1917

the allowance saying that continuing will bankrupt the estate. But while it states that the insurance money has not been touched it does not state that the insurance money yielded a return of around $500 a year and the principle on it was around $26,000. This is submitted by the Title Insurance and Trust Co.

31 - Petition for Discontinuance of Family Allowance - States that at this time the monies still in their hands amount to $12,616.79.

February

19 - Letter on Pillsbury Picture Company, Inc. stationary

ARTHUR C. PILLSBURY

scenic views

PRESIDENT

photo postcards

GEORGE BANFIELD

Pillsbury’s Pictures, Inc. advertising panoramas

SECRETARY

hand colored

WM. A. NUNLIST

Wholesale Photographers

PLATIMUM PRINTS

TREASURER AND MANAGER

Pictorial Advertisers

----------

____--------

Picture Frames

STORE

TELEOHONE KEARNEY 3841

219 POWELL STREET

--------

MAIN OFFICE

FILMS

783 MISSION STREET

AND

SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA

CAMERAS

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STUDIO

YOSEMITE VALLEY

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL.,

Dear Mr. Lewis.

Enclosed find my check for snow shoveling.

Hope it soon turns warm so the snow will melt.

We have not heard from our concession for this year

and as we are busy printing the summers stock of pictures

would like very much to know about, can you tell me

how soon to expect a report.

Yours Respectfully,

Arthur C. Pillsbury

March

5 - Letter to AC from Lewis

Text-

Dear Mr. Pillsbury:

Receipt is acknowledged of your letter of Feb. 16th, enclosed check for $9.00 covering charges for snow shoveling.

Regarding your concession for the coming year, I have to advise tht it is being considered by the Department at the time of my departure from Washington, and you will undoubtedly be advised at an early date as to what steps have been or are being taken.

Very Truly yours,

Wm Lewis

Supervisor

April

13 - Letter to Mr. Desmond from Jos. J. Cotter, acting Director

Dear Mr. Desmond,

I have received your letter of March 27 commenting on the present status of photographic concessions in Yosemite Park. I have noted particularly that the Desmond park Service Company has never negotiated with the various photographic concessionaires in the park with a view to effecting a consolidation of all photographic interests therein.

I have given the applications of Mr. Pillsbury, Mr. Boysen, Mr. Best, and other concessionaires very careful consideration, and I have given particular attention to those applications which requested a renewal of privileged for a long term of years, and have reached the conclusion that, for the present, all of the photographic concessions should be renewed for a period of one year only. I have noted on all applications accordingly.

I hope that during the current year the photographic concessions may be put on a different basis, more satisfactory to their owners, to the hotel and camp concessionaries operating in the part, and to the national Park Service. The Department officers visiting the part during the coming season will give particular attention to this problem.

your arrangements for the erection of a studio building and convention hall have, of course, already received mr. Mather’s approval.

Cordially yours,

signed Jos. J. Cotter

Acting Superinendent

Mr. D. J. Desmond,

President, Desmond Park Service Company

Underwood Building,

San Francisco, California

13 - On Dept of Interior stationary to Mr. Lewis.

Letter states that AC asked for a 20 year concession to conduct photographic business and that it be owned and operated by the Yosemite Park Photographic concessioners who would be willing to consolidate their interests. AC is quoted as saying that his plan would be supported by the Desmond Park Service Company, Mr. Baxter, and Mr. Best. None of these indicated an interest. Desmond says he never gave consideration to such a move. AC is required to pay 4 percent of the gross revenues of his business in the part and the amount must not be less than $400.. This is the same for all photographic concessioners.

Signed by Jos. J. Cotter

13 - Letter from Cotter to AC. in San Francisco.

16 - Letter on PPInc. Stationary from AC to Mr. Lewis

W.B. Lewis

Yosemite

Dear Sir.

Will you please quote me the rate charged by the Department to install a meter, also tell me privided you do not install then want kind is required.

We have not heard of your concession as yet. Do you know of any reason we should not?

Enclosed please find check for electric bill.

Yours Respectfully

AC Pillsbury

Can you tell me know soon the Coulterville or Oak Flat road will be open?

Coulterville Road probably May 1st. Big Oak Flat May 1st if finished.

20 - Letter from Lewis to AC.

Granting concession and stating price for the ensuing year. Payment by money order, verified check or bank draft, payable to the Secretary of the Interior. Says he has been advised of reasons for unfavorable consideration of 20 year concession.

21 - To AC from Lewis

Cost of installation of meter is $.50 an hour for plumbers labor. the Concessioner to furnish the meter. There will be a circular sent out with specifications. Coulterville Road open May 1st, the Big Oak Flat road by may 15th. Date not positive as the cool weather for the past week of two has make the season later than usual. Signed Lewis.

May

4 - Stipulation - Title Insurance & Trust Co. seeks to discontinue $100

a month allowance, saying the Estate will be insolvent if it cannot use

the insurance

proceeds for this purpose.

