Packard was the day's equivalent of today's Mercedes. Everything was top notch and in the utmost good taste.

What I wouldn't give to own one of those!

I checked out the Google view of this spot today -- wow. It IS nice to see that some buildings from the past have been saved from the wrecker's ball; That window washer guy was amazing. Can you imagine that kind of rig being used today? Thanks so much for pics like these!

He'd be dead by now anyway.

From this perspective we can see the facades atop the building at right are like a Hollywood set- all show and no substance. And from the size of the rather puny braces holding them in place, I wouldn't want to be down below during a earthquake or bad wind storm.

Note the window washer on about the 11th floor of the tall white building. He seems to be suspended by straps. If he isn't, he's about to jump! Also note the portly lady in the white apron seated next to the window near the sign for Julius Mamluck & Co. Looks as though she is doing needlework. A very interesting photo. Thank you for posting.

If the guy washing the window in the building rising above the Danielson & Son sign is wearing some sort of safety harness. However I think I see him wearing a belt that appears fastened to both sides of the window.

Notice the guy standing on the window sill near the center of the light brick building in the background. Don't know what he's holding onto, but I hope he doesn't let go! Also, anybody know what the curly white item inside a glass and metal box is near the center at the bottom of the image?

[It's a display of shirt collars. - Dave]

It took a lot longer to wash those windows before they had the suspended stages as well as a courageous frame of mind.

That window washer is a braver man than I am - leave them dirty, I say!

This is the corner of Dorrance Street and Westminster, viewable from street level on Google Earth for those so inclined. Most of the buildings seen in this photo are still standing; downtown Providence is a remarkable collection of turn-of-the-century, commercial architecture. These days, however, "For Lease" signs hang in lieu of many of the business signs seen in the photo.

Has a nice ring to it. Wonderfully eclectic mix of heights and styles and materials. Dynamite.

The radiator identifies the car in the foreground as a Packard. The shape of the front of the fenders makes it a 1909 or 1910. It definitely has a "new car" shine.

I'd love to have one but they're a bit out of my price range.