Indian Home, Arizona. Studio: Berryhill Company. Made in Germany. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 659. Includes correspondence to a Miss Christabell Campbell.
Indian Squaw Carrying Burden Basket, Southern Arizona. Studio: Curt Teich Co. Published by Harry Herz. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 167.
Navajo Indian Rug Weaver and Friend in native Hogan. Studio: Frashers Fotos Incorporated, Pomona, California. B/W postcard.
Indian Basket Makers, Arizona. Color lithograph.
White House Canyon de Chelly. B/W postcard.
Tuzigoot Ruins between Clarkdale and Cottonwood Arizona X559. Studio: Frashers Fotos Incorporated, Pomona, California. Distributed by: Lollesgard Specialty Co. of Tuscon, AZ. B/W postcard.
Cliff Dwellings at Walnut Canyon National Monument, Arizona. B/W postcard. Item no. 2903.
The Citadel Ruin - Wupatki Natl. Monument, Arizona. B/W postcard. Item no. 7-B-181.
Tonto Cliff Dwelling showing natural cave and cliff - Tonto Natl. Monument, Arizona. B/W postcard. Item no. 7-C-190. Includes correspondence to a Mr. and Mrs. Chester Foley.
Format: 11 black and white postcards. One of the few series in the collection that consists exclusively of postcards of a black and white nature.
Photographers: The photographers for most of these images are not identified, except for some postcards and photographs that have the photographer’s last name, or photo studio, written on the negative prior to printing. Photographers include: Bud's, Jervie Henry (J.H.) Eastman, Eastman's Studio (Susanville, California), Ellis, Ericson Photo (Arcata, California), Frashers Fotos Incorporated (Pomona, California), University of California Museum of Anthropology, and Zercher Post Card Company (Topeka, Kansas).
Series 7 features photographs of Modoc people prior to their displacement from their native lands in northern California. "Ishi, Last of the Southern Yana" represents the Yana, a now extinct group that resided in Northern California and the Central High Sierras.. A particularly sentimental offering is "Snug as a bug in a rug" at Bay View Resort, 1904-1950. Other items of interest display rock formations and lava beds. Examples include Canby's Cross and Monument Rock near Tulelake, California.
Extent: 11 images, 2 folders
Snug as a bug in a rug at Bay View Resort, Lake Tahoe, California. Studio: Frashers Fotos Incorporated, Pomona, California. B/W postcard. The title contradicts the true subject content of this image. A Native American infant is featured here in a traditional cradleboard that is settled against what appears to be a redwood tree.
Modoc Native, Alturas, California. Studio: Zercher Post Card Co., Topeka, Kansas. B/W postcard. Item no. C1914.
Squaw Over 100 Years Old. Studio: Ericson Photo. B/W postcard. Includes correspondence to a Monsieur Henri Brandt.
Ishi, Last of the Southern Yana, Northern California. Studio: University of California Museum of Anthropology. B/W postcard.
"Canby's Cross" in Lava Beds Nat'l Monument, California. Studio: J.H. Eastman. B/W postcard. Item no. T-1074.
Monument Rock near Tulelake, California. Studio: Eastman's. B/W postcard. Item no. B-1891.
Modoc Monument. Photographer: Ellis. B/W postcard. Item no. 61.
Chief Lemee - Paiute Yosemite, National Park, California. B/W postcard.
Canby Cross Lava Beds Monument. Studio: Bud's. B/W postcard. Item no. 376.
General Canby's Monument, California. Studio: Eastman's. B/W postcard. Item no. B-563.
Indian Basket Weaver. B/W postcard.
Format: 7 black and white postcards. Frashers Fotos, a company based in California, produced the majority of these images. Known as the Postcard King of the West, Frasher's subjects were chosen by what was believed to most commercially popular.
Photographers: The photographers for most of these images are identifiable as the photographer’s last name, or photo studio were written on the negative prior to printing. Photographers include: Frashers Fotos Incorporated (Pomona, California) and Gerlach's Out West Photo Shop (Boulder, Colorado)
Series 8 exclusively features cliff dwellings near Mesa Verde. Photographs include Balcony House and Spruce Tree House, some of the best preserved cliff dwellings in North America.
Extent: 7 images, 1 folder
Spruce Tree House, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. Studio: Frashers Fotos Incorporated, Pomona, California. B/W postcard.
Balcony House Mesa Verde. Studio: Gerlach's Out West Photo Shop Boulder, Colorado. B/W postcard.
