Willard E. Worden

Contains: photos

Willard E. Worden (1868-1946) was a photographer and later gallery owner at Union Square. His most prolific period falls between 1905 and 1915. He was one of the PPIE's official photographers and captured the fair both day and night. His personal interest seemed to be with the natural world. His images of the unbuilt Sunset District and Lands End are notable documents of a lost environment. Extensive collections of Worden's images reside in the San Francisco Public Library, de Young Museum, and other institutions. All images here scanned from glass negatives.

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California & Powell

Nighttime view. Admission Day Celebration 1910. Ferry Building and ships Illuminated.

1910 Downtown

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California near Sansome

1906 Earthquake and Fire, view west up California Street. Fairmont Hotel, Old St. Mary's Cathedral Grace Church in distance. Kohl Building, Parrott Block. Bank of California under construction at Sansome corner at right. Fireman's Fund Building across Sansome at left reduced to 2 stories and partially restored. At far left, Mutual Life Insurance Building. In distance left, Merchants Exchange Building. Beyond Bank of California construction at right, London & San Francisco Bank Building with flag on roof, showing earthquake damage to exterior, but occupied by Otis, Mc Allister & Co. coffee importers starting in late June, 1906. Just beyond, 3 story building with light granite facade is Mercantile Trust Co. building (Albert Pissis, Architect, 1903)

1906 Financial District

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Brisbane

Part of a Visitacion Valley set from Worden documenting Southern Pacific construction. Farmhouse. San Bruno Mountain, people in the field. [Worden 61]

1907 Outside SF

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View from Brisbane

Part of a Visitacion Valley set from Worden documenting Southern Pacific construction. View northerly toward the bay, from San Bruno Mountain above Brisbane. Bayview Hill in distance. [worden 54]

1907 Outside SF