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J.C. Flood: 1926
... for which they are name-suited. This was devised by the New Scientist journal: "WE recently came across a new book, Pole Positions ... Militaru Buffalo The Amigone funeral homes in the Buffalo, New York area laid me out when I lived there. Pun intended. Family ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/05/2012 - 5:46pm -

Washington circa 1926. "J.C. Flood truck. Ford Motor Co." The J.C. Flood Plumbing business is still going strong in the Washington area. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Lil PeeperCute kid looking out the window at all the excitement. The formal worldI had repairs done to my heating system this week but I don't recall the repairmen showing up wearing a tie or bowtie. Must be a union thing. Hee hee...I love it when people's names fit their jobs, like Mr. Flood the plumber, or Dr. Whitehead the dermatologist, or Larry Sprinkle, the meteorologist. What is tinning?Is it relining old copper pots and pans with tin? [Tinning is soldering. As in pipe joints. The company also did "tin roofing, guttering and spouting." Its ads drew a distinction between tinning and sheet metal work. - Dave] Nominative DeterminismThere is a whole theory (Nominative Determinism) built around the idea that people eventually gravitate into professions for which they are name-suited. This was devised by the New Scientist journal: "WE recently came across a new book, Pole Positions - The Polar Regions and the Future of the Planet, by Daniel Snowman. Then, a couple of weeks later, we received a copy of London Under London - A Subterranean Guide, one of the authors of which is Richard Trench. So it was interesting to see Jen Hunt of the University of Manchester stating in the October issue of The Psychologist: "Authors gravitate to the area of research which fits their surname." Hunt's example is an article on incontinence in the British Journal of Urology (vol 49, pp 173-176, 1977) by J. W. Splatt and D. Weedon.[1] (This really does exist. We've checked it.)" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nominative_determinism More Apt DBAsOne of the oldest plumbing companies in my city (fourth generation now) is the eponymously named "Goforth Plumbing & Drain." And, one of the most-respected doctors here in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly trusted for what were still called "female complaints," maintained a thriving practice despite the name on his shingle: "Albert S. Hackim, Physician & Surgeon." Dr. TIn southern California, I had a dentist named Dr. Toothacher and a physician named Dr. Croak. I kid you not. Hee Hee... (part two)The orthodontist I went to as a child was Dr. Toothman. And, I used to work with a woman named Mrs. Payne - her son is a dentist. In nomen omenIf may I add another case, the war minister of Ceausescu (Romania), was aptly named Militaru BuffaloThe Amigone funeral homes in the Buffalo, New York area laid me out when I lived there. Pun intended. Family name. NamesMy dentist is Dr. Fang First CarHmmm.. yeah. Bought my first car from a Mrs. Cheatham. It didn't seem ironic until the accelerator fell through the floor a week later. My mom and I still laugh about it 20 years later. We never buy anything anymore from anyone named Cheatham. I also worked with a Fonda Dicks (I know you must all think I'm joking, but I'm serious as a heart attack) at a rest home in Ohio. I don't know if it pertained to her occupation as a nurse's aide, but it did seem ironic that any heterosexual woman would be named that. [Ironic? More like "appropriate." - Dave] Alley ViewHas anybody looked to see if this house is still standing? I checked Street View (fantastic invention!) but their cameras didn't go down this alley (behind the 2100 block of 14th NW). And has anybody noticed the thin lines of snow on top of the tree branches? This must have been a sunny Winter's day - making those broken windowpanes the little boy is looking out of all the more troubling. That house he's living in is nicely designed. The owner/builder took money and care with those decorative touches along the roof-line. Seeing buildings like this one excites me to no end. [Try Live Maps Bird's Eye View. Click below. - Dave] (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, D.C., Natl Photo, Stores & Markets)
Unloading: 1900
Buffalo, New York, circa 1900. "Thornberger hoist unloading ore at Lackawanna docks." 8x10 ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/08/2012 - 7:36pm -

Buffalo, New York, circa 1900. "Thornberger hoist unloading ore at Lackawanna docks." 8x10 inch glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. 18440I hope those 2 guys standing in that open boxcar were getting hazardous duty pay. Janey Couplers & BrakesIt is interesting to note that all the freight cars (drop bottom gondola type) are equipped with Janey style knuckle couplers. Car 18440 is marked as having air brakes but the others are not and do not show any air hoses next to the couplers. These cars must have been assembled into very interesting trains with air brakes on some cars and hand brakes on others. This picture was taken during that transition time. I think air brakes were required by law on all interchange cars (those cars passed from one railroad to another) by 1906. Flat bottom gondolasI never thought about how the unloaded those cars -- hole in the middle, so men have to push the coal to the opening, eh? I had wondered. Labor was all American back then. The American Flyer train set I had as a kid had cars that tilted to dump. That's a load?Note the gondolas with a pile of ore in each end of the car. These cars are loaded. Ore is much heavier, by volume, than coal. To load one of these cars with ore like the coal load in the foreground, would cause the car to collapse. Coal hoppers are loaded with iron ore exactly the same way today. Also note the old boxcar sitting on the ground at right. It has been demoted to yard shanty status. This car is about 34 feet long, and was likely built in the 1880's. Six-Rig Thornburg HoistI believe the correct spelling is Thornburg, though their are several variants: Thornberg, Thornburgh, and Thornberger. A reverse view of the same machines is at Hydra: 1901. An earlier year of the Blue Book referred to them as Excelsior Hoists. I can't find out much information on either Thornburg or Excelsior Hoists and whether they were one and the same. Also, I still can't figure out how these things were powered: electric or steam? Blue Book of American Shipping, 1909. Railway Terminal Facilities for Ore and Coal Traffic on Lake Erie. Buffalo, N.Y. Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Co., (Docks in Erie Basin), W. E. Dowle, assistant general freight agent — Six-rig Thornburg hoist, capable of unloading 1,500 gross tons in ten hours. All rigs can be worked on any vessel having hatches of 24 feet centers or less. No storage room. Medieval ore loadersLooks like a bunch of trebuchets to me. Look at all of those barges waiting to go back up the Erie Canal. Steam or electric?I'd say steam from the steam plant on the left. the venting out the top is a tell tale of steam pressure venting from an engine. I imagine the steam is produced there and vented there (no venting on the rig itself it seems) and supplied under the track it traverses on. I just wonder if they had some kind of flexible piping to allow the thing to move or if they hooked it up after setting it in place.. it doesn't look like it has to travel far. One more possibility is that they were powered hydrolically from the steam plant. that would solve a lot of problems bringing steam out to the units. the other post mentions 2000t over 10 hours so I don't imagine each of the units had to deal with a lot or weight in a shovel full. I think it was built for speed over capacity and hydrolic would make sense