7 - Lewis sending on AC’s check in form of certified bank draft no. 108, on the Humboldt Savings Bank, for $200, payable to the Secretary. Signed Lewis.

10 - From :Lewis to Director, natl Park Service. Referring to his letter of April 13th, forwarding in quadruplicate, permit proposed to be issued to AC.

17 - To Lewis, Supervisor Yosemite Nat’l Park from Chief Clerk.

Authorizing issuing of permit to AC.

29 - Dr. Harriet Foster Pillsbury dies in Berkeley.

31 - Dr. Harriet Foster Pillsbury interred at the Chapel of the Chimes in

Oakland

June

6 - To AC from Lewis. letter and copy of permit for his records. Permit is no. 9.

July

14 - Notice of Settlement of Final Account Affidavit of Posting. Formal notification, no details.

18 - Certified Copy of the Opinion of matter of the Estate of E.S. Pillsbury, deceased.

18 - Remitted - Note of decree. This was misfiled with other material.

24 - To sec. of Interior from Lewis. Letter forwarding four express money orders Nos. A D 767144-45-45-47, all dated Yosemite, California, July 24, for $50.00 each. payable to Sec. of Interior. Registered mail.

August

13 - Supplemental Account of the Administrator Following the

amended Final

Account and Petition for Distribution. Includes

listing of assets the house, which appeared to remain in the hands of

the Administrator as a

credit to the Estate at this date.

September

11 - To AC from E.P. Levitt, Acting Supervisor.

Dear Sir:

You are directed to furnish this office on or before October 1, 1917, a preliminary estimate of the amount of the government’s share of the earnings of your business, under the concession granted you for conducting a photographic studio, etc. The concession fee was to be 4% of the gross revenues, with a minimum charge of $400.00

You are further directed to submit on or before October 10, 1917, a definite estimate of funds that will accrue to the government as its share of the earnings of your business.

This information is being secured from all concessioners operating on a percentage basis, as the amount of revenues earned by the park during the season of 1917 must be submitted to Congress as the time the estimates for the fiscal year 1919 are prepared.

Please give the matter prompt attention.

Very Truly yours,

E P. Levitt

Acting Supervisor.

On bottom: Gross Revenue: $9881.08 @4% equals $395.24

29 - letter from AC to Lewis (copy, original on stationary)

Dear Mr. Lewis,

I am enclosing our report for the year. You will notice a falling off in the gross sales comparing with last year of almost every item except books. This year we handled Williams book it being off the market last year.

Photo goods is almost $7600. Less than last year due to Curry having the agency. The sale of prints is just half of last year, due partly to the excessive competition which is beyond all reason in excess of demands.

Motion pictures show a gain this year on account of filling the Desmond and Curry orders.

The Tahoe Reel comes in on next year’s report.

Respect. yours,

(signed) A.C. Pillsbury

October

9 - On P P Inc. Stationary

Dear Mr. Lewis,

Enclosed is the check for September bill, when I left the Valley, Mr. Farrell asked meto submit his a plan to put up a studio in the new consolidated camp, and to give a motion picture show every night.

Mr. Symmes is working on the plans of a 16 by 24 studio with a bed room and kitchen on the side, I plant to make it out of logs stood on and and about five feet apart, with brought lumber inside, and lined with art burlap, the outside between the timbers to be blocked in with cedar bark in an artistic way.

Before making the Desmond Co, a proposition I wish to find out if these plans meet with your approval, the studio would be in such a location that a projector could work thru a window or door on a curtain hung in a convenient place. the giving of the shows would be the way I should pay the Desmond Co. for the privilege of having the studio in the camp, also is the same kind of a studio, run in the same way at Camp Curry would meet with your approval, also if something on a smaller scale at Glacier Point would be satisfactory.

I am getting the negative of the Tahoe trip in shape to print it is the best negative I have made and will make a set of prints I will be proud of.

Hoping to hear from you favorably, I am

Yours Respectfully,

A C. Pillsbury

15 - To AC from Lewis.

Wants to wait until conditions in the Desmond Park Service Co. are settled and definite working plans have been drawn up.

November

1 - Decree Settling Supplemental Account of the Administrator and Allowing Extra Attorney’s fees. - From the Title Insurance & Trust Co. presents to court settlement of account showing charges in favor of the estate of $18,326.08. It claims credits for $7,101.04, leaving a balance of $11,225.04 in the hands of the administrators. Includes an application for extra attorney fees.

December

6 - To PP Inc. Stationary

Mr Dear Mr. Lewis,

It seems that our friend, Mr. Yark wrote to Major Kendall Benning, Chief Signal Officer of the Army, at Washington, that I was a good subject for them, so I received some papers to fill out, and I may “Do my bit” up in the air, so if you ever hear a buzzing noise up over your office in Yosemite, and see an airplane, you will be safe in taking bets on who it is.

