1897 University of Nevada Reno Cadets Named Jameson Arnot Original Photo Dated For Sale

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1897 University of Nevada Reno Cadets Named Jameson Arnot Original Photo Dated :
$344.95

Offered is an original October 1897 vernacular photograph showing four young men in matching military-style university cadet uniforms posed informally on the steps of a wood-frame building in Reno, Nevada.

This exceptional photograph is extensively documented in period handwriting on the reverse. The four subjects are identified as:

Scott Jameson

Arthur Condon

Harry Jameson

Percy Arnot

The principal inscription reads:

“Taken Oct 1897 by Gene Arnot

Seminary – Reno, Nevada!”

A smaller inscription at the lower left appears to concern the arrangement or “posing” of the group, although portions of that notation are difficult to decipher with certainty.

Research strongly connects the photograph with Nevada State University, now the University of Nevada, Reno. The university maintained a Corps of Cadets during this period, and its male students were generally required to participate in military instruction.

Scott Elliott Jameson later received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Nevada in 1900 and became a public-school administrator, serving as vice principal in Eureka and principal in Tonopah.

Edwin Percy Arnot received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering in 1902. He subsequently worked as an engineering aid for the United States Geological Survey and in the Western mining industry.

Harry Jameson received a Bachelor of Science degree in General Science in 1902 and also worked with the United States Geological Survey and as a mine surveyor in Goldfield, Nevada.

The photographer identified as “Gene Arnot” was likely Mary Eugenia Arnot, another member of the Arnot family and a Nevada State University graduate of the class of 1900. This is a well-supported research attribution but is not presented as conclusively proven.

The word “Seminary” may refer to the former Bishop Whitaker’s School for Girls building in Reno. After the school closed in 1894, the building was leased to Nevada State University for use as a boys’ dormitory. It remained standing at the time this photograph was taken.

The photograph measures approximately 4 x 2 1/2 inches.

A particularly desirable piece of early University of Nevada history combining identified students, the university’s 19th-century cadet program, Reno architectural history, mining and United States Geological Survey associations, and a named amateur photographer.

An excellent acquisition for a Nevada, Reno, University of Nevada, Western education, early cadet corps, mining history, USGS, or identified vernacular photography collection.

This is an original period photograph and not a modern reproduction. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.Original 1897 photographic print in visibly aged but historically appealing condition.

The image exhibits overall fading, uneven contrast, scattered surface abrasions, scratches, small emulsion disturbances, light soiling, and age-related wear. A noticeable horizontal scratch crosses the uniform of the seated subject at left.

The edges and corners show handling wear, minor irregularity, and slight curling or waviness. The reverse has scattered staining, discoloration, old residue near the left edge, and general age toning.

Despite the wear, the four subjects remain recognizable, the uniforms and setting are clearly visible, and the important names, date, photographer attribution, and Reno location remain legible.

No modern restoration has been performed. Sold as an authentic historical photograph with all original age and character retained.

Type: Original Photograph

Photographic Format: Vernacular Photographic Print

Date of Creation: October 1897

Era: 1890s

Subject: University Cadets

Institution: Nevada State University / University of Nevada, Reno

Location: Reno, Nevada

Named Photographer: Gene Arnot

Attributed Photographer: Likely Mary Eugenia Arnot

Named Subjects: Scott Jameson, Arthur Condon, Harry Jameson, Percy Arnot

Associated Person: Scott Elliott Jameson