Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Item
Title
James A. Turner in Seattle, Washington, in 1913
Date(s)
- 1913 (Creation)
Extent
1 photograph
Name of creator
Biographical history
Asahel Curtis was born in 1874 in Minnesota[1] to Johnson Asahel Curtis (1840–1887) and Ellen Sheriff (1844–1912). The Curtis family moved to Washington state in 1888. Asahel's brother, Edward Sheriff Curtis, supported the family by opening a photography studio in Seattle, and Asahel went to work for him in 1894. In 1897, the brothers agreed that Asahel should go to the Yukon and document the Klondike Gold Rush. Asahel remained there for two years, alternately taking pictures and working a small and largely unproductive claim. Asahel launched his photography career with that two year trip to Alaska and the Klondike. In 1911, Asahel established his own studio in Seattle and employed a team of developers and colorists, including his sister Eva. He was hired by a number of local companies, organizations, and wealthy individuals to take portraits and promotional photos. He became more widely known for his images of the Washington landscape that were published nationwide. Curtis worked in his Seattle studio until his death in 1941. Sixty thousand of his images are held in trust by the Washington State Historical Society in Tacoma.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
Photographer James A. Turner poses in a doorway in Seattle, Washington, in 1913. The back of this print is labeled "A. Curtis," suggesting that the photo was made by the noted Seattle photographer Asahel Curtis. Photo by Asahel Curtis, J.A. Turner collection. Other Subject Classes: person, doorway
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
Please see Section VII of the Pacific Northwest Railroad Archive Collection Management Policy for further information on
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Please see the Pacific Northwest Railway Archives Reproduction Policy for further information.
Languages of the material
- English
Scripts of the material
- Latin
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Ownership resides in the the Pacific Northwest Railroad Archive
Immediate source of acquisition
Donated by Walter Ainsworth. Accrual W2013-44 received October 15, 2013.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Describing Archives - A Content Standard (DACS) 2nd Edition 2013
Sources used
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Northern Pacific Railroad Company (Subject)