and is about right for it to be tried in 1900 for a job like this Electric or steamThe building in the foreground with the large stack and the 2 smaller stacks appears to be a stationary steam plant. I do not see any wires or typical electric infrastructure going to the hoists. On the other hand I also do not see any evidence of steam operation on the hoist mechanism. If they were in operation at the time of the photo you would see exhaust steam coming off of the steam powered winches. A Powerful IdeaThe power to these hoists perhaps is provided by a line shaft from the shed on the left, which happens to be inline with the hoists. There appear to be two steam exhaust stacks from the roof, which could indicate a large twin cylinder or tandem steam engine with a boiler elsewhere. A line shaft could exit the end of the shed and run through near the base of each hoist much like an old time machine shop providing power to each hoist, and each of course being individually controlled by an operator. Also note, the counter balance weights on each hoist that look like lumber planks stacked three or four, hooked to cable running over pulleys and guided by round bar. I think rather than wood planks, they are large steel flat bar counterweights to assist in moving and/or balancing the load of the booms as they swing back and forth. A second set of weights are certainly on the other side of each hoist out of view. A line shaft providing power to the cable lifts for the ore buckets and also the booms, which being relieved by the counter weights would require less power. ShaftsOn the link kindly provided by stanton_square showing the other end of these hoists, one can see a shaft extending from the last hoist and being supported by a sawhorse and a bearing block being positioned by tapered wedges or shims. Such a block, probably wooden, properly oiled provides a surprisingly good bearing surface and placed to keep the shaft from whipping and damaging the inboard bearing. This shaft extension leads me to believe that indeed this set of hoists is powered by a line shaft from the shed. All of the hoists probably have these shaft extensions for connection to each other and rather than cut off the last one, it is usually left in place for future expansion or to move to another position should one hoist be destroyed or go out of service. Other unloading cranes Here's a link to the development and photos of much larger buckets and cranes as the industry evolved. Visit each of the sites in the left navigation page for a overall history. Unloading Iron ore http://www.clevelandmemory.org/glihc/oretrade.html Alva Sunk 1895According to Great Lakes Maritime History Vol 1. Chapter 41 http://www.linkstothepast.com/marine/chapt41.php (1895) "August: Steamer Alva sunk by collision with whaleback barge 117 at the Sault." Unless the ship being unloaded is a different Alva, this picture has to have been taken before then. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, Buffalo NY, DPC)
Embraceable Utica: 1910
Utica, New York, circa 1910. "Genesee and Bleecker streets." Points of interest include ... firm name of Sullivan & Slauson. The members of the new firm are well known and popular. Mr. Sullivan was for years employed by ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/21/2012 - 11:18am -

Utica, New York, circa 1910. "Genesee and Bleecker streets." Points of interest include the City Candy Kitchen, City National Bank, a streetcar control tower and the Commercial Travelers building seen in an earlier post. View full size. Busy Corner Drug StoreMedicine bottles from Sullivan & Slauson Busy Corner Drug Store have become collectables. Ricks Bottle Room has more info and photos. Maybe someone else sees it but I'm having trouble figuring out what is Embraceable about the photo. American Druggist and Pharmaceutical Record, 1901. Buffalo Notes The old drug establishment at the corner of Genesee and Lafayette streets. Utica, for a number of years known as McMillan's drug store, has been secured by Daniel J. Sullivan and John G. Slauson, and will be run under the firm name of Sullivan & Slauson. The members of the new firm are well known and popular. Mr. Sullivan was for years employed by John H. Sheehan & Co., and later by W. A. Teachout, but recently had charge of the prescription department of Crazier W. Hurlburt's drug store. He is a graduate of the New York College of Pharmacy. Mr. Slanson was for nine years employed by Howarth & Ballard as a prescription clerk. It is the intention of the new firm to remodel the store. Lyrical title It could be associated with a Holiday. Parked at BusycornerIt looks to me as if "Busy Corner" is a compound word on the sign (not positive because a pole obscures the "C" of "corner"). If so, a neat turn that gives the sign even more character. I noticed the little carriage parked ahead of the car in this transitional period from horse-and-buggy to internal combustion. I like the fastidious lady sitting in the back seat so she doesn't have to dirty her petticoats clambering over the wheel, while her husband sits in front ready to drive whenever the other passenger comes out of the store. I assume he's her husband and not a hired chauffeur because he isn't uniformed, but maybe that's not typical of the period. This is an upper class lady, I think, because the horses are a matched pair (same color and size). Is she reading a book to pass the time, or just looking for something in her purse? Take me awayWhat a fabulous photo. I love seeing the women and children out on the street enjoying life. BusyThe lady in the carriage (under the barber shop windows) seems very focused on something in her hands. I wonder: could she be downloading Scott Joplin's "Solace" to her iPhone? Man on the streetThe man at the far right side of the picture is asking himself the age old question "Does my breath stink?" ObservationsWith the greatest respect I find I have to disagree with other posters. On closer inspection it would seem that the gentleman in front is wearing a uniform and therefore likely to be the chauffeur to the lady in the carriage. I would like to suggest that we are waiting for "Sir" who must be in the bank. It will also become obvious that madam is actually checking her text messages (no earphone leads)! I can't recall seeing the "screens" hanging round horses like this before. Dare I suggest that they maybe something of a "modesty blanket" that madame demands around her beautiful (and expensive) pair. [That's fly netting on the horse. Seen here in a number of posts. - Dave] Duly NotedThe Lady in the carriage is sitting behind her driver, she is not doing anything other than keeping the sun out of her eyes, hands folded upon her purse, possibly napping. Man with hand up on sidewalk, not smelling his breath, as the Lady to his right has placed her hand over part of her face, possibly neither wanting their photograph taken. Before Facial Recognition. Below the sign City Candy Kitchen appears to be a group of Girls with umbrellas and hats, possibly a school field trip. To the left of South Streetcar 65, that of a man on a bicycle. Note: Man in the Barber Chair & Barber. Also Block & Tackle rig, big hook hanging from roof of the Bank. (The Gallery, DPC, Streetcars, Utica)
Jack-Knife Bridge: 1905
Buffalo, New York, circa 1905. "Jack-Knife Bridge, City Ship Canal, foot of Michigan ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/22/2012 - 10:39am -

