American Historical Ephemera & Photography

3 albums documenting international travel to Europe, Russia, San Francisco, Japan, Hong Kong, South America, and Panama. Ca 1892-1898.

Oblong quarto (11 x 14 1/2 in.) 280 x 370 mm. Contains over 350 photographs ranging in size from 3 3/4 x 4 3/4 in. to 6 1/2 x 8 3/4 in., mounted recto/verso on 10 1/2 x 14 in. album pages (toning, fading to some prints, occasional spotting; toning, some soiling, some edge wear to album pages). One quarter morocco gilt (wear to extremities, spine fully separated but present). Spine with paper label identifying the subject matter of the enclosed photographs, "Norway, Sweden, Finland, Gota Canal, Russia, Scotland, Summer of 1892." Free front end paper identified to "Joseph Earle Stevens, Summer of 1892." Many of the photographs are accompanied by period inked inscriptions. The images document Stevens' journey Europe and beyond aboard the SS Umbria. Both personal snapshots and souvenir photographs are enclosed, showing cities, landmarks, churches and cathedrals, scenic views, residences, ships, friends, and local residents. At least 15 letters written abroad as well as newspaper clippings, tickets, pamphlets, and business cards are mounted in the final pages of the album. 

[With:] Oblong quarto (9 1/2 x 13 1/4 in.) 240 x 340 mm. Contains over 300 photographs, most approx. 3 3/4 x 4 1/2 in., mounted recto/verso on 9 x 12 in. album pages (toning, some fading to prints, occasional spotting and soiling; some warming to album pages, toning, occasional spotting). One quarter navy sheep gilt with watered silk covered boards (wear to extremities, spine fully separated but present). Spine with paper label identifying the subject matter of the enclosed photographs, "1893-1896, Trip, Philippines, San Francisco, Japan, Hong Kong, Stay in Manila, and various excursions, 1894-1895." Free front end paper with period inscription, "From Boston - Nov. 13 1893. To Manila Dec. 20 '93, and a stay in Manila until October 1895... " signed "J.E. Stevens." Many of the photographs are accompanied by period inked inscriptions. The images document Stevens' travels, including views aboard ships, images of landscapes, cities, villages, residences, locals, and personal moments with friends.

[Also with:] Oblong folio (11 1/2 x 15 in.) 290 x 380 mm. Contains over 175 photographs, most approx. 3 3/4  4 3/4 in., mounted recto/verso to 11 x 13 1/2 in. album pages (toning, soiling, some faded prints; soiling, staining, edge and corner wear to album pages). Original cloth (wear to extremities). Spine with paper label identifying the subject matter of the enclosed photographs, "J.E.S. 1st South American Trip, 1897-1898, Buenos Aires, Asuncion, Quebracho Districts, Andes, and West Coast to Panama, NY." Interior cover with inked notation, "Trip to the Argentine from England Nov.-Dec. 1897. Returning across the Andes and home in Chile Peru and Panama, arriving New York April 1898."  Many of the photographs are accompanied by period inked inscriptions. Additional images documenting Stevens' travels, including ship views, railway scenes, locals, streets and marketplaces, cathedrals, and panoramic views. Views showing a group of distinguished gentlemen identified as President Pierola of Peru and his cabinet are also enclosed as well as a pair of photos identified as showing the Panama Canal. 

Together, 3 travel albums, containing over 800 photographs documenting a young man's adventures abroad during the late 19th century.