San DiegoHistoric Photos

John D. Spreckels home, Coronado young woman with 1932 Dodge

Glorietta Bay Inn, 4/10/2007

Observing & Collecting Data
1. List the people & objects that you see in the photograph.
a. 1932 Dodge
b. Young woman
c. Palm trees
d. Really nice house
2. Describe the natural environment of the photograph, listing any natural formations,
plants or animals. If possible, identify the season and/or time of day of the photo, as well
as the geographic perspective.
a. It seems like it was sunny that day because of the light reflections on the car and
the house so I am assuming it is summer time. Probably morning or midday. It
also feels very tropical because of the palm trees.
3. What human-made structures or human-made objects are in the photograph, and what
materials were used to make them?
a. House
i. cement
ii. metal
iii. glass
b. Car
i. metal
ii. glass
iii. plastic
4. What identifying information do you already have about this photograph?
a. It was taken in 1930s in Coronado sometime in the summer.

Analyzing & Interpreting Data
1. Why do you think this photo was taken?
a. I think this photo was taken just because. Maybe they wanted to show off the car
and the house or maybe just for memories. It doesnt strike me as a special
occasion type of picture.
2. What does this picture tell you about the people or person who took it? What evidence
do you have for these ideas?
a. They were pretty well off. Both the house and the car are incredible, not to
mention the fact that it was in Coronado.
3. What does this photo lead you to believe about the cultural environment of the time?
How does this photo lead you to certain beliefs?
a. It feels very beachy. The palm trees and the style of house just seem tropical. I
guess a lot of it has to do with the fact that I already have a pre existing view of
Coronado.
4. What questions do you have about this photograph?
a. What would it look like in color?
b. What kinda camera did they use?

Reflection
1. What is most interesting to you about analyzing historic photos?
a. The fact that I can compare in my head what it used to look like to the modern
version is really cool to me. It also gives us a look into the past showing us stuff
like what it used to be like. Like the picture that I picked I am almost positive that
I have seen that house before in Coronado. I think its like a retirement home
now or something.
2. How might a professional anthropologist or archaeologist analyze these photos (please
read a bit about these disciplines if you are unsure)?
a. They would look at every small detail and analyze everything very thoroughly.
They would try to find something that would link up with cultural which is
essentially what we are trying to do in class.