I took the liberty to use your name as reference, would it be asking too much, for you to drop the major a line, telling him what you know of me, that is if you know anything good.

Regarding next years concession, will it be necessary for me to make the usual form of application and if so when? I presume conditions will be about the same next years as this, only perhaps not quite as good, at the business will be managed by some other member of the firm, possibly by my brother-in-law, Jesse Banfield, who managed the studio the first two years we had it, so knows Yosemite very well.

Things are not very good in the city, but I have a very good motion picture order, that is helping out, have driven about 2300 miles, all over southern California, with Mrs. Pillsbury, working on it, It is an industrial picture, the story of the Orange, Prume, and the Raisin. Also some scenic views that took to to Catalina, and over the 101 mile “Rim of the World” trip, comparing that road with ours, we have some very good roads in Yosemite.

Thanking you in advance for the letter, I am.

Yours Very Respectfully,

Arthur C. Pillsbury

10 - To AC from Lewis

Dear Mr. Pillsbury:

I have your letter of December 6th in which you state that you contemplate going into the Signal Corp Service of the Army, and in which you ask that I write to the Chief Signal Officer as to your failings.

We all know that your failings are many, but in my letter to Major Banning, I called attention only to the minor ones, so that it is more than probable that you will be able to get by.

As to your next concession, I think it would be well for you to make your application in the usual form, and in the near future, in order that the Service in Washington have time to give it proper consideration.

Although we will all miss you in Yosemite next year, at the same time we admire your spirit in taking up Army work and know all join me in wishing you the best of success.

Very Truly Yours,

Lewis

Supervisor

10 - To Major Kendall Banning

Chief Signal Officer, War Department

Washington D.C.

Dear Sir: -

I understand that Mr. Arthur C. Pillsbury has made application for entrance to the Signal Corp. I have known Mr. Pillsbury for nearly two years, during which time he has operated a concession in this Park, in connection with which work it has been necessary for him to thoroughly familiarize himself with outdoor mountain life in connection with the taking of both moving and still pictures.

Mr. Pillsbury is a man of unusual nerve and daring, and as to his character and conscientiousness in all work her undertakes, I most heartily recommend him, and feel certain that the Signal Corp will not be making a mistake in giving his application favorable consideration.

Very Truly yours,

lewis

Superintendent

10 - On stationary of Pacific Aero Club, San Francisco. reference impressive line up of military men on the stationary includes Admiral Perry.

FROM; Rear Admiral Chas. D. Pond, U.S.N.

TO: Major Kendall Banning, Signal Service, U.S.N.

Washington D.C.

SUBJECT: Recommending Mr. Arthur Pillsbury, President

Pillsbury Pictures, Inc., 219 Powell Street

San Francisco, Cal., for Aviation service.

Understanding that Mr. Arthur Pillsbury desires duty with the Aviation Section, Signal Service, U.S. Army, for special work in photography (aerial) it gives me great pleasure to recommend him in the highest terms for that duty.

Mr. Pillsbury is not only the most prominent photographer on the Pacific Coast, but is a mechanical genius as well and had specialized for years in photographic optics.

He has had considerable experience extending over several years in flying both in aeroplanes and balloons while conducting his practical experiments and I consider him without doubt by far the best qualified man in the United States in that line of work.

The Army cannot afford to mis the services of such a man.

Signature

Rear Admiral, U.S. N.

23 - On P P. Inc. stationary

Dear Mr. Lewis,

I am enclosing my application for next year for your endorsement, if I was sure I should be in the Valley myself, I should ask for the stage concession between Yosemite and Tahoe, but things are too uncertain in many ways to think of it just now.

I am on the waiting list and may be called any day, for the Photographic Division, Signal Corps. perhaps the wait could not be so long if you had not sold so many of my ‘failings’, at any rate I will have a hard time living up to what Rear Admiral Pond says, I enclose a copy.

At any rate I wish to thank you for not telling more of them.

Yours Very Respectfully,

AC Pillsbury

With the best of wishes for a Marry Xmas & Happy New Year. (In handwriting)

23 - On P P Inc. Stationary

To the Honorable Franklin K. Lane

Secretary of the Interior

Washington D.C.

Dear Sir: -

I respectfully ask you for the renewal of my photographic concession in the Yosemite national Park, for the year ending December 31st, 1918. The terms to be the same as this year.

In the event of my enlistment to the Signal Corps, Photographic Division, being accepted, permission to allow another member of the firm to conduct the business, is respectfully requested.

I wish to protest also against the granting of photographic concessions to any of the camps or hotels in the Park, as a glance at the reports will show that the number of concessions granted, are greatly in excess of the business available, and doesn't warrant the investment of new work or improvements. The camps who have nothing invested in negatives or equipment, can, and do get the cream of the business.

Yours very respectfully,

AC Pillsbury

26 - Letter from Lewis to The Director, DC.

Says he encloses the application of AC with recommendation that such application be granted.

1918