PBA Galleries

Original albumen photograph. 53x37 cm. (20¾x14¾"), on original mount.

Rare montage of portraits of leading members of this important California fraternal organization, being those members selected for the Hall Association, dedicated to the construction of a new hall. The photograph was taken by Elite Photo, a well known San Francisco photography studio. At center is the President of the Hall Association, James D. Phelan.

Founded in 1893, the Hall Association found its quest interrupted by the devastation of the 1906 earthquake and fire, but their renewed efforts brought the task to fruition, and the new building, at 414 Mason street was completed in 1912. Accompanied by a rare program for the dedication for the new building, titled: Dedication of N.S.G.W. Building," [16] pp. in original wrappers. With photographs of the association members and a listing of the contractors amount other features. Only 3 copies of this program located by OCLC / Worldcat. Also present is a 4-page flier for the election of James D. Phelan as U.S. Senator - he was the first popularly elected senator from California, the previous senators being chosen by the state legislature.