At the beginning of the 20th century, photography was gaining in popularity as a documentary and art form. Portraits were taken, trips were recorded, and both the mundane and extraordinary were immortalized on film. Yet unlike today’s instant and portable digital cameras, the equipment was bulky and required extensive setup and exposure times. However, capturing lasting memories of the time and place made the hardships worthwhile.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canal Employees and Families on Fishing Excursion at Gatun Spillway

2001.074.001.043

Gift of Doris and Ken Tuley

In 1904 the United Stated embarked on the epic construction of the Panama Canal. This enormous feat captured the imagination of the world, luring entrepreneurs, dignitaries, tourists, and artists alike. During the ten year construction, amateur and professional photographers took thousands of photographs documenting the work, workers, and visitors. Everyone wanted a tangible record of their time at the Panama Canal, whether it was a carefully taken photograph, shop purchased souvenir, or medal indicating years of labor on the construction.

 

 

 

 

 

South End, Miraflores Locks

From Kodaks of Panama Canal Taken in the Spring of 1913

2013.1.495

Gift of Frank McLeod

As construction progressed and international publicity increased, so did visitors to the Canal. President Theodore Roosevelt famously visited in 1906, becoming the first president to make an official diplomatic tour outside of the continental United States; in 1909 William Howard Taft followed suit, although as president-elect. In addition to state visitors, casual tourists arrived in droves at construction sites traveling on special tour trains. These visitors, too, found it important to have themselves photographed in the presence of the Big Ditch. Arthur Lucchesi, himself a Canal employee, and his wife had their photographs taken while visiting Gatun Locks in 1910 and again in 1911. Florence Neville Miller, who was also related to Canal employees, was photographed around the same time as she toured active construction sites, examining work materials, posing with equipment, and generally appearing to enjoy her travels.

 

 

 

 

 

A.G. Bedell

Photograph, No. 8

From Panama Canal Negative Album

1909

2014.50.1

Gift of Kenneth Roth

 

 

 

 

 

 

Florence Neville Miller at an Active Construction Site

c. 1910-1920

2013.49.1b

Gift of Malcolm Stone

Whether the photograph is of a laborer, visitor, employee’s family, or visiting celebrity, more often than not the vantage point of the photographer captures not only the subject but also the impressive size and vast landscape of the Canal. The visiting subjects also stand in sharp contrast to the dangerous and dirty work being performed. Their pristine white clothes remain immaculate and their stance appears at a safe distance, although they surely had to cross difficult terrain to reach their locations.

 

 

 

 

 

A.G. Bedell

Photograph, No. 154

From Panama Canal Negative Album

1909

2014.50.1

Gift of Kenneth Roth