The Gas Menagerie: 1927

Walter's camera looks like a Graflex RB Auto. It's my favorite Graflex, because it has a double extension bellows.

Walter loved traveling around the US and taking photos for National Geographic, mostly of the American Indians and the National Parks. He also painted many landscapes and Indians.

I would hazard to guess that the young lady in the driver's seat didn't know that the photographer could see the top of her stocking. This was VERY risque for the times.

As for the dogs, I suspect that Pocahontas is the one behind this young lady. This dog has the look of a general "Indian style" dog. the other two look to have terrier in them and, since Fox terriers were one of the most popular breeds during this time, this would not be a far stretch.

The buildings in the background are 1216, 1218, 1220 and 1222 16th Street NW. Only 1220 has changed significantly with its Miami Vice skin of stucco. The block is right around the corner from the National Geographic headquarters.

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Traversing the country alone, without a gas station every five miles, no interstates, a handful of highways, probably not much more than a dirt path in many cases, nights so dark few of us could really imagine them, and perhaps going days without seeing another soul. Throw in an open car and inevitable rains or even snow, and that had to be quite an adventure.

Yes, Walter did us all a favor when he stepped in front of a camera.

Hagerstown (Maryland) Morning Herald, November 7, 1928.

WALTER LAYMAN GIVING
TRAVEL LECTURES HERE

Indian Dogs Accompanying Lecturer
Attract Much Attention

Pocahontas, an Indian dog who has traveled all over the United States, and her three children, Minnehaha, Pocatello and Sacajawea, are centers of attraction this week for schoolchildren who are hearing lectures by Walter Layman, traveling artist and photographer.

Mr. Layman obtained Pocahontas from Idaho Indians ten years ago and since then the dog has accompanied him on sightseeing tours to the most interesting spots in the United States. She is supposed to be part coyote. Her travel adventures are told in a book written by Mr. Layman. Mr. Layman shows lantern slides of the places he has visited. His canine companions are popular with children and drew a large crowd about his automobile when it was parked on Washington Street yesterday afternoon. Sacajawea, one of the three fluffy yellow pups, is named after the Indian girl who guided Lewis and Clark.

Mr Layman is speaking with the endorsement of B.J. Grimes, superintendent of schools. His schedule this week will be at the Washington Street School this morning at 9 o'clock; at the Boonsboro School this afternoon; at Broadway all day Thursday; at Smithsburg Friday morning; at Halfway Friday afternoon.

Judging by their complexions and clothes compared with Mr Layman's. I suspect they were added to the picture for decorative effect - which they certainly provide.

I wonder if there were more pictures in National Geographic?

I'd suggest this guy should invest in tires when he gets his first check.

Here and here.

call for X-ray vision. What was he thinking?

Is his pipe attached to a string around his neck?

So this is, therefore, the original Dodge Ram!

Wow, looks like Harrison Ford and a fabulous retinue. So, which one is Pocahontas? And are those his partners, daughters, or simply admirers? Must've been a good life - whe does the movie come out?

Great shot, thanks!

If you keep your pipe on a chain around your neck.

Perhaps Walter "shot" more than just Indians. PETA would have been annoyed.

Oh, so cute ladies (especially left *fell in love*)! And dogs are very nice too. But sculls are a bit frightening. Wonderful photo!

As the owner of four dogs I know the trouble it is to have all the dogs pose at the camera at the same time! He's two for three!