Cliff Palace As Seen from "Speaker Chief's House" Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. Studio: Frashers Fotos Incorporated, Pomona, California. B/W postcard.
Spruce Tree House, As Seen From Trail, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. Studio: Frashers Fotos Incorporated, Pomona, California. B/W postcard.
Cliff Palace as seen from the Sun Temple, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. Studio: Frashers Fotos Incorporated, Pomona, California. B/W postcard.
Square Tower House Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. Studio: Frashers Fotos Incorporated, Pomona, California. B/W postcard.
View from Southern End of Cliff Palace, Kivas in Foreground, Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado. Studio: Frashers Fotos Incorporated, Pomona, California. B/W postcard.
Format: 2 black and white postcards, 1 color lithograph.
Photographers: The photographers for these images are not identified.
Series 9 presents photographs of rock art, such as Pictured Rocks and Weeping Head, Dry Fork Canyon. This series also features "Indian Youth", a young Native American from the Warm Springs band photographed in a desert landscape wearing native dress.
Extent: 3 images, 1 folder
Pictured Rocks, Meadow Valley, Washington, Nevada. Salt Lake Route. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 2526.
Warm Springs Indian Youth Carson Indian Agency, Stewart, Nevada. B/W postcard. Item no. II.
Weeping Head, Dry Fork Canyon. B/W postcard.
Format: 2 black and white postcards and 2 color lithographs.
Photographers: The photographers for some of these images are not identified, except for some postcards which have the photographer’s last name, or photo studio, written on the negative prior to printing. Photographers include: Fred Harvey (western U.S. restaurant and gift store mogul), Southwest Post Card Company (Albuquerque, New Mexico), and Willis-Barnes Company (curio shop in Gallup, New Mexico).
Series 10 focuses on the Navajo tribe and the Pueblo of Isleta residents. This is especially evident in the postcards Morning Greetings and Navajo Hogan near Gallup New Mexico, 1926-1940s. Clothing specific to the region is shown in this series.
Extent: 4 images, 1 folder
"Morning Greetings" Isleta Indians, Isleta Pueblo near Albuquerque, New Mexico. Studio: Southwest Post Card Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. A-24. Includes correspondence to a Mrs. C.S. Calef.
Elle of Ganado. Acknowledged the best weaver among the Navahoes (Navajos). Photographer: Fred Harvey. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 9996.
Navajo Hogan near Gallup New Mexico. Studio: Willis - Barnes Co. B/W postcard.
Sign near Continental Divide Trading Post - Claude M. Bowlin - Hiway 80 GAGE, New Mexico. B/W postcard. Item no. E4100.
Format: 6 black and white postcards, 1 black and white print, 1 colored lithograph, 1 color postcard.
Photographers: The photographers for most of these images are not identified, except for some postcards that have the photographer’s last name, or photo studio written on the negative prior to printing. Photographers include: Adolph Selige Publishing Company (St. Louis, Missouri) and Tichnor Bros., Incorporated (Boston, Massachusetts).
Series 11 highlights other areas of the United States. The states featured here are Florida, Illinois, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Some unknown areas are also included in this series. Items range from depictions of past civilizations such as Dickson's Mound in Illinois to Seminoles settlements in Florida.
Extent: 9 images, 3 folders
Silver Springs, Seminole Settlement. Florida. Studio: Tichnor Bros., Inc. Boston, Mass. Color postcard. Item no. 238. Postmarked Stuart, FL. Includes correspondence to a Miss Patty Cochran.
Dickson's Mound Builders Tomb Skeletons. Lewistown, Illinois. B/W postcard. Item no. 3451.
Dickson's Mound Builders Tombs Lewistown, Illinois. B/W postcard. Item no. 3462.
Indian Boat Race. Northwestern Indian Series. Studio: Adolph Selige Publishing Co. Color lithograph postcard. Item no. 3604. Postmarked St. Louis, MO. Includes brief correspondence to a Miss Rose Woelfer.
Child in a Headdress. B/W postcard.
Henry Thompson catches one. B/W postcard. Item no. 2.
A Chippewa Chief and his Squaw Smoke Venison - Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin. B/W postcard. Item no. 77.
Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin. B/W postcard. Item no. 52.
Smokey Bear with Native Americans. B/W print. This image features two adult Native Americans, one male and one female. In front of Smokey is a child holding a Smokey Bear poster.