This photograph is somewhat of a mystery. It was found with a program from the 1919 San Diego and Arizona Railway banquet, which celebrated the completion of the railroad. The banquet was held at the famous Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California. Is this a photo from the Railway banquet? It is unmarked and undated. (The original owner of the picture matted it haphazardly; that's why it appears slightly tilted.)

Experts at the Border Rail Institute have examined the photo and believe it was taken in a Del Coronado banquet room during the time period. They can't say for sure, however, if it was taken during the 1919 Railway banquet. A positive identification means the difference between a inexpensive vintage photograph and a valuable railroad collectible.

The Railway banquet was held in honor of John D. Spreckels, the wealthiest man in San Diego. Spreckels owned the railroad, among other holdings.

Unless someone can make a positive identification of people in the photo, it will remain a mystery. If you can identify any of the people in the photograph, please let me know. I can match the names against the list of known banquet attendees.