You are here

The Freeman Art Company Photograph Collection

Cal Poly Humboldt’s Special Collections and Archives is pleased to announce that the Freeman Art Company Photograph Collection is officially available for anyone interested in the photographic history of Humboldt County. This collection comprises photographs covering various topics and subjects related to Humboldt County from 1930-1950. This includes, but is not limited to, images of Eureka, rivers, redwoods, and the Days of General Grant festival. All of the photographs capture a slice of what life used to be like in Humboldt County.

These photos were taken by the Freeman Art Company, which was opened in Eureka in 1908 by married couple Edwin and Emma Freeman. From the years 1918 to 1940, a photographer named Stephen Fred Chamley worked for the Freeman Art Company and was most likely responsible for the majority of the photographs taken during this time period. 

This collection is available for in-person use to both students, faculty, and the public. Special Collections is hopeful to have this collection digitized for widespread use in the near future, so please stay tuned for future updates. For now, please come to the space and inquire about the Freeman Art Company collection if you are interested or doing research on Humboldt County history or photography! - Samantha Pate, Student Assistant, September 26, 2024

 

Interior of log cabin restaurantMad River Construction