Arthur B. McAlpin
Born in Pennsylvania in 1856, his family moved to San Francisco after his birth. McAlpin came to Portland in 1884 and went into the photography business, initially working for Frank Abell, but soon joining with Charles Y. Lamb to form the firm McAlpin & Lamb. It's likely that most of the scenic photos produced by the partners were McAlpin's work, while Lamb concentrated on studio portraits.
In 1890, McAlpin travelled to Alaska. With the aid of "the largest camera ever used in the Territory", he produced 175 views of various sizes that were soon for sale at his Portland studio. In 1894, along with T. B. White and C. C. Lewis, he spent a night on the summit of Mt. Rainier, having carried with them "five first-class barometers and two cameras".
Of course he brought back photos.
Arthur McAlpin died in 1947, at the age of 90.
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Blackface Performer in Portland - circa 1900As low as $5.00An unnamed vaudeville performer is captured in his blackface persona in the publicity photo from Portland at the turn of the last century. Learn More -
Cascades of the Columbia - c. 1890As low as $5.00The Cascade Rapids on the Columbia River were one of two sections of the river that blocked passage for steamboats, the other being The Dalles. Learn More -
First Steel Bridge, Portland - circa 1888As low as $5.00This is Portland's first steel bridge, from a photo taken shortly after its completion in 1888. It was the first railroad bridge across the Willamette in Portland. Learn More -
Fish Wheel at Upper Cascades, Columbia River - c. 1885As low as $5.00Fish wheels, water-powered mechanisms that "mined" salmon, were active on the Columbia River from 1879 through 1934. Learn More -
Looking North over Portland Towards Mt. St. Helens - 1890As low as $5.00We're looking up Broadway, with the Park Blocks on the left. Note the lack of electric lines. Learn More -
Oregon City Suspension Bridge, Looking Downstream - 1890sAs low as $5.00The Oregon City Suspension Bridge, looking downstream on the Willamette, below Willamette Falls. Learn More -
Sidewheeler Steamer Ocean Wave in Portland Harbor - c. 1895As low as $5.00The sidewheeler Ocean Wave was designed by Jacob Kamm in built in Portland. Learn More -
Tourists on Timber Bridge, Multnomah Falls - c. 1890As low as $5.00A group of twenty-six tourists demonstrate their faith in the strength of the reinforced timber bridge in this view published by McAlpin & Lamb in about 1890. Learn More