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Today's Top 5
Keeler's: 1908
Submitted by Dave on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 12:38pm.
Albany, New York, circa 1908. "Keeler's Hotel." Next door, one category of retailing that's taken a hit over the years: "Carriage & Sleigh Robes." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size.
The Happy Warrior
Submitted by Kilroy on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 6:51pm.
Future New York governor and presidential candidate Al Smith used to hold court here with his friends during his days as a State Assemblyman.
Awnings!
Submitted by billybobtoo on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 4:55pm.
The awning business appears to be the one I would have bet on. They were probably real canvas too.
More Attention to Detail In 1908
Submitted by Mal Fuller on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 4:08pm.
When compared to today's signage, it's refreshing to note the inclusion of the apostrophe in the Hotel's roof sign.
Well yeah
Submitted by tinag on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 3:49pm.
Since all those big-box and online stores starting horning in on the sleigh-robe business and put all the "little guys" out of business.
Sled robes for baby
Submitted by Walter on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 3:25pm.
[Looks dangerous. Shouldn't Baby be strapped into a rear-facing sled seat? - Dave]
A Fire Escape
Submitted by DonY on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 4:06pm.
from every window, but I don't see ladders to ground level. The builders must have figured there would be a devastating fire in 1919, so better prepare for it now.
Fire Sweeps Keeler Hotel
Submitted by James G. on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 1:32pm.
Here's the NY Times article reporting its demise.
Destroyed by flames
Submitted by walt on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 1:13pm.
The Keeler was gutted by fire on June 17, 1919. All the patrons escaped without harm, but a fireman was killed when he was buried beneath the crumbling walls.
Hatters and Furriers
Submitted by Mr Mel on Wed, 08/03/2011 - 11:08pm.
On the floor above the Carriage and Sleigh Robes was another industry that would be, albeit later, in the tank.
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Today's Top 5