Bertram C. Towne

Bertram C. Towne was the son of William H. Towne, and took over his father's studio, The San Francisco Gallery, after the elder Towne died in 1884 at age 49. For three years, Towne partnered with Elbridge W. Moore, but from 1888 to 1895 he operated on his own as simply "B. C. Towne Photograph Company".

Towne advertised "Oil and Crayon Portraits", "The Latest in Flash Light Photography", and promised "Will Call at Your Home and Take the Baby's Picture".

Carl Mautz states that B. C. Towne's studio "became one of the premier galleries in Portland, employing many of the best photographers in the area." The company published boudoir format scenes of Alaska, the Columbia River, Mt. Hood, and other northwest locations.

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  1. 1894 Portland Flood, Goodyear Rubber Co.
    As low as $5.00
    This unusual photo shows the interior of the Goodyear Rubber Company retail store, located on First Street, about two blocks from the Willamette River. Learn More
  2. Dip Netting for Lamprey at the Dalles - c. 1887
    As low as $5.00
    The lamprey is an ancient fish, which like the salmon returns from several years in the ocean to spawn in fresh-water rivers. Learn More
  3. First Steel Bridge, Portland, Under Construction - 1888
    As low as $5.00
    This is the first Steel Bridge, after the lower deck was functional but before the upper deck was completed. Learn More
  4. Horse Logging near Bridal Veil - 1890s
    As low as $5.00
    The photographer's title "Logging Near Bridal Veil" probably refers to the Columbia Gorge logging town of Bridal Veil, rather than the waterfall. Learn More
  5. Latourelle Falls from the Left - 1890s
    As low as $5.00
    B. C. Towne chose an unusual angle in this 1890s view of Latourelle Falls. Learn More
  6. Looking Downstream from Twin Falls - circa 1890
    As low as $5.00
    We're looking downstream on the Snake River, several miles east of where the city of Twin Falls now stands. At the time this photo was taken, the city had not yet been started. Learn More
  7. Oneonta Falls - 1890s
    As low as $5.00
    Sometimes called "Upper Oneonta Falls", these 65-foot-high falls create quite a roar for the visitor. Learn More
  8. Railroad Behind Rooster Rock, Columbia River Gorge - 1890
    As low as $5.00
    This unusual view from 1890 shows the new (seven years old) railroad and Crown Point, still 25 years away from becoming the location for Vista House. Learn More
  9. Railroad Trestle Over Mill Creek at The Dalles - circa 1890
    As low as $5.00
    The only thing better than a railroad trestle is a curved railroad trestle. Learn More
  10. Rooster Rock - 1890s
    As low as $5.00
    Rooster Rock's quiet bay and slender profile mark the western end of the Columbia Gorge. Learn More
  11. Seining Grounds Above Astoria - 1887
    As low as $5.00
    In the 1800s, salmon were caught in three ways: gill nets, fish traps and horse-drawn seines copied from Native American fiber drag nets. Learn More
  12. Taking Salmon from a Fish Trap in Baker's Bay - c. 1887
    As low as $5.00
    This type of fish trap was called a "pound net". Used in various parts of the country, the device included a long leader, stretched perpendicular to the shore, which guided salmon into the pound. Learn More
  13. Train near Rooster Rock - 1890s
    As low as $5.00
    This 1890s view of an O. R. & N. train headed downstream near Rooster Rock shows lots of detail. Learn More
  14. USS Charleston, The 1st US Protected Cruiser, in Portland - 1892
    As low as $5.00
    This is the second USS Charleston. It was an important ship - the first US protected cruiser to be built. Learn More
  15. Willamette Falls from Below - c. 1890
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    This view of a portion of Willamette Falls from below gives a great glimpse of their basalt foundation. Learn More
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