About the Doc McGregor Digitized Photograph Collection
A number of Doc McGregor photographs housed at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History are now digitized for public viewing at the La Retama Central Library.
View the Doc McGregor Photograph Collection »
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Doc McGregor?
John Frederick “Doc” McGregor and his family arrived in Corpus Christi in 1929. Dr. McGregor opened a Chiropractic Clinic in the Furman Building and began to see patients. Besides being a doctor, Doc loved photography. It was his passion for photography that eventually spread into the lives of the residents of the area. Doc McGregor's biography continues below.
When can I view the pictures?
The Central Library provides a computer specifically for the Digitized McGregor Photographic Collection. It’s located in the Local History Department.
Where can I find more of Doc’s photographs?
A portion of Doc’s photographs are housed in the Central Library Local History Department Archives. The majority of the collection is available at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History.
Can I order reprints of McGregor’s Pictures?
Yes, at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History.
Is there a fee for the pictures?
Yes, the Museum charges a fee for reprints of the pictures. The Central Library does not sell reprints of the collection.
Who can I contact regarding the digitized McGregor Collection?
Contact the Corpus Christi Museum at (361) 826-4667. Contact La Retama Central Library at (361) 826-7030.
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Available Categories for Viewing at the Central Library
#8 Boats
#42 Street Scenes
#9 Buildings
#43 Ships
#28 North Beach Scenes
#45 Port Scenes
#30 Oil Scenes
#46 General Views
#39 Family Groups
#204 Bayfront Improvements
#219 Naval Air Station (NAS)
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Biography of Doc McGregor
The Doc McGregor Photographic Collection of the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is a visual legacy left behind by Dr. John Frederick McGregor. Doc and his family arrived in Corpus Christi in 1929. Dr. McGregor opened a Chiropractic Clinic in the Furman Building and began to see patients. Besides being a doctor, Doc loved photography. It was his passion for photography that eventually spread into the lives of the residents of the area.
In order to earn extra income during the depression, Doc opened a small photo business in his home at 1015 N. Chaparral. During this time, Doc moved his Chiropractic Clinic inside his home as well. He saw patients in one room and processed pictures in another room.
A natural salesman and promoter, Doc loaned Brownie cameras free of charge to customers. Customers in turn had their pictures developed at the McGregor Photographic Studio. McGregor Studio promised one day service; therefore, Doc personally picked up and delivered film to local drugstores. It was this type of fast, friendly and high quality service that produced profits for Doc. So much so, that he purchased the first automatic photo developing and processing machine in South Texas.
McGregor had a full plate with his photo studio, but took on another role as a photographer for the two major newspapers in Corpus Christi, the Caller and the Times.
He captured daily news events and key figures for the two newspapers. In return, the news agencies gave him the credit line for each photo.
As time passed and most of Corpus Christi grew and changed, its history and that of its neighbors became encapsulated in photographs that Doc took through the years.
In 1977, the City of Corpus Christi acknowledged McGregor’s vast works of art by proclaiming October 28, “Doc” McGregor Day. A celebration reception was held in his honor at the Corpus Christi Museum. Another honor was bestowed on Doc in 1983 when Mayor Luther Jones proclaimed the week of March 20-27, the official “Doc” McGregor week in honor of Doc’s birthday.
Even though Doc passed away in 1986, his legacy lives on through his pictures. Throughout his life, Doc managed to capture the true essence of Corpus Christi through the medium of photography. His collection of approximately 250,000 black and white photographs tells the history of the City.
