A source online, without references states, that Charles L. Cramer (1836-1911) was a photographer active in San Francisco, CA 1865-1905. He operated the California Photographic Gallery 1869-1905, partnered in Oakland as Bailey & Cramer 1877-79, and Bayley &Cramer in San Francisco 1865-1868. His wife, Melinda E. Cramer, assisted in the work 1896-1900 and their son, Frank Cramer, worked 1896-1901Jim Wolf, 9/16/2017
In the excellent book 'Pioneers Photographers of the Far West' by Peter Palmquist p.185-186 he states that Cramer was first located at Kearny street in 1869. The photograph studio was named the California Photographic Gallery by the 1870s and he stayed at this location until 1905.Jim Wolf, 9/16/2017
Thanks very much for this information, Jim. We shall keep your comments so that other users can learn from your research.Bruce Davies , 9/19/2017
photograph
Artwork
Accession Number
2009.019.020Alternate Name
cabinet cardDescription
A sepia-toned positive photographic portrait of Hon. Robert Dunsmuir on cardstock. This is a torso shot where Dunsmuir appears to be sitting, wearing a white shirt with a darkly-coloured bow tie, and a tweed vest and suit jacket, his watch chain showing. His facial hair is trimmed to his chin-line, creating a type of beard known as a chin curtain. The photograph was taken in San Francisco.Narrative
This photograph of Robert Dunsmuir may be the only print made from the original negative, the location of which is unknown. Careful comparison of this print with the same image held by the BC Archives (BCA D-03608) confirmed that the BCA image is an exact copy of this image, including the stains and other print defects. The BCA borrowed this print to make their copy negative.History of Use
This print was donated to The Castle Society by a great great grandson of Robert and Joan Dunsmuir through the Bryden family line. It was probably first owned by Robert & Joan Dunsmuir at their house named Ardoon, in Nanaimo, B.C. At some point, it likley became the property of their first child, Elizabeth Hamilton Dunsmuir (also known as Mrs. John Bryden) and/or her daughter Joan Olive Bryden (also known as Mrs. Alastair Macdonald) who passed it to her daughter Elizabeth Mary Katherine Macdonald (also known as Mrs. Robin Raymond) who passed it to her son Anthony Raymond, the donor.Date
circa 1880Dimensions
16.5 x 11.8 cmPhotograph Type
Albumen processSubject/Image
Robert DunsmuirSupport
Paper; CardboardInscription
On the verso,written by hand: Property of Mrs. Robin Raymond, McNeil Ave
printed: C.S. Cramer, Cor.[corner] Pine and Kearny Sts.
Country of Origin
United States of AmericaRelated people/businesses/organizations
C.S. Cramer (photographer)Robert Dunsmuir (depicts)
Elizabeth Hamilton Dunsmuir (owner)
Elizabeth Mary Katherine Macdonald (owner)
Joan Olive Bryden (owner)
Related Associations
Duntulm (farm with house) (was used in)Dalzellowlie (house) (was used in)
Ardoon (house) (was used in)