Buffalo, New York, circa 1905. "Jack-Knife Bridge, City Ship Canal, foot of Michigan Street." Detroit Publishing Company glass negative. View full size. Wonderful mechanical artWhat a great photograph, I just got lost in it. And that bridge! The lifting design is amazing. Look at those rolling counterweights, articulated steam-powered lifting arms, and the beautifully engineered iron-work that contains it all. I love it! From Google Earth photo: this the bridge at the end of Michigan Street now. (yawn): http://www.panoramio.com/photo/12074755 Smoke all overI just wonder what it has been to live in a city that time while smoke was in one's nose all the time. Many of these old city photos seem to reveal an air pollution problem. But I would still be happy to make a visit back to those times! Toot, toot!What a great photo! You can almost smell the smoke and hear the tugboat's horn! First built in 1873, apparentlyThere's a lot of interesting history about the Buffalo grain industry here. And I should really get back to work. And LoSteampunks and boatnerds across the land rejoiced. IncredibleGreat to see more pictures of Buffalo in its prime. AtmosphereI love the way the photo captures the steam/smoke from the tug under the bridge. The steam/smoke is enveloping the left edge of the bridge. Very cool. Long goneThe bridge in the picture here is no longer in existence. The bridge shown in the picture from the comment entitled "Wonderful Mechanical Art" is the Michigan Street Bridge that crosses the Buffalo River, not the Buffalo Ship canal. Lil TootThis must be the tug Disney based his classic cartoon on. I wish I was the captainOf that steam tugboat. What a beautiful time trip I would make. Thanks again for this fantastic photo. Kellogg BuildingsSorry Breakfast Clubbers, the Kellogg A and B Buildings didn't store or manufacture Corn Flakes or Rice Krispies. Spencer Kellogg & Sons compounded oils (cooking, vegetable and castor among others) from linseed. Scuffy the Tugboat.A colorization candidate! These squat tugs are likely "low-profile" Great Lakes Towing and Salvage boats and were painted dark green on the hull with red deckhouse and white trim, often named for a U. S. state. Note the trident steam whistle. It must have produced a beautiful a sound. They were very powerful tugs for their size and some were steered with a whip-staff rather than a large wooden wheel. Also note the Erie Canal style barge tied up at the foot of the Kellogg warehouse. Smoke all overIn days past a photo with smoke in the air denoted prosperity and industry going full steam ahead towards the future. The smokier the more prosperous an area was. Connelly Bros. Ship ChandlersThe business in the lower left, Connelly Bros., was a ship chandlery which served the equipment, etc. needs of Great Lakes freighters coming and going from the port of Buffalo. It was founded by my great-grandfather John Connelly. He was born in Ireland in 1853 and emigrated to the US. He and his brothers got started as young men buying and selling (used, I think) rope around the mouth of the Erie Canal and the Buffalo harbor. I believe that between the chandlery and the bride was the dock of the fire boat. The Connelly Bros. building in the picture was destroyed in the late fifties when a freighter that was tied up for the winter up stream came loose and collided with the bridge. The bridge tower came down into the business and all was destroyed by the collision and possibly a resulting fire. I'm not sure if it was the same bridge or a later version. I think the fire boat in service now(the Edward Cotter?) is still tied up there. The business was moved to 43 Illinois St. which is right across from the parking structure at the HSBC Arena (now known as First Niagara). Due to the opening of the Welland canal and the decline of steel and manufacturing in Buffalo, ship traffic became greatly reduced in the 1960s-80s. My father, John Connelly Norwalk, was forced to close the business down in the mid 1980s after operating for over 3 generations within our family. Almost every member of my dad's family my age and older had a hand in working there at some point. If you look closely you can see people, possibly my relatives, out in front of the building along the docks. Thank you for this. It will make a fantastic family keepsake. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, Buffalo NY, DPC)
BPL: 1908
Buffalo, New York, circa 1908. "Buffalo Public Library, Lafayette Square." (Beware browsing ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/19/2022 - 8:54pm -

Buffalo, New York, circa 1908. "Buffalo Public Library, Lafayette Square." (Beware browsing bison!) 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. Replaced in 1964This sturdy, Romanesque structure was replaced in 1964 with an international style structure. The new library has features the old one probably lacked, like handicap access. But you're still on your own finding a parking spot. The Hotel Lafayette, at right in 1908, is still there. Swing to your left if you want to admire a building with Flower Power. Rolling StonesThe '60s were a cruel decade for Romanesque on the Niagara Frontier. 1890-1968 Re: ReplacedYeah, the mansion was replaced by the mid-Twentieth Century eyesore. and the new one does have things that the old one didn't, like a leaky roof, and drafts in the winter. One set of things that it doesn't have any more are the fantastic collection of books that they once had. About thirty years ago, they started discarding them in favor of the newer "politically correct" pieces. I used to love to go to the old Grosvenor Mansion and spend a day there when I was a kid. By the time that I was old enough to go into the adult sections, they were gone. Thanks for the photo. Detail!Amazing roof work. It looks so ... Minecraft. DemolishedIt shows how American cities did have beautiful buildings once, but were easily torn down. Luckily, this has generally not been the case in Europe. WhyWhy would they replace the original library with that ? Ready for my closeupI was looking for something else and spotted this. And now we know the architect of this impressive library was Cyrus L. W. Eidlitz. (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, Cars, Trucks, Buses, DPC)
River City: 1900
Buffalo, New York, circa 1900. "Buffalo River and elevators, foot of Main Street." 8x10 inch ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/22/2017 - 8:39am -

Buffalo, New York, circa 1900. "Buffalo River and elevators, foot of Main Street." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. A Great PhotographI have spent more time studying this anonymous photo than any I have seen on Shorpy--and I've seen them all. It is an amazing composition. The range of tones and textures, the surface of the river, smoke, steam and clouds, the weathered dock and coal in the foreground. Those elevators look like sets for a Fritz Lang film. And the overall oppressiveness. A great photograph. Flour millingMinneapolis was the flour milling capitol back at that date, but Buffalo was its big rival. Eventually, by about 1930, Buffalo became the biggest flour producer, largely due to shipping costs and a special political deal to allow Canadian wheat to be milled "in bond" in the US and passed on to European markets, which gave Buffalo a clear cost advantage. Reimagined grain silosToday, a few of the old grain silos have been painted as Labatt's beer cans. Labatt's, a popular Canadian pilsener, is imported via the Peace Bridge between Buffalo and Fort Erie, Ontario, I believe. The import arm of the brewery is located in Buffalo. The repainted silos are a tribute to what is arguably western NY's most popular beer. You just have to see it to believe it! Also, you can tour the silos now, and even go up inside one. This is not for those afraid of heights (like me), something the tour operator stresses. One silo is used on occasion for recording music. There are also companies in the area that rent out kayaks, canoes, water boards, and water bikes so one can paddle in the Erie Canal and Buffalo River to investigate the silos, and returning wildlife. A great job has been done on the Buffalo waterfront, there is ice skating in the winter, there are new restaurants, breweries, and many wildlife habitats recreated from what was once a polluted wasteland. The City of Buffalo has a lot to be proud of for once. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, Buffalo NY, DPC)
