105 years ago today the earth shook and fire raised the city of San Francisco. This is the anniversary of the 1906 earthquake.
Today I have chosen to feature this photo from the George Kallman estate. I have no information about the children in the photo, but the photographer took some memorable photos of the aftermath of the earthquake.
I have not found any biographical information about Whigham. I'm hoping eventually someone steps forward and offers some.
The following three images showing the aftermath of the quake are from the Central Washington University Brooks Library Digital Collection, all taken by Whigham Photo. Click on the links to go to their site and see the images larger along with reference data.
Then there's the following little item from the January 5, 1908 newspaper The San Francisco Call from the Library of Congress archives. Click on the link to see the full page of the paper.
Apparently Whigham Photo was in the "Rooms to Let" business.
As with all old photos, you have to wonder what became of the people. Most assuredly, what became of these two children?
UPDATE: Thanks to an anonymous reader we now have a little bit of information about the Whigham Studio:
UPDATE: Thanks to Kevin Shiley for the following information.
UPDATE: Thanks to an anonymous reader we now have a little bit of information about the Whigham Studio:
Whighams Studio was owned by Minnie Seavy of San Francisco. She had two studios one on Mission and the other on Market. One of the newspapers had a baby photo contest which she won with two photos that were titled A Breath of Heaven Day/Night. I know she also owned a few flats as well.
UPDATE: Thanks to Kevin Shiley for the following information.
Richard P Whigham, the photographer, was the older brother of my great grandmother, Matilda Whigham McCaslin. He was born in Belfast, Ireland (now Northern Ireland) and his family emigrated to Calgary, Alberta in 1872. He made his way to San Francisco sometime in the 1890’s and in the 1900 census is listed as a photographer. Minnie Seavy was his 2nd wife, he married her in 1910. He passed away in 1932, and she survived him. In the census data he was always listed as photographer. Minnie is first shown as a photographer in the 1930 census, before that under occupation it said none.
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The eyes, ears and noses tell me they're brother and sister, but of course you already knew that, right?
ReplyDeleteOh you give me far too much credit for brains kind sir.
ReplyDeleteWhighams Studio was owned by Minnie Seavy of San Francisco. She had two studios one on Mission and the other on Market. One of the newspapers had a baby photo contest which she won with two photos that were titled A Breath of Heaven Day/Night. I know she also owned a few flats as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much! I'll add this to the post.
ReplyDeleteRichard P Whigham, the photographer, was the older brother of my great grandmother, Matilda Whigham McCaslin. He was born in Belfast, Ireland (now Northern Ireland) and his family emigrated to Calgary, Alberta in 1872. He made his way to San Francisco sometime in the 1890’s and in the 1900 census is listed as a photographer. Minnie Seavy was his 2nd wife, he married her in 1910. He passed away in 1932, and she survived him. In the census data he was always listed as photographer. Minnie is first shown as a photographer in the 1930 census, before that under occupation it said none.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to send me this information. I truly appreciate it. I will add it to the actual post so it becomes searchable.
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