The fonds contains photographs taken by Ottawa photographer Samuel J. Jarvis, A.G. Pittaway, Alexander Henderson and the Pittaway & Jarvis Studio between the approximate dates of 1860 and 1939. Subjects, places and people documented include: mayors of Bytown and Ottawa (1847-1907); Liberal members of Parliament (1891 and 1892) and Deputy Ministers of federal departments (1892); the Montreal Harbour and Customs House; views of British Columbia; the city of Ottawa (Post Office and Rideau Canal, Sparks Street looking west, Princess Patricia's Regiment parading in front of the Chateau Laurier in 1919, reconstruction of the Centre Block of Parliament, Victoria Museum, Russell House, Prince of Wales laying corner stone of the Peace Tower, 1919, Queen Street, Rideau Canal from the Peace Tower, Chateau Laurier under construction, steamer Rideau Queen on the canal, last timber raft to pass Ottawa, West Block of Parliament Buildings during fire of 1897, and Byward Market); Earl and Lady Aberdeen's costume ball inthe Senate Chamber (1896); Wim. Laurenz, art teacher, and F.A. Verner.
Jarvis, Samuel J., 1863-1952 : Samuel J. Jarvis (1863-1952), photographer. Flourished 141 Sparks St., Ottawa, 1879-1882;. 117 Sparks St., Ottawa, 1882-1890; 134 Bank St., Ottawa, 1907-?; 281 Bank St., Ottawa, 1907-1930 C; 16 Rideau St., Ottawa, 1917-1930 C; 34 Elgin St., Ottawa, 1934-1936. Learned photography from uncle, Samuel, 1879-1882. Partnership with Alfred G. Pittaway, (Pittaway & Jarvis), 1882-1890. As independent, 1890-1907, won awards (e.g. composite of House of Commons members). Partnership with Pittaway resumed, 1907-1930. Member, CPA Also identified with the Jarvis Studio, and as the proprietor of the Elite Photo Studio. Works located in: University of British Columbia, Library, Special Collections, Vancouver, B.C. Exhibition(s): 1893, Chicago World's Fair, Chicago (group). 1970, Reflections on a Capital, PAC, Ottawa (group).