Appleton: 1962
... Iroquois beer So we're probably somewhere in New York. Buffalo? [I could really go for a six-pack of Pontiacs right about ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/04/2017 - 5:11pm -

UPDATE: It took only a few minutes for you to pinpoint the location to Appleton, Wisconsin. Well done! This is one of the Janet & Kermy Kodachromes, labeled "Wisconsin plane trip 1962." The slide was processed in October 1962. A 35mm Kodachrome from the Shorpy archives that I scanned last night. Where are we, and when? See the comments for your answers. View full size. Why are downtowns desolate nowadays?Comparing the photo from 1962 to Google Street View, it is jarring how desolate the downtown feels. The older photo seemed to pack in SO MANY more stores, so much more texture, and of course, so many more people and cars. Lots of photos on this site, when compared to modern day, feel the same. I suppose I know some of the answers, but it still jumps out at me. [Shopping centers, for one. - tterrace] Iroquois beerSo we're probably somewhere in New York. Buffalo? [I could really go for a six-pack of Pontiacs right about now. - Dave] Amarica's Dairyland@bobstothfang- You would be correct. The phrase America's Dairyland has been on all Wisconsin standard automobile plates since 1940. TuslerI think there was a Tusler Pontiac in Appleton, WI. 1960Newest car in the photo is the 1960 Chevy parked on right foreground. Just a guessI'd say early 1960s Atlanta. AppletonThat is Appleton, Wisconsin. That's cool!No comment in particular other than I love these photos that capture a place in time. Love it. Appleton, WisconsinAt back, the H.C. Prange Department Store was at 126 West College Avenue Appleton, Wisconsin. It opened in 1946. View Larger Map Is this the place?Might this be Appleton, Wisconsin? Downtown AppletonDowntown Appleton, WI; looking west along College Avenue between Morrison and Oneida. View Larger Map Lightning-quickI am impressed! Appleton, Wisconsin, is correct. This is one of the Janet & Kermy Kodachromes, labeled "Wisconsin plane trip 1962." The slide was processed in October 1962. Appleton200 block of East College, Appleton, Wisconsin I'll take an educated guessI am betting that we are looking south on the main street in Appleton, WI in the very early '60s. Based on the following clues -- Tusler Pontiac sign Tusler Motor Company (Google) Burton Tusler (Google) The vintage of the cars Jimos Hat Cleaners (Google) "Andy Jimos, who had a hat cleaning business on the main street for 65 years…from 1927 to 1982"... The license plates are tough to see, but they might say "America's Dairyland" on the bottom. [Other clews below. - Dave] 217 east college Appleton WIGreenen dry goods is pretty conclusive. There are a lot of changes but the red brick building with beige points is still there. But here's the most perplexing question of allWhy does Jimos Hat Cleaners have a Coca-Cola logo on its sign? Far CarsFrom the left: 1961 Chevy, 1955 Chevy Nomad, yellow 1959 Ford, 1962 Ford, another 1959 Ford, blue 1962 Ford, 1960 Mercury. AALThe large building on the far right with the "A.A.L" on it is the headquarters of the Aid Association for Lutherans (now Thrivent). I've had a life insurance policy with them since my parents bought it when I was two months old (March 1962). Dave:aren't clews the lower part of a sail? [Maybe you need to get out more! - Dave] Iroquois BeerI spent an hour or more looking for Iroquois Beer but only found Schlitz on top of Dick's Tavern. Where the heck is it? Iroquois beer was brewed in Buffalo & Dunkirk NY and also in Ohio at various times but not in Wisconsin, "diloretta" anything further to add? Thanks for the reason to hunt this pic. [I think Diloretta was confusing Chief Pontiac with the Iroquois mascot. - Dave] Desolate DowntownsThis looks to be one of those towns that tried to buck the trend by putting the shopping center/mall downtown. These almost always failed. Nowadays malls are becoming ghost towns, and the new trend is toward "town centers" combining stores, housing and office buildings in order to try to recreate the downtown experience. The circle of life. Things that pass; things that remainThe things that have passed: Pontiac, Mercury, Oldsmobile, F.W.Woolworth. The things that have remained (so far): Chevrolet, Ford, Singer, Coca-Cola, Dutch Boy, Smirnoff, Sears (although who would have guessed Sears would be owned by K-Mart?). Others that have passedTo add to mpcdsp's list, H.C. Prange (department stores) and AAL (Aid Association for Lutherans), the two tall buildings on the right. Both Appleton mainstays were bought out or merged and renamed. Clue about clewIn Greek Mythology "clew" refers to the ball of thread used by Theseus to find his way out of the labyrinth to escape the Minotaur - becomes clue in American usage. 1957 Olds From IllinoisCheck out the robin's egg blue 1957 Oldsmobile sitting under the MARX clock. He's a visitor from Illinois. I distinctly remember the dark orange plates with white numerals, even though I was 12 years old at the time. Ahhhh, good times. No cell phones, no computers, kids got exercise outdoors playing and we were the most prosperous nation in the world. The only thing we had to worry about was the Russians! Grandpa following DadA nostalgia trip for me,as my grandfather had a purple '59 Olds and my Dad a red '59 Chevy Bel Air at the time this photo was taken. My brother and I would stand on the floor behind the old man and watch him drive (no car seats, or even seatbelts, then). The cars are all as familiar to me as today's cars, except for that Nomad (good eye, Dave). I don't remember ever seeing one till later when they were big with street rodders and surfers. Blue carThe blue car under the MARX clock is a '55-'56 Buick, not a '57 Oldsmobile. I owned a '57 Olds back in 1962. They have a 3 piece rear window and oval tailights. My hometownI lived in Appleton from 1969 to 1995. You can see the AAL building and Zuelke building. Gibson Motors used to be here on College Avenue also. My father bought his brand new 1974 Chevy Malibu here. Up the street a little farther was the movie theater where I first saw Star Wars in 1977. I was 9 years old. When I got my drivers license, in the mid-'80s, I used to "cruise the ave" as they used to say, looking for girls. What memories. Thank you for the post. (ShorpyBlog, The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Kermy Kodachromes)
The New Chevrolet: 1957
... photo? Wood Block Ford's Buffalo Stamping Plant in Buffalo, New York, also has a wood block floor. At least it did have when I retired, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/06/2014 - 12:53pm -

