Dr. Scott Emery Watson: Brief Bio

The 1940s were a time of drama and complexity in the evolution of today’s Southern California Association of Camera Clubs. This decade not only set the structure and tone for their member clubs; but also for the clubs into the 21st century. At the forefront of this exciting decade was a Yankee dentist from New Hampshire by the name of Dr. Scott Emery Watson. He would be a moving force in bringing photographic art to the San Diego.

Scott Watson was born on October 16, 1883 in Laconia, New Hampshire. He was the only child of John W. Watson, tailor by trade, and Emma C. Cox. He was imbued with the characteristics of Yankee ingenuities: self-starting, self reliant and individual enterprise.

Within the scope of one year he graduated from dental school at Tufts University, married Alice E. Hemenway (9 September 1907), moved across the United States to San Diego County (about October 1907), completed the California Dental Boards (26 December 1907) and began his dental practice at the age of 24 years in the Watts Building (located on the corner of Fifth Avenue and E Street.) The 1910 U.S. Federal Census has him residing in the city of Coronado, California where he remained until he was found in El Cajon, California in 1942.

Dr. Scott Watson is first mentioned in photographic circles in 1937. I believe he filed Articles of Incorporation for the new Photographic Arts Society on September of that year. He is also mentioned as the president of the Photographic Arts Society in 1940.


Dr. Scott E. Watson was a remarkable man with passion for his home, work and avocation.

• He brought many traveling salons to San Diego, published a weekly article about photography in the San Diego Union, and promoted an annual photographic exhibition at the San Diego County Fair. 
• He successfully navigated the club and its activities upon the US Navy takeover of Balboa Park during the War Years.
• He was instrumental in the founding of the Southern California Association of Camera Clubs.
• He promoted photography and photographic activities in San Diego County.
• He readily shared his photographic knowledge, assisted any club in need of advice or encouragement.

Dr. Watson also achieved the Honor of Associate at the 1949 annual meeting of the Photographic Society of America. The Associate honor is awarded for contributions to the advancement of photography that are primarily service oriented. These may include service to PSA or other photographic organizations or photography related service to the general community.

Dr. Scott Watson died on September 30, 1949 at the age of 65 years. His legacy continues well into the 21st century.