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ππππ¦ data-start=\"109\" data-end=\"428\">Scarce early photographic view identified on the reverse as βYoung Ostrichβ from Pasadena, California, depicting juvenile ostriches within a fenced enclosure beneath eucalyptus trees at one of Southern Californiaβs famed ostrich farms during the great ostrich-feather boom era of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Pasadena and nearby South Pasadena became nationally known for commercial ostrich farming beginning in the 1880s, when ostrich plumes were among the most fashionable luxury items in womenβs apparel. The Cawston Ostrich Farm, established in South Pasadena in 1886, became one of Californiaβs best-known tourist attractions and supplied feathers internationally. Original candid farm photographs showing the birds in their enclosures are considerably scarcer than the more common commercial souvenir postcards and staged tourist images.
The image captures a remarkably atmospheric scene with soft-focus sunlight filtering through eucalyptus foliage, rustic fencing, feeding basket, and several young birds gathered near the enclosure. The handwritten notation on the reverse further identifies the subject and location as Pasadena, California. Such informal period photographs documenting the actual farm environment are increasingly difficult to locate.
An appealing and unusual piece of early California visual history tied to Pasadena tourism, agricultural novelty enterprises, and the ostrich feather trade that flourished before changing fashions and World War I largely ended the industryβs prominence.
Good condition with edge wear, corner wear, and light age toning.
6 3/8 x 5 3/8 inches.
Pasadena California ostrich farm young ostrich Cawston ostrich farm antique photograph early California photography eucalyptus trees feather trade South Pasadena tourism Victorian era animal photo vernacular photography rare farm view
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