October 1957. "Assembly line with 1958 Chevrolets." 35mm Kodachrome by Phillip Harrington, one of 1,200 photos taken for the Look magazine assignment "GM's 50 Years of Men, Money and Motors." View full size. Rain test?The first two vehicles are all wet, and maybe the third. The rest are too far out of focus to tell. Is there some sort of "rain test" along the assembly line? Or did they just bring these cars in from a wet parking lot to stage this photo? Wood BlockFord's Buffalo Stamping Plant in Buffalo, New York, also has a wood block floor. At least it did have when I retired, after 31 years, 2003. New For "58Mr Mel, I had a Impala the same color as your convertible in '79 at the age of 17. Purchased from "the little white hair old lady" in Burbank for $400.00. 283, two barrel carb,oil bath air cleaner, a cast iron "Powerglide transmission. Sold it to a buddy for $200.00, still regret it to this day. A few months later I bought a '48 Oldsmobile "76 Dynamic Cruiser" for $700.00. But missed my '58 Impala. I like all year Chevies and everybody has there favorites. As the former owner of a '58 Olds "98" the Chevy was conservative. But this is what I love about Shorpy, these types of photos of a time that was, and never to be again. PS... I'll drive off the line in that wagon right now. lol SerendipityThis design was originally to have debuted in the '57 model year. When tooling problems surfaced, the '56 was hastily face-lifted and became the '57 model -- now venerated by many collectors as the most desirable Chevy ever -- while this design was pushed ahead to become the '58, a model generally held in much less aesthetic esteem. [I question the accuracy of this narrative. - Dave] This is a story I've read about in several sources, but the only ready reference I have is Wikipedia, which generally corroborates the story. A more reputable reference awaits my opening more book boxes, so barring a savior somewhere out there in Shorpyland, I guess I'll just have to endure the scorn of your skepticism. Classic!I will take that first blue one. North TarrytownCould this be the old GM assembly plant just north of New York City? The cobble stone floor indicates an older facility. 58 ChevyI'd take anyone of those. I'm thinking the 1958 model (dual headlights) wasn't as desirable as the 1957 model but they still look awfully good. How I miss the days...Back when cars had real color. The top, upper body, and lower body were all different, not to mention ample chrome accents to add even more eye appeal. Today's cars are monochromatic blobs. Even the bumpers are just part of the body, with the same color. Harley's follyThe 1958 GM line was the beginning of the end for Harley Earl. He had been the golden boy of the design department since the 20's, but the '58 models seemed proof that he had lost his mojo. By '59 he was gone, to be replaced by Bill Mitchell. OrangeCould the curious orange band at the top of the photo be a strip of gel placed in front of the lens to diminish the glare of the fluorescents? Mr Mel aka Mr LuckyI bought a new '58 Impala Convertible while I was still in the Army. It cost $2600. The downpayment was my '51 Chevy 4 door Deluxe. The payments were $72 monthly. My father made the payments until I came home and started making enough to handle them. He was one great guy. The attached a 1959 photo, is of my then new girlfriend and now my wife of 53 years, sitting on the boot covering the downed top. Wood floorsThe floor is wood blocks placed on end so the grain shows and sealed. Kind of like industrial butcher block. I've seen it in WWII vintage factory floors. There is concrete under it. HubcapsThe hubcaps were usually stored in the trunk until final delivery by the dealer. Could this have been an exception here just for the Look magazine photographer? There is a rack containing cardboard kick panels next to the station wagon. Seems a bit late in the line to be installing them. I hope you will post more photos from this series. The cobblestone floorIs more likely wood block, common in auto plants of the era. By the way, I'll take the ragtop. Color ErrorI can recall tri-tone colors on the cars of the '50s, but I believe the 'turquoise' top on the wagon is actually white and colored by a film processing error. Note that the red paint surrounding the side windows is considerably bluer near the top. [The red and blue appear come from strips of colored gel positioned a few inches in front of the lens, thus the soft edges - note the gradient on the cardboard carton. -tterrace] That's possible, or the effect could have been added while making the print. It's a good rule in photography to get a clean image first and modify it in the darkroom - or these days, in the computer. [This isn't a print, but a direct scan of the 35mm Kodachrome slide. -tterrace] I stand corrected. Mine is greenI drive a two-tone green Brookwood wagon, like the orange and white one in the center of the photo. Its condition is not nearly that nice, but it behaves well enough for a 55 year old car. Orange & turquoiseThat station wagon would blend in perfectly at Howard Johnson. 57 vs 58Well, I must be in the minority. I would sooo much more want a 1958 (especially the new Impala!) than a 1957. Yeah, the GM 58's were Harley Earl's swan song, but what a swan song. Almost baroque with detail, dripping chrome, lavish interiors.... the pinnacle of late 50's auto design to my eyes.I know Bill Mitchell's cars sold better, but to me, he didn't hit his stride until 1963. [I agree with you about the '58. -tterrace] Wow. A '58 Nomad.The Nomad shown has a C-series paint code (two-tone, roof and lower molding area same color), in Cay Coral and Arctic White. We don't know if it's a V-8 (1800 series)or a 6 cylinder (1700 series), but we know it weighed roughly 3700 lbs and cost approx $2800 (factory price, BTW). It was produced in 11 different plants, so it's really impossible to tell if it's Tarrytown, NY or not - without seeing the VIN number, of course. There were 42 different combinations of engine-trans-carb you could order. The engines were the 6 cyl (235HP), a V-8 (283HP) and V-8(348HP). Trans were 3-speed, 4-speed, power glide, turbo-glide and overdrive. Carbs were 2 bbl, 4 bbl, and fuel injection - and the very rare engine that came with 3 two-barrel carbs. Those are pieces of wood on end for the floor. Here in Detroit, all of the old auto plants (the ones still standing anyway) have this flooring. I was just in the old Cadillac Stamping Plant in Detroit on Connor at Gratiot, and the floor is really amazing in itself. Almost 100 years of grease and oil have soaked into that floor. If the walls could talk. [The wagon is a Brookwood, not a Nomad. -tterrace] Factory TourThis takes me back as an 8-year-old in June/July ,1958, Flint Mich. where we were on vacation from Quebec visiting Dad's cousins. My father took me on a tour offered by GM of the Chevrolet assembly plant there and I was awed by the sight of bare frames to finished Impalas in 90 minutes, coming off the line every 90 seconds. That was the "high tech" of the era. I also remember returning to Dad's 56 Chev after the tour in a downpour, only to find a flat tire. Engines & PaintThe comment on the engines was incorrect, "235" is cu. in. Not horsepower, the same goes for the other two V8's also. Someone commented on '50's tricolor cars, GM did not do this, Chrysler Corp. was most apt to paint the three color schemes. My father bought a '58 BelAire, very nice car. 1958 Chevrolet was a 'one year only' design, must have cost them a fortune to produce this design for such a short time, they must have been making a TON of money in those days. Mr Mel sure had a beautiful Impala and girlfriend! The first two cars are Sierra Gold and Desert Sand, I think. The top of the wagon is the same shade as the bottom. (not light blue) The one year 1958Dave, I too question the accuracy of the '57 being a last minute replacement. It would just not be possible on short notice to get all the tooling and parts in place, and the '57 was seriously different from the '56 - fenders, grille, bumpers, trim, it could not have been pulled together quickly. The short life of the '58 model was likely due to Chrysler's new 'Forward Look' styling introduced in 1957. In fact it was Chrysler who dumped a whole design and moved ahead to what they had planned for a few years later. The '57 GM cars looked very stodgy compared to the long, low, yet light-looking Chrysler products. They looked like they could fly (almost). GM moved very quickly and probably left behind their 58 designs which might have been the basis of the next couple of model years at least. Sort of a shame, the 58 Chevy was a really beautiful car. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Detroit Photos, Factories, Phillip Harrington)
The Only Way to Fly: 1965
... more in the summer-- the 0900 departure continued west to New York. 126 Camera My 126 camera always took great pictures. It was ... 
