When viewing images on OpenSFHistory.org, you may notice some of most memorable photos of early San Francisco are credited to either Carleton Watkins or Isaiah West Taber. As competitors, they photographed notable sites in the City, including the West Side, and have a surprising connection with one another.

View northeast to original appearance of the Conservatory of Flowers before the dome burned on January 5, 1883. Odd Fellows cemetery in background.[B 108 Golden Gate Park Conservatory, S.F. Watkins' New Boudoir Series, Yo Semite and Pacific Coast 26 New Montgomery St., under Palace Hotel, S.F.]