Town photographer

Submitted by Julia Costello on September 27, 2007 - 2:17pm.

Dell'Orto Ranch

Edith returned to Mokelumne Hill in 1906, settling back in at home, with her parents and brother. Her father reportedly suffered financial losses from the San Francisco earthquake, and the family's prospects were reduced. Edith, however, continued to pursue her interest in photography.

Some of her subjects were of her own choosing, such as overviews of the town, her brother and friends on outings, and trips to Yosemite and Calaveras Big Trees.

Other images indicate that she was solicited by the town’s folks to record important events. In this latter group are portraits of family groups, students posed on the school steps, pageants, festivals, and owners in front of their establishments.

She displayed a keen eye for composition and human interest winning the praise of a number of contemporary photographers who have recently discovered her work.