 
Posted by tterrace - 10/06/2015 - 6:42pm -

My friend's folks stretch out and light up on a nice, comfy flight from San Francisco to Hawaii in 1965. Someone borrowed their Kodak Instamatic for this 126 Kodachrome slide. View full size. How it used to beBack in the day when you could actually sit comfortably in a coach seat. Bet the meal was pretty good too. King and Queens!When I flew for American Airlines in the 1970s we were given strict orders to "Treat passengers as if they were Kings and Queens!" "Make their travel a wonderful experience they will always remember being special." Stewardesses were weighed once a week with unannounced flight inspections to see that we were up to AA's hgh standards and especially checked to see we were wearing beautifully applied nail polish with matching color lipstick! The airlines have certainly come long way and not for the better, unless you are among the one percent few who can enjoy First Class. I have zero doubt...Some sharp-eyed Shorpist will identify this plane from just the window shape and bit of engine visibile... And it's a Tiparillo, of course!Should a gentleman...? Not a 707Assuming this was a United flight, UAL was a big DC8 customer but did eventually buy the Boeing 720, a shorter range derivative of the 707. I'll vote for this being a "Diesel 8." Boeing 707Date of flight and small entry of engine argues for a Boeing 707, active between 1958 and 1979. I Say 707Both the DC-8 and the 707 had varous engines and most engines of the time had a similar look. However, interior photos of both planes show the DC-8 had much more space between the windows than the 707 and in tis photo the windows are closer together, leading me to believe this is indeed a 707. No need to bring your ownIn those days, the airlines actually GAVE you cigarettes as part of the service. (No doubt supplied by the ever-alert tobacco companies.) I recall small flip-top boxes of four. Security What Security?Those were the days when you could just casually walk through the gate without a ticket, board the plane, and escort your friends to their seat, then snap their picture before the plane took off. Same way we used to do it on ocean liners ... remember when they used to call out the warning 'all ashore whose going ashore'? Oh! For the Legroom!I'll pass on the smokes, but give me the legroom. At 6'5", it's difficult to enjoy flying today. I do remember when it was an enjoyable experience. I flew to the midwest from Kennedy on United, the same year this picture was taken. Although I was a little shorter then, the space, food and service was wonderful. They even put a mini 2 pack of Viceroys on my food tray, just in case I wanted to light one up -- at the tender age of 15. A Dress up occasionNote, too, how nicely dressed these passengers were. I remember well feeling that I should be dressed for air travel as if I were going to an important appointment. I'm sure this lady had a pair of nice gloves with her. Imagine wearing a jacket and tie to fly to Hawaii today! And, of course, we passengers were treated as valued guests in return. Dress-upI personally brought Bermudas-style dress to the Hawaii routes in 1968. Four-packsCan someone say how those four-packs of cigarettes were distributed other than as airline giveaways? Were they sold in stores? I Googled for info and didn't see anything, other that in the U.S., cigarette packs must now contain at least 20 cigarettes. My dad was a commercial pilot, not an airline pilot, but he always had those four-packs in his airplanes and I'd sneak a few for my use until he caught me at it. Seems to me they were always Parliaments, Viceroys, or Lucky Strikes. Pan AmDC-8 windows were larger than these (about 17 by 21 inches, says the ad) and were spaced 40 inches center to center. So it's a 707, which I guess means Pan Am, unless the passengers were continuing beyond HNL to Australia on QANTAS. Three Pan Am flights a day from SFO to HNL in 1965, or more in the summer-- the 0900 departure continued west to New York. 126 CameraMy 126 camera always took great pictures. It was especially good at taking low light shots, like neon signs at dusk, while still nicely rendering the building they were attached to. Wish I still had it. Travel in the 1950sWhether our family took a train or flew, we had to wear our best clothes. Here is our family arriving at the Essendon Aerodrome in Melbourne, Australia, in October of 1958. We had just left Canada, and my father's new position with the Ford Motor Company of Australia was to introduce the Ford Falcon. I am wearing the striped jacket and tie, and Mum is giving her best regal wave, with white gloves on, of course! Four-Packs Pt. 2While serving in Vietnam, K-Rations often had 4 packs of cigarettes in them. If you didn't smoke you could trade them to a smoker buddy for his fruit. From what I have read the same was true in WWII and Korea as well. GI Four PacksThe other primary customers were the many Viet Nam era troops. These four packs were included in each box of C Rations (MREs of the day). We used to trade them for preferable brands, and used to practically assault non-smokers to get theirs! Often they would trade their smokes for the piece of chocolate that was included in each ration. A Different 707The four-packs of cigarettes were also in the flight lunches provided on the T29 (twin engine Convair) navigator trainer that Air Training Command flew as a shuttle between its Hq and DC. We called the flight the "707" because it took seven hours and seven minutes one way. One compensation was that you got to stay at Bolling AFB and ride the launch to the Pentagon, at least until Sen. Proxmire put the kibosh on that. More on 4 pack distribution.As a teenager visiting downtown Chicago I often encountered young women passing out 4 packs of cigarettes to pedestrians. The earliest I recall this happening was when I was 16 years old in 1972. They would give you 2 or 3 packs if you asked. With 80% fewer smokesFour packs of cigarettes were common packed in K and later C and MCI rations up until 1975. Coffin NailsIn the 1960s I garaged my car in public lot in the Bronx. I met a fellow there that worked as a salesman for a tobacco distributor. He passed those 4 pack samples out to his better customers. They came in cartons that held 50 4 packs. That was the equivalent of regular carton of smokes. I think a pack sold for about 40 cents at that time, a carton would be $4 and I would pay the guy $2 for the 200 cigs. Re: Four PacksThose four-cigarette packs were comps given away by the tobacco companies. I remember back when I was still working, they had four young ladies passing out four-packs of Salems in downtown Buffalo. I had to laugh watching some of the folks making a circuit of the intersection, trying to score a couple of free packs of smokes. One thing not mentioned was the mini bottles (glass, not plastic) of different kinds of whiskey handed out by the stews as well. On my flight home from the military in 1966, there were five of us aboard a Fokker F.28.The stewardess gave me a half a dozen bottles of Seven Crown to say thanks for my service. I still have one bottle left. Re: That Different 707Yup, went through USAF navigator school (James Connally AFB, Waco) on those things. They had a unique odor inside, a result of many, many student navigators tossing their cookies in bumpy Texas air. You mightfeel a little nuts wearing