PBA Galleries

Photographs approx. 6.5x9 cm. (2½x3½"); the 94 of Latvia are placed in window mounts in a small album, the rest are loose; also present are about 25 negatives of the photographs.

Interesting little photographic archive showing the Latvian capital of Riga during a time of turmoil just after World War I, when, having been captured (liberated?) by German forces at the end of the conflict, the patriotic elements sought autonomy, and established the Independent Republic of Latvia. Conflict ensued, with battles between White and Red Russians, fascists and communists, and others. Into this chaos the American Red Cross sent needed relief, and the present collection of photographs records some of those efforts, as well as capturing the city of Riga and surrounding area. The views include Riga Cathedral with Riga Castle, St. Peter's Church, Old Railroad Bridge (destroyed by Germans during WWII), Second Railroad Bridge, Nativity Cathedral, etc.