Arizona Biltmore, 1944 July

Bert and Myrtle Campbell took these photographs while working with Arizona Highways magazine. Some of the images appeared in the magazine, but most were never published. They were intended to show Arizona in a favorable light to attract tourists and depict a variety of subjects, including modern, high-quality roadways and road construction, scenic landscapes, and recreation. Recreational activities include golf, hunting, fishing, rodeos, horse shows, fashion shows, homes, public buildings, and resorts, especially the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Scenic landscapes and pictorial views document virtually the entire state; all counties but Greenlee and La Paz (which was not yet formed) are represented. All photographs were taken in Arizona with the exception of a set showing Mexico, including Nogales, Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), and Guymas. The collection also includes numerous snapshots of members of the Campbell family and their friends as well as a Democratic political rally featuring Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The majority of the collection is composed of black and white negative and contact print pairs in three formats: 4" x 5" film pack, 2" x 3" sheet film, and 35mm negatives. A number of color transparencies, primarily Kodachrome in excellent condition and some Ektachrome showing moderate color shift, are also present. The color transparencies are in either 4" x 5" or lantern slide format. The photographer is unidentified in most cases but is presumed to be Bert or Myrtle Campbell. Other identified photographers include Max Kegley and Jerry McLain.