Possibly James Pitzer Smith, San Francisco, c 1895–1900, Cabinet Card

Possibly James Pitzer Smith, San Francisco, c 1895–1900, Cabinet Card

Author: Duhem

Year: 1897

Possibly James Pitzer Smith (1875–1936), brother of Bertha Bright Smith (1879–1958). This portrait belongs to a small group of three photos (so far) linked to Bertha: two prints from the Duhem “Sunbeam Photo” studio in San Francisco and one from F. J. Meinzer in Cottage Grove, Oregon. The two Duhem portraits appear to show the same man and are very likely James; this card aligns with that pair, while the Meinzer portrait remains less certain pending comparison. This card’s verso is inscribed “Miss Burtha Smith” (Bertha misspelled), matching two other Duhem prints that carry BBS initials. Studio imprint: Duhem, “Sunbeam Photo,” 64 Third Street, corner Mission, San Francisco. Mount style and the 64 Third address indicate a date before the Duhem brothers appear at 94 Third in 1902, placing this image circa 1895–1900. The sitter reads as mid-20s, consistent with James’s age in this window. Approximate size 4 ¼ × 6 9⁄16 inches. From the collection of Barbara Toner Hopper, passed on to me by her daughter Elaine at Barbara’s funeral at the Applegate Cemetery in Yoncalla.