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L. E. Meeker Lantern Slides

November 15, 2010

Historic Collections

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Two ladies in a flower bedecked carriage

 

The Arboretum’s collection of historic photographs includes two boxes of glass lantern slides which include several early images of the Rose Parade as well as scenes in Pasadena and other parts of the San Gabriel Valley.

Lantern slides were invented in 1849, only ten years after the invention of photography. They are positive photographic images on glass usually four by five inches in size. They were projected onto a screen using an early version of a slide projector. They made it possible to project large images that were viewable by sizeable audiences. Like the Meeker lantern slides they were often hand colored and when shown they were sometimes accompanied by live music, sound effects and dramatic readings. They were essentially a precursor to motion pictures. Information in detail can be found on the Magic Lantern Society’s web site.

Unfortunately we know very little about Meeker however some of the slides are inscribed “L.E. Meeker” and in some cases “M.D.” is added. A photograph of a pencil portrait includes a note indicating that Meeker was a physician.

Greeks at the 1906 Rose Parade?

Census records suggest that they may have belonged to a Dr. Lewis Edgar Meeker M.D. (1851-1918) of Brooklyn New York. As a young man, Meeker lived in Arcata, California where his son Lewis Edgar Meeker Jr. was born in 1881. Dr. Meeker was apparently a keen photographer and a President of the Eastern District Savings Bank. A note on page 210 of the journal Photographic Times and American Photographer in the 1887 issue under news from the Brooklyn Institute (now the Brooklyn Museum of Art) describes a lantern slide show presented by Meeker of old houses in Brooklyn. Meeker’s death was announced in the June 8, 1918 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Cause of death is not given but it is possible that the Class of 1872, Detroit Medical College graduate may have been a victim of the great 1918 Influenza Pandemic like so many others but this is simply guesswork at the moment.  

At present, we can’t be certain that the images were taken by Meeker or even if this is the correct L. E. Meeker. However, it seems likely and more research will undoubtedly reveal more about this collection of images. Perhaps someone reading this posting will be able to supply the solution to this mystery? We're hoping to get assistance in making high quality digital scans of the images to facilitate access and study of the images. 

House in Pasadena, 1906

 

 The first Tournament of Roses was held in 1890 to showcase the mild winter weather in Pasadena. Carriages bedecked with flowers probably made a powerful impression on the visiting snow birds as did images of the event which made their way east. Perhaps doctor Meeker retained fond memories of his visit as did many others who visited early in the 20th century. 

 

Mitchell Hearns Bishop

Curator, Historic Landscape and Collections

 

 

The Los Angeles County Arboretum Appoints Richard Schulhof as CEO

August 07, 2009

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Richard SchulhofLOS ANGELES—The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden announced today that Richard Schulhof has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer at The Arboretum effective in early October.

A native of Los Angeles, Schulhof comes from Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum in Boston where for the last seven years he has served as deputy director. Prior to that, Schulhof was Executive Director of Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Previously he completed horticultural internships at the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino and the Mildred Mathias Gardens at U.C.L.A.

Schulhof has an undergraduate degree in landscape architecture from U.C. Berkeley and masters degrees in public garden administration from the University of Delaware and forestry from Harvard.

Schulhof has created new programs supporting science education in both Boston and Los Angeles schools. Through collaboration with school districts and private foundations, his programs have offered teacher training, field trips and in-class instruction. Working with the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the National Park Service, he has launched programs interpreting historic landscapes.

Russ Guiney, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, expressed his strong support and enthusiasm for the selection. "When the search committee began its comprehensive national search a little over a year ago, we were seeking an inspiring and dynamic leader with a commitment to excellence, a strategic thinker. While there were several very qualified candidates, the search committee unanimously endorsed the selection of Richard Schulhof, recognizing his deep passion for the natural world, extensive institutional experience, and demonstrated scholarly expertise.” Burks Hamner, president of The Arboretum Board of Trustees expressed “the Board of Trustees is looking forward to welcoming Richard, whose vast experience and knowledge will enhance and expand our existing programs.”

Schulhof brings to The Arboretum a strong commitment to public education and a strong interest in serving urban communities. “Finding new ways to bring the fascination and beauty of plants to greater Los Angeles is the aim,” Schulhof commented. “I am most honored to accept this important position, and I look forward to working with a very dedicated community—staff, volunteers, the trustees, the County Parks Department—to help more people discover this magical place.  With fascinating plant collections, a magnificent landscape, and remarkable history, the possibilities are unbounded, and I look forward to working to realize The Arboretum’s potential and goal of becoming one of the world’s truly great public gardens.”


MEDIA CONTACT:  Cynthia Vargas Marketing/Communications Dept. 213-700-0700 cynthia.vargas@arboretum.org

Images for this press release:

Image 1: Richard Schulhof