Prudhomme, Charles J., 1854-1934

Charles J. Prudhomme (1854-1934) was born in Los Angeles, the son of Leon Victor Prudon (Prudhomme), a transplanted Frenchman, and Mercedes Tapia, a native Californian. Prudhomme was the historian for Ramona Parlor 109, Native Sons of the Golden West, and avidly located and collected historic relics typical of old California.

From the description of Historical Society of Southern California Collection - Charles J. Prudhomme Collection of Photographs [graphic], 1870s-1933 (bulk 1923-1933). (Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens). WorldCat record id: 122638859

Biographical/Historical Note

Charles J. Prudhomme (1854-1934) was born in Los Angeles, the son of Leon Victor Prudon (Prudhomme), a transplanted Frenchman, and Mercedes Tapia, a native Californian. Prudhomme’s father played a role in early California history, participating in the Bear Flag Revolt of 1846. Prudhomme was the historian for Ramona Parlor 109, Native Sons of the Golden West, and collected historic relics related to California history.

The Prudhomme Collection comprises one portion of the Historical Society of Southern California (HSSC) Collection, which was donated to the Huntington Library in 1992. The HSSC Collection as a whole contains approximately 15,000 photographs and negatives covering the period circa 1870 to circa 1980, and almost exclusively depicts Southern California. As such, it is an important visual record of the growth and history of the region.

From the guide to the Historical Society of Southern California--Charles Prudhomme Collection of Photographs, 1870s-1933, (bulk 1923-1933), (The Huntington Library)