a suit on a flight to Hawaii, but you'd look cool anyway in your Ray-Ban Wayfarers. Definitely a Pan Am 707-320From the cabin wall pattern and seat materials this is definitely a Pan Am 707. Back when flying was a treat, not a chore. Gone and ForgottenIn addition to the DC-8 and Boeing 707, the Convair 880 by General Dynamics plied the early Jet Age skies. My first flightMy first flight was from San Francisco to Chicago to attend Graduate School. I remember the cigarettes and thought "WOW"!. I also remember the light coming on in the bathroom to return to my seat. I didn't know what was happening and was scared silly! Air Sickeness ExpressMy first 20 years flying, I was very often sick, due to having to breathe people's cigarette smoke! When non-smoking sections came along, it helped, some, but not enough, especially if my non-smoking seat bordered the smoking section. Coincidentally, San Fransisco to Hawaii was the first air trip I ever took, back in 1970. Dad had recently returned from Vietnam and we were on our way to his new duty station of Camp Smith, on Oahu. All dressed upBack in 1961 my parents were taking a trip from Idlewild; I can still hear my mother saying to my dad, "Give me the keys to the car - I don't have a thing to wear on the plane." (ShorpyBlog, Member Gallery, tterrapix)
Castle Inn: 1908
Circa 1908. "Castle Inn at Buffalo, New York." The former residence of Millard Fillmore. 8x10 inch glass negative, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/12/2012 - 3:43am -

Circa 1908. "Castle Inn at Buffalo, New York." The former residence of Millard Fillmore. 8x10 inch glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. WonderfulWhat a superb hodge-podge of a building. So much going on, bet the drawings would be incredible. And they sure made sure you didn't walk on the grass, no sir, not on my watch. Bummer no longer hereFrom Buffalo's historical site: 1831 - Original house on the site: Albert H. Tracey House 1853 - Second house: John Hollister House 1858 - House purchased by Millard Fillmore 1881 - Fillmore House converted into Hotel Fillmore 1901 - Hotel Fillmore converted into Castle Inn 1919 - Castle Inn razed in to make way for Hotel Statler (in 2002, the Statler Towers) FuneralHaving grown up near Buffalo, there were many of these similarly-dismal old-style buildings. We absolutely hated them, referring to them as 'Funeral'. Millard Fillmore HouseThe history of the land from the History of Buffalo website here. Statler and FillmoreI grew up in Buffalo and loved the architecture there. All of it, even the dismal funerals. Here's a link to a site that shows the Castle Inn in context. The first image on this page gives a good sense what it was like. (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, DPC)
Perfect Hash: 1941
... depends on the 'truckers' for its trade. Near Cortland, New York." The Riverside Diner, offering bunks for bros, booths for babes and ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/02/2022 - 11:44am -

October 1941. "Scenes in the Finger Lakes region. This diner depends on the 'truckers' for its trade. Near Cortland, New York." The Riverside Diner, offering bunks for bros, booths for babes and knuckle sandwiches for photographers. Acetate negative by John Collier. View full size. About these DinersThere used to be a place in Clarence (a small village some twenty or thirty miles east of Buffalo) that converted old passenger train cars into these diners and supplied a number of towns in New York State and northern Pennsylvania. They had a siding that ran up to the building to load them onto flatcars for delivery to other towns along the line. After the company folded, they sold the structures to Erie County, which relocated one of its Highway Division maintenance barns there. As a surveyor for the County, I worked out of there for a number of years. Tales of the Coal TruckMy late mother-in-law, who hailed from anthracite country, used to regale us with the story that she and her siblings had to walk two miles to and from school (both ways uphill, of course) in all weathers, unless they "could get a ride on a coal truck." I wonder if this was one of them. I'm suspiciousand maybe too cynical. This is a diner, not a truck stop. Why is a diner recruiting ladies to come inside also offering free bunks to truck drivers? bobzyerunkl, point taken. But if she climbs into a free bunk with a truck driver, she's no lady either. I'm inThey had me at The Home Of Perfect Food. Social gracesBooths for ladies. Tables for ladies. If she sits at the counter with the truck drivers, she's no lady. Those Were The Days (?)While stationed with the Air Force in Niagara Falls, NY in the 60s, I drove a coal truck part time much like this one (we didn’t have much to do on AF duty). Like this one: beat-up, under-powered and once you got it rolling, a real bear to stop, my old Ford truck got the job done, and helped keep part of “The Falls” warm through those cold Upstate NY winters! Tioughnioga River in the Back YardI'm pretty sure this diner was on U.S. Route 11, just north of Cortland and just south of Homer. The coal truck is pointed north, toward Tully, Lafayette, and Syracuse, about 35 miles away. The valley bottom is so flat that the river used to flood a lot in this area. I suspect those are riverbank willow trees behind the diner. The Tioughnioga flows south and joins the Chenango River, which flows into the Susquehanna near Binghamton; so this diner is in the northernmost headwaters of Chesapeake Bay. Cortland was the home of Brockway Trucks, and was called "The Crown City" because its elevation is the highest of New York State's 62 cities. Homer, Cortland County's prettiest village, billed itself as "The Homeville of David Harum," the fictional horse trader. Better have a second job ...I would imagine the "ladies" depend on the truckers, too. Truck ID"D" series International (Harvester) circa 1938-1939 Former LifeThe step on the near corner of the lower roof (above the Public Telephone sign) makes me think that this is a former electric streetcar with the front platform chopped off. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Eateries & Bars, John Collier, Small Towns)
Owego: 1901
Tioga County, New York, circa 1901. "General view -- Owego, N.Y., and Susquehanna River." 8x10 ... would operate over the Erie's tracks from Binghamton to Buffalo, thus abandoning the trackage seen in this picture. (The Gallery, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/28/2022 - 10:39pm -

