Mining Society, 1911

Collection consists of 70 nitrate negatives taken and compiled by mining and civil engineer W. R. Canton from approximately 1903 to 1930. Subjects include lab classes and fieldwork during Canton's studies at the University of Washington Mining Engineering College, as well as scenes of his dorm room and of the Mining Society club. Also depicted are mining sites and camps in Jackson County, Oregon, and McGill, Nevada. Oregon sites include Ethel mines, Siskiyou camp, Cole Springs, Steinman Overcrossing, and Dollarhide Bridge. Nevada sites include Berry Creek, Eureka Pit at Copper Flat, and McGill quarry.

The collection also contains Canton family snapshots, primarily taken in Medford, Oregon. These depict Canton; his wife, Ella O’Neill Canton; and their three children, William, Mary Patricia, and Edward. The images include early portraits of Canton in baseball uniforms, Christmas scenes and holiday gatherings, a soapbox derby, and family portraits.

Identifying information about the images is provided in captions on the negatives and in an accompanying index that was likely created by Canton.