H.L. Kelso photos

[mwtstormchaser]

I was wondering if anyone had any information on this photographer as I have recently received many old steam photos from someone who found them in the atic of a house they purchased. Many of the photos have a stamp on the back reading "Please Credit Union Pacific Railroad Photo." Only one of the photos have a stamp on in that has an address for H.L. Kelso on it along with a written location and date which are somewhat faded but can tell that it was taken at Cajon, Ca 9/28/4?. (Scan of this photo below) Any information is appreciated as I'm looking to possibly sell these photos or donate them somewhere if they are of some type of historical significance.

[Doug Wolfe]

H.L. Kelso was a steam era railroad photographer. He lived from 1899 to 1973. I believe he was from the Los Angeles area. Much of his work was done in the 1940's & 1950's. His photo's have appeared in books & magazines and possibly on post cards.

I know some of his pictures appeared in 1950's rail magazines. Some of these magazines appear on various internet auction sites and can be purchased for a modest sum.

I recently saw a great photo from the 40's that Kelso took of an SP steam engine in California.