Photo Detection

A recent donation of photos from the Swanlund family includes a picture that inspired a family detective team. A commercial block that, judging by the cars, was probably photographed in the 1930s. But where was it? The distance shows the top of a building that looks like the old courthouse/post office. But where was it taken from?

A magnifying glass identified several businesses: The Electric Waffle Inn, Martin Kodak Finishing, Cottage Candy, Floyd Hempfill Realtor, and Bertain's Cleaners. Consulting the street directories (a great resource at the HCHS) shows Bertain's Cleaners at 602 4th Street in 1934.

So, was the photo taken from the north west? My grandson figured the spike seemingly on the post office building was like the many antenna there now, but from that angle it could be the spire of St. Bernard's Church.

A family expedition set out to find this picturesque block. Alas, when we got to G and 4th streets, there was nothing but a large parking lot. The roofs of the post office, the Masonic building and the church spire just peeked out beyond.

So Eureka's architectural heritage lost a lot there. But thanks to donors, the HCHS resources and detectives, this nugget of Humboldt's history is preserved.