Isaac G. Davidson
It's unlikely that Isaac Grundy Davidson was himself a photographer, but in 18 months from 1877 to 1878 he propelled a small Portland studio to the highest volume photography operation in Oregon. Prior to entering the photography business he'd been an accountant for one of Portland's largest printing shops.
Initially he partnered with his brother John, and their imprints bore the name of Davidson Brothers, but soon he bought out his brother and most of the imprints we see today say simply "I. G. Davidson".
Davidson hired many of the best photographers of his time, including Andrew Wulzen in August of 1878. Wulzen had earlier worked for Carleton Watkins and proceeded to shoot for Davidson many of the same Columbia River views popularized by Watkins in his 1867 series. The next five years were the peak sales for boudoir size views, and according to Thomas Robinson, Davidson "produced one of the finest series in Oregon".
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Bridal Veil Bluffs, Columbia Gorge - 1880s
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The Bridal Veil Bluffs and the Pillars of Hercules are adjoining basalt formations in the Columbia Gorge. Learn More
Cape Horn, Columbia River - Near View - 1870s
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This near view of Cape Horn shows several small waterfalls amid the pinnacles. Learn More
Castle Rock from the Oregon Side - 1880s
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An unusual view of Castle Rock (now Beacon Rock) from across the Columbia River. Learn More
Castle Rock, Columbia river, near view - 1870s
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Now known as Beacon Rock, this striking feature is located near Skamamia on the northern side of the Columbia. Learn More
Fort Canby, Washington Territory - 1880s
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Fort Canby at Cape Disappointment, on the Washington Territory side of the mouth of the Columbia River. Learn More
Hallett's Hades, Midway Gibraltar Rock - c. 1880
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Hallett's Hades was a point about 12 miles west of The Dalles, where the railroad tracks passed close to the edge of a cliff, part of which had been blown off in their construction. Learn More
Latourelle Falls, near Rooster Rock - 1880s
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Latourelle Falls was often photographed, but each artist had his own approach. This view is all about sunlight. Learn More
Light Battery, Fort Stevens - 1880s
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The Light Battery training at Fort Stevens, near Astoria on the Oregon coast. Learn More
Mount Shasta - c. 1888
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I. G. Davidson's 1880s view of Mt. Shasta, showing an early ranch and perhaps a hotel to the right. Learn More
New Bridge Across the Sandy River - 1880s
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The new bridge for the O. R. & N. Company, across the Sandy River east of Portland on the way to the Columbia Gorge. Learn More
Oneonta Gorge at Low Water - 1880s
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A half-mile walk up the creek (read "in the creek") from Oneonta Bridge you'll find this spectacular gorge. Learn More
Rooster Rock, from O. R. & N. Railroad - 1880s
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When the railroad was completed from Portland to the Dalles in 1882, it gave photographers easier access to scenes like this. Learn More
Rooster Rock, View from the Columbia River - 1880s
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This view of Rooster Rock from the Columbia River side shows choppy water in the foreground and towering bluffs in the background. Learn More
Spokane Falls and the Town - 1880s
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A well-framed view of Spokane Falls and the new town just beginning on the opposite bank. Learn More
Tillamook Rock & Light House - 1880s
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Tillamook Rock and Lighthouse, 19 miles south of the Columbia River bar. Learn More
Two Cultures at Willamette Falls - 1880s
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Willamette Falls on a cloudy day in the early 1880s is visited by fishermen from two cultures. Learn More
Upper Cape Horn, O. R. & N. - c. 1880
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Sun and shadows add to the drama of this view of the Oregon Railway and Navigation Company's tracks, as they pass one of many named rock formations in the Columbia Gorge. Learn More
Upper Multnomah Falls, with First Bridge - 1880s
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Davidson's photographer got a bit closer than some others for this early view of the falls with the first timber bridge. Learn More
Willamette Falls Locks - circa 1880
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This view is reproduced from a boudoir card published by Isaac G. Davidson in about 1880, a few years after the locks were opened. The locks themselves are not a lot different than they are today. Learn More
Young Victorian Woman with Cropped Hair - 1887
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Portrait of Blanche Webster Yeomans, taken in January 1887, shortly after her marriage. Learn More
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