Briscoe (Rufus Janvier “Jan”) Photograph Collection, 1927-1933

Printable guide [HTML]

Title:: Rufus Janvier “Jan” Briscoe Photograph Collection
Dates:: 1927-1933
Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:: 179 photographic prints.
Language:
Preferred citation:: Rufus Janvier “Jan” Briscoe Photograph Collection. Sherman Library and Gardens

Scope and content:: This collection contains photographs, primarily of Newport Beach, but also including Long Beach and Compton, California. The bulk of the photographs relate to natural disasters, such as fires, floods and earthquakes. Other subjects of the photographs include dredging of Newport Harbor, Newport Beach Fire Department Engine Company #1, construction of the Newport Harbor west jetty, and hydroplane races. Among the more notable images are several documenting the burning and removal of the the schooner Muriel from the entrance to Newport Harbor. Muriel, which was used during the filming of the 1924 silent movie The Sea Hawk, ran aground at the entrance to Newport Harbor in 1925. The wreck was declared a hazard to navigation, and in 1930 the hulk was burned and removed. Other notable subjects are the filming of battle scenes of the motion picture All Quiet on the Western Front, damage to Newport Beach, Long Beach and Compton from the 1933 Long Beach earthquake, and fires which destroyed the Rendezvous Ballroom and the Newport Beach Refinery fire.
Biographical / historical:: R. J. Briscoe was a member of the Newport Beach Fire Department starting in 1931. He retired as Fire Chief.

Collection Guide Author:: Finding aid created by Sherman Library and Gardens staff.
Date Prepared:: 1927-1933
Date Encoded:: This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on April 17, 2025, 11:28 a.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:: Collection is open for research.
Terms of access:: Property rights to the physical object belong to the Sherman Library. Literary rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The Sherman Library do not hold the copyright.

Preferred citation:: Rufus Janvier “Jan” Briscoe Photograph Collection. Sherman Library and Gardens

Location of this collection:: Sherman Library and Gardens

614 Dahlia Ave.

Corona del Mar, CA 92625, US