Walter H. Evans Photograph Collection, 1897-1898 | Sealaska Heritage Institute Archives

This collection consists of 141 historical photos in an album connected to the research and work of botanist Walter H. Evans (1863-1941) when he came to Alaska in 1897 and 1898. 103 of these photographs appear to have been taken by Evans, although 24 photos in the last pages of the album are labeled “from plates made by Dr. Alfred U.S.N,” likely collected by Evans for his work. Two separate pages, which came with this collection, concern the photography of California-based photographer C. Willard Evans (of no relation of Walter H. Evans), but the connection of these specific images to the work of Walter H. Evans is unclear.

In regards to the creation of these images, on Evans’s 1897 and 1898 trips across Alaska and because of his interest in agriculture, he photographed places that facilitated his research. For example, in various towns in Alaska he photographed existing gardens, and at other locations he photographed the local flora, such as spruce trees, wild currents, and raspberries, and red top grass. Some of his images appear to capture the state of timber in various areas, as well as glaciers along the coast. However, many of Evan’s photographs capture Alaska Native villages, with special attention toward for and subsistence practices, such as showing fish drying and curing.

Most of Evans’ photos appear to be taken from a boat close to shore. Not only does the Evans’ collection contain content with valuable geographic and ecological research potential, such as glaciers and forests, but also documents some turn of the century photographs of Alaska Native life, subsistence, and housing structures. Alaskan communities and landmarks identified in Evan’s photo album include; the Wrangell Indian Village, Custom House Bay on Mary Island, Ketchikan, Shakan, Klawock, Mt. Calder on Prince of Wales Island, Howkan, Skookum Chuck, Glacier Bay, Taku Glacier, Muir Glacier, Windom Glacier, Sitka, Yakutat, Cordova Bay, Valdez Glacier, Sunrise City, Tyoonock, Anchor Point, Unalaska, and Kodiak.

Although this collection documents aspects of Alaska and Alaska Natives on a statewide level, the bulk of the photos capture life in Southeast Alaska. This includes Tlingit and Haida villages, clan houses, totem poles, and grave sites. Some images capture views of a Tlingit style canoe with sail on the water near Klawock, Tlingit homes such as that of Deisheetaan clan, Steel House leader Kichnáalx (known by some as Killisnoo Jake or Saginaw Jake), as well as views of clan houses at Kaachxan.áak’w, also known as the Wrangell Indian village. The Evans photo collection highlights a period where historic native houses were still present among the ever growing popularity of custom built “western style” homes. Aspects of religion are also captured by Evan’s photography, such as Russian Orthodox Church clergy interacting with Alaska Natives at Kodiak.

Researchers should know that some photographs in this album have faded from natural causes over time. Also, the photograph album compiled by Evans was deemed extremely fragile by SHI’s archival staff. As result, the entire album has been scanned and the images are available online for patrons to view. Patrons are currently not allowed to view the original because of its fragile nature.