David H. Portillo
Ciudad Barrios is a city in the San Miguel department of El Salvador, and the birthplace of a novice photographer and archivist born in 1916, David Humberto Portillo. As a young man, he left Ciudad Barrios for the capital searching for greater opportunities. He found employment at Jaime Pascual department store, got married and had four boys, and eventually attended night school to earn a certificate in accounting.
In the summer of 1990, in the city of San Salvador, David gifted his granddaughters a vintage green case filled with photos, memorabilia, and newspaper clippings that captured his personal milestones—small glimpses into a world that has since changed. His granddaughters, who lived in the United States, carried the collection back with them, determined to research and preserve his legacy. They have since created this digital story to build on the scarce stories of Ciudad Barrios and share decades of history—portraits of family members, snapshots of places and events that might have otherwise been forgotten.
In addition, the collection includes two rare photographs of great significance to those interested in knowing more about the life of Óscar Arnulfo Romero, who is now St. Romero. David Portillo and Oscar Romero attended the Ciudad Barrios' boys school at the same time. While David cut himself out of the photographs/postcards, a young Romero, who is covered by another classmate stands on the top row.
click to see photos
Mother of Dolores Portillo, wearing traditional clothing and a head wrap to cushion a tumpline or "mecapal" for carrying firewood. Photo by grandson, David H. Portillo.
Daughter of Mariana Portillo, Dolores sits for portrait taken by her son David H. Portillo in Ciudad Barrios. Wife of Atanacio Portillo.
A Salvadoran newspaper reports on the return of Dolores Portillo to Ciudad Barrios from the capital after her son's grave illness.
Telegram from Fernando Portillo sending his condolences to Dolores Portillo on October 23, 1940 in regards to a recent death in the family.
Resident of Ciudad Barrios, mother of Atanacio Portillo and grandmother of David H. Portillo.
"Esther Portillo passed away on December 17, 1938 - Ciudad Barrios. My grand moder"
Portrait of Atanacio Portillo of Ciudad Barrios, son of Ester Portillo, and father of David H. Portillo. Husband to Dolores Portillo.
February 1939, picture taken by David H. Portillo. (Right - Josefina Portillo, middle - unknown, left - Arminda Portillo)
February 1939, children stand in the middle of a road in Ciudad Barrios. Photo taken by David H. Portillo.