Title:
Street Scene in San Francisco Chinatown – A.J. McDonald, ca. 1880s
Description:
This original mounted albumen print depicts a detailed view of a street corner in San Francisco’s Chinatown during the late 19th century. The photograph shows a large, three-story building with classical architectural elements, elaborate woodwork on the balconies, and a flag flying from the roofline. The ornate balcony on the corner is filled with potted plants and possibly decorative figures.
Below, shop awnings extend over the sidewalk, shading displays of goods and market stalls. Groups of men in long coats and hats stand and converse on the sidewalk and street. On the right, merchants have arranged textiles and wares along the curb, creating a vivid scene of everyday commercial life in Chinatown.
This photograph is captioned in purple type on the mount: “A STREET SCENE IN CHINATOWN.” and bears a handwritten ink inscription:“San Francisco.”
Photographic Type:
Albumen print on original cabinet card mount. 
Technique:
Produced from a glass plate negative with a long exposure, as seen in the subtle blurring of some figures in motion.
Estimated Dimensions:
Image: approx. 11 × 19 cm (4.3 × 7.5 in)
Mount: approx. 13 × 21.5 cm (5.1 × 8.4 in)
Date:
c. 1880s
Photographer:
A.J. McDonald, 426 Kearny Street, San Francisco, California.
The back bears his violet ink stamp, as well as the stamp of C. Beach, Bookseller & Stationer, 107 Montgomery St., San Francisco.
Condition:
The image shows overall fading typical of albumen prints of this period, with softer contrast but legible detail.
Light toning and scattered spotting on the mount.
Corners are squared and edges clean.
No tears, creases, or repairs noted.
Keywords:
San Francisco, Chinatown, Chinese American history, 19th century street photography, California photography, A.J. McDonald, albumen print, cabinet card, ethnic studies, urban commerce
References:
Hannavy, J. (Ed.). (2008). Encyclopedia of Nineteenth-Century Photography. Routledge.
Palmquist, P.E., & Kailbourn, T.R. (2000). Pioneer Photographers of the Far West: A Biographical Dictionary, 1840–1865. Stanford University Press.