Your photographic time machine awaits!

The 72nd anniversary of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows in 1891 was marked by their Santa Ana Lodge with a parade. This is a view of W. 4th St, looking northeast from Broadway.

If you read this blog, you almost certainly dig cool old images of Orange County. In that case, BOY are you in luck! Long hidden away in the recesses of the Archives & Special Collections at Cal State Fullerton's Pollak Library, the Smart Studio Collection is getting a chance to shine! An exhibit entitled "An Orange County Portrait:  The Smart Studio Collection," just opened in the Salz-Pollak Atrium Gallery, (just off the main lobby of the Pollak Library at CSUF), and will run through Dec. 20, 2013.

Judge James W. Towner (1823-1913) in his bathing suit at Newport Beach, circa 1890.

This unique collection of more than seventy-five black-and-white photographs selected from the Smart Studio Collection examines a fascinating cross-section of American life as seen through the lenses of prominent Orange County landscape and portrait photographers Benjamin F. Conaway, Lou Hickox, and Mary Smart. This exhibit chronicles the transformation of Orange County and its people from before the establishment of the county through the mid-twentieth century.  People depicted in the photos include such notables as aviation pioneer Glenn Martin,  Orange County’s first judge, J. W. Towner,  and President Benjamin Harrison during a visit to Santa Ana. 

Each summer, local apricots were harvested, halved, sun dried, and treated with sulfur before shipment. This photo shows an apricot drying crew in Tustin, circa 1890.

Sponsored by the Pollak Library, this exhibit of previously hidden gems is produced by Stephanie George, archivist at the Center for Oral and Public History; Phil Brigandi, Orange County historian; and Gail Griswold, graphic designer, all of whom will be available to discuss the project at a special Open House—to which the public is invited—on Thursday, Oct. 10, noon to 3pm in the gallery.

It's really bothering me that I can't figure out how to get out of work to go to the grand opening, but I will definitely be going to see the exhibit ASAP.

Carlota Haider hard at work, helping install the exhibit at CSUF.

Go and see this exhibit! Yes, I know you can look at photos online, but there's nothing quite like looking at a large quality print of a photo to appreciate the details that can otherwise be lost.

For more information about the exhibit, contact Trish Campbell.