Name/Title
Photographs of Venice Baths / Palm Beach, c. 1914Entry/Object ID
2023.43.1Description
Acc. No. 23.43.1 A-H
Subject Category: Beaches and Parks; Businesses of Alameda, Venice Baths/Palm Beach
Date or Period: 1914
Object: photographs
Description: sepia colored photographs, mounted (glued) on black photo album paper, featuring beach scenes or an avenue with people. A has 'Washington Park' in pencil on the reverse. A-C have a building, with a street lined with a wood fence, and broad staircase to the left and a sandy cliff to the left of that. On C. a pier with building at the end is visible. D. appears to be the top of that staircase; E. has the building from the top of the cliff with a merry-go-round; F. shows the building from the other side, but from a high vantage point (on top of the cliff), with a similar building right behind. G. shows a path lined with concessions and the fence in the background; H. shows cars in front of the fence with a banner 'Alameda Venice Now Open' and in smaller type 'Bathing Dancing Conces[sions]'. Also on H, a banner on the car with 'Vote Vote C.D. Swan for St...' [remaining words illegible...].
Size: pages: L 5 3/8" x W 6 1/2" (approx.); photos: L 2 5/8" x W 4 1/2"
History of Object: Photographs found in a folder labeled 'Venice Baths / Palm Beach'. Possibly this was opening day. Venice Baths was opened around 1914, and accessible from Washington Park, what is now 'Upper' Washington Park. The owner, W.R. Geary, declared bankruptcy in 1915. On C. The Encinal Yacht Club club house is visible.
Part of a collection of papers from an Alameda resident, donated by the heir who wished to remain anonymous.
Acquired from: Anonymous
Donation Date: 11/19/2022; Catalog Date: 11/19/2023.
