This behemoth of a collection contains close to seventy publications highlighting Southern California's enviable and rich history (altough I did throw in one San Francisco title).

The bulk of the archive comes from the Los Angeles Times Annual Midwinter. Traditionally published around the start of each year, topics covered included everything from industry, agriculture, entertainment and the rapid urban development. Annual issues were packed with a comprehensive amount of articles and advertising.

The publication that began as early as 1907 was hailed by its contemporaries as a "fine piece of journalism." Published by the Times-Mirror company, early issues ran over 80 pages, with half-tone illustrations or engravings devoted to California, Arizona and Sonora.

Indeed, the Midwinter's reach extended beyond the coastline. In 1910, no less than the St. Louis Republic raved, "Like the rays from a center diamond in a cluster of magnificent jewels, the annual Midwinter Number of the Los Angeles Times reaches forth across the continent, attracting thousands of readers to "the garden spot of the world."

And perhaps giddy because that particular issue featured images from the garden of hometown brewer Adolpho Busch, the paper continued its praise, "After devouring the fascinating, artistically arranged stories in the Times with avidity, one is struck with the wonder at the herculean accomplishment of its editor Harrison Grey Otis, and a deep longing for the warm breath of the Pacific."

In addition, there's a diverse assortment of other titles highlighting the region's best in entertainent and local attractions.