Contains photos of Lick Observatory, San Francisco, Alameda County, Cloverdale, and other California locales. Lick Observatory photos show exterior and interior views of buildings; a snow scene cyanotype of temporary dwellings used during construction; a self-portrait of Mathews in the library; a cyanotype of James Licks' remains being placed at the base of telescope pier; views of Mt. Hamilton; and landscapes taken from Observatory Peak. Photos of San Francisco include images of residences (many identified by address); Laurel Hill Cemetery; G.A.R. parade on Market St., Aug. 3, 1886; Fort Point; Presidio; cityscapes; a building fire being put out; ruins of buildings; "Sutro's aquarium"; Cliff House; Conservatory of Flowers; ships (identified); and artist G.J. Denny's plot at Masonic Cemetery. Alameda County photos include residences (some identified); Alameda Beach and Bridge; Alameda Pioneers picnic at Dry Creek; and H. Allen Mayhew's vineyard in Niles. Cloverdale photos include landscapes; a group of "Cloverdale Indians"; and a female tightrope walker. Other photos include an adobe building from Mission San Jose; cityscapes of San Jose; "The Alameda" avenue; James Lick's San Jose homestead; Russian River; Santa Cruz residences, including R.C. Gallego's Mountain Ranch; a man holding dead snakes; a drawing of the "Howard Villa" (the Uplands) in San Mateo; and other unidentified locations. The album contains several portraits (most identified), including a group portrait at Lick Old Ladies' Home, June 1886; and a cyanotype reproduction of a cabinet card self-portrait of H.E. Mathews.
