A collection of seven (7) stereoviews and two (2) paper ephemera of Woodward's Gardens, a combination amusement park, art gallery, aquarium, museum and zoo in San Francisco. Established in 1866 on Mission Street by eccentric hotelier Robert B. Woodward, The Gardens covered two city blocks in the Mission District for 25 years. Complete thematic groupings covering the park are very scarce.

This lot includes: 

1. Views in Woodward's Garden. Series, "Woodward's Gardens." San Francisco: Lange & Newth, n.d. Photographer's imprint and series identification printed to mount recto. Woodland Garden promotional imprint printed to mount verso. 

Stunning view of Woodland Garden's elaborate gazebo, fountains, and paved walkways.

2. "What Cheer House" stamped advertisement on orange card stamped. Approx. 3 1/2 x 2 1/4 in. 

An excellent advertisement for the accommodations at What Cheer House, Woodward's hotel before opening The Gardens. Noted that it is not to be confused with the Original House, guests at the What Cheer House find themselves treated to an "extensive Library, Museum and Reading Room," transportation from the Omnibus and close access to the central railroad, all included within a stay at the hotel. 

3. Woodward's Gardens, San Francisco. San Francisco: L. Dowe, n.d. Publisher's imprint printed to mount recto. Print identification to photograph recto. 

Architectural garden view looking up the grand tiered stairway toward the classical conservatory. 

4. 425. Woodland's Garden—Summer House and Lake. Series, "San Francisco." San Francisco: Thomas Houseworth & Co., ca. 1867. Publisher's imprint and series identification printed to mount recto. Paris International Exhibition "Bronze Medal" award imprint printed to mount verso. 

Fine landscape view of the oriental-domed pavilion, summer house, and pond on orange card. 

5. Original unused souvenir envelope. Wood-engraved stamp featuring fine illustration of Woodward's Gardens. Approx. 6 x 3 1/2 in. 

6. Views in Woodward's Garden. Series, "Woodward's Gardens." San Francisco: Lange & Newth, n.d. Photographer's imprint and series identification printed to mount recto. Woodland Garden promotional imprint printed to mount verso. 

Overlooking a pond, this card shows two birds — perhaps a heron and a duck — perched behind a chain on the shore with two large buildings in the distance. 

7. Sea Lions. Series, "Watkins' Pacific Coast." San Francisco: Carleton E. Watkins, n.d. Photographer's imprint and copyright printed to mount recto. Period ink identification to mount verso. 

Excellent view of sea lions basking on the rockwork enclosure at the outdoor seal ponds. 

8. 418. Woodward's Garden. Series, "San Francisco." San Francisco: Thomas Houseworth & Co., 1873. Photographer's imprint and series identification printed to mount recto. Period ink identification to mount verso. 

Elevated panorama looking across the gardens and pavilion rooftops of Montgomery Street. 

9. Woodward's Gardens, S.F. San Francisco: L. Dowe, n.d. Photographer's imprint and identification printed to mount recto. 

Superb view of camels and handler in the zoological paddocks.

[Woodward's Gardens, San Francisco California, Carleton Watkins, Watkins Pacific Coast, Thomas Houseworth, L Dowe, Lange and Newth, Sea Lions, Camels, Menagerie, Zoographicon, Victorian Amusements, What Cheer House, RB Woodward, Mission Street, Western Americana, 19th Century California] [Stereoview, Stereoviews, Stereoscopic Photography, Early Photography, Historic Photography, California Photographers, 19th Century Photography]

Very good overall. The prints generally retain strong contrast, rich tones, and sharp clarity. The mounts remain bright and well preserved.