Elmer (Elm) Aldrich, was born in 1914 and died in 2010. During that long life he steadily grew more and more involved with nature, the environment and photography. The son of a professional photographer, he spent his youth learning the craft and using it in nature study.

These continued as interests. After serving during WWII at the Navy's Pacific Fleet Photography Lab, he returned to involvement with the environment. Beginning as a Ranger Naturalist, over the years he advanced through various positions with California Department of Beaches and Parks to Chief of the Division of Recreation, and member of the California Public Outdoor Recreation Planning Commission. He also continued in his participation and support of environmental organizations and was on the national boards of both the Audubon Society and the Sierra Club.

Mr. Aldrich was on the Sierra Club Board from 1956-63, and was Vice President 1957-58. During that time, he was serving concurrently with Ansel Adams and they became friends; sometimes traveling together and going on photographic excursions. They were obviously interested in the same environmental goals, and Ansel often donated photographs thinking they might someday be used to help to reach them.

This large collection of Adams' photos was kept in the Aldrich home until after both Elmer and his wife had passed away. They were discovered by heirs and stored until this current offering.