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Description
This daguerreotype, taken in 1854 by James Ford, is the earliest known photograph of Santa Clara. The mission cross stands in the front of the church; to the left is the east wing of the mission quadrangle. The bell tower has been encased in wood to prevent erosion of the adobe. The frescoed images on the façade include St. Clare, St. Francis, and St. John the Baptist. The original image is a daguerreotype. This image was taken before the Jesuit Fathers put a small, round clock in the upper center of square wooden tower. On verso of photo: "Mission Santa Clara as seen soon after March 19, 1851. The frescoed Divine Eye, Saints (Clare, and perhaps Francis at lower right) and frescoed pilasters etc. still visible. Window of baptistry seen at lower right. Wicket Gate & fence in front. Open Bell arches." From a daguerreotype by James P. Ford.
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