Tioga County, New York, circa 1901. "General view -- Owego, N.Y., and Susquehanna River." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Photographic Company. View full size. Where's the People?Here's the bridge, here's the steeple. If you're looking for the people, they might all be at Kenyon's for the savin's. Owego forwardThis isn't quite the view, but anything closer to the original is blocked by trees. The bridge is different, but it still seems to be using the original piers. The tracks have been replaced by a state road, NY-96. Right down the road!Owego is a quant little town with a lot of hidden gems. The bridge was rebuilt about 20 years back and is architectually beautiful. Thanks for sharing this photo! Ticket to ride?Did we miss the train or is it pulling into the station? Hmmmm... Thank goodness!We've avoided another Menomonie, Wisconsin. To remove confusion, in 1813 the (I assume state) legislature had the towns of Owego and Tioga switch names so Owego village would be in the same-named town. We have no knot to untangle here. Mom still lives hereShe grew up in the area and still lives in Owego. I visit a few times a year. Lovely town with lots of original buildings and architecture. Most of the building shown are still there. Owego RailroadsThe tracks very visible in this view were of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad. Also running through the town was the Erie Railroad, and those tracks are still present and in operation. The Erie's tracks ran some distance north and through the town itself, so not visible in this picture. In 1958, the Lackawanna and Erie came to an agreement where the Lackawanna would operate over the Erie's tracks from Binghamton to Buffalo, thus abandoning the trackage seen in this picture. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, DPC, Railroads, Small Towns)
Three Indians: 1915
... in Philadelphia. From there the route across county is via New York, Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago, Davenport, Des Moines, Omaha, Cheyenne, Salt Lake ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/06/2013 - 11:57am -

Washington, D.C., July 1915. "Motorcycle team, relay to Frisco." Frank S. Long, F.L. Leishear (whose Indian store we saw here) and Josiah McL. Seabrook. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. California, screamin'They sure did take a circuitous route (NYC and then way up to Albany). The stretch from Reno down into Sacramento must have kept the lads awake with fear if that lap's bikes had no front brakes either. The first time I drove from Reno to Sacramento - and this was on a road they could not dream of, I-80 - one item that caught my eye was a sign, "Caution. Downgrades next 40 miles." Light fantasticThe one smart enough to put the light on his bike will win it for them. Gold mineThe guys from "Pickers" must be drooling. Maybe they could find out who these men are and see if their families have these bikes behind the barn. Safety first!At least for the fellow with the tossled hair. He has on his protective gloves! Rudimentary brakes.Emergency stops much have been pretty exciting on those old bikes- I don't think they even had front brakes. No stoppies for them! Nice!I've been sitting here soaking up this picture. Just fabulous! Great shot, great clothes, great bikes! Wish I could go for a ride with them. Thanks again Dave. Handsome BravesBeautiful bikes! These have many, many similarities to this amazingly restored model, snapped last spring in Charlotte, North Carolina. They may be a bit newer, with kick starter, no leg-power pedals, skirted fender, hand-grip clutch, an electric headlamp on the rear bike (as opposed to Prest-o-Lite [acetylene]), and "soft-tail" rear suspension. I guess any of this could have been optional equipment. DatingI believe that the date of this photo is probably 1916 and not 1926. The Indians pictured appear to be 1915 models. I believe that 1915 was the last year of the inlet over exhaust engine (which these bikes have)and the first year of the kick starter. [You are close -- the year is 1915. - Dave] World's Fastest IndianWhen you see these bikes it really is incredible that Burt Munro took a similar model, a 1920 Scout, modified it and drove it to several land speed records. In 1967, with his engine punched out to 58 cu.in. (950cc) he set a class record of 183.586 mph. To qualify he made a one-way run of 190.07 mph, the fastest ever officially recorded speed on an Indian. The hogs of their dayLaugh at the funny horn if you like, but those bikes are Indian "standards" with 1,000-cc engines. Too bad they didn't add front brakes until 1928. Murder Inc.Maybe these fellas were part of the traveling team of hit-men for Murder Inc. They sure look like they want to kill something. a-OO-gah!Although the braking wouldn't be the greatest, at least they'd be able to clear a path with a mighty squeeze of the horn. Silent RIt was Shorpy that taught me that these are "Motocycles." 119 Hours to FriscoWashington Post, July 18, 1915. RELAY RACE TOMORROW Motorcyclists to Carry Message From Capital to Pacific. START FROM WHITE HOUSE Three Washington Men Will Cover the First Lap, From This City to Baltimore -- Expect to Make Cross-Continent Run in 119 Hours -- Secretary of War to Start Riders. With all arrangements for the transcontinental motorcycle relay race completed, the riders for the first lap of the long journey await the starter's word. The start will be made from the White House at 10 o'clock tomorrow morning. They will carry a message from the President to the officials of the Panama-Pacific exposition at San Francisco. The Washington team, which will cover the first lap, will be composed of Frank S. Long, F.L. Leishear, and J. McL. Seabrook, mounted on Indian motorcycles. These men will carry the message from here to Baltimore, where another team will take it up and carry it over the second lap which ends in Philadelphia. From there the route across county is via New York, Albany, Buffalo, Cleveland, Chicago, Davenport, Des Moines, Omaha, Cheyenne, Salt Lake City, Reno and Sacramento to San Francisco. Fast Time Is Scheduled. On account of the absence of the President, the message will be handed to the riders by Secretary of War Garrison. It is due on the Pacific coast 119 hours after leaving Washington. The riders in the Eastern part of the country will have little difficulty in keeping up with the schedule on account of the good roads, but some of the Western relays are more than 200 miles in length. The longest lap will be between Elko and Fenley, Nev. This stretch is 274 miles long. One of the purposes of this relay is to demonstrate the utility of the motorcycle for military use. The relay is intended to show that the motorcycle is capable of delivering messages under all conditions of road and weather. There will not be one minute from the time the message leaves Washington until it is delivered to the officials of the exposition that it is not moving, day and night, rain or shine. The motorcyclists of this country have been as one volunteering their services as dispatch bearers, and it has been a task for John L. Donovan, chairman of the competition committee of the Federation of American Motorcyclists and manager of the relay, to select the riders. HornyThe furthestmost bike from us has an electric horn, but the others have the bulb variety; I'm guessing it was an optional extra or later add-on. Also interesting to note that heavy cardigans seemed to be the outer garment of choice for moto-cyclists at this time. I wonder when and why the black leather jacket took over. Front SuspensionIt's called a trailing link suspension as the arm pivots ahead of the axel axle. Not too common at all. I believe some early BMWs used this type for awhile as well. In All It's Its GloryHere is a picture of a restored bike that is exactly like the ones in the picture. Note the kick start is on the left side and there is no gear shift to the left of the tank. Apparently slightly later models had the space occupied by the kick start mechanism replaced with a transmission that included a gear shift from it to the left side of the gas tank. Front SuspensionThe Indian front suspension was designed so there was caster to the wheels. According to the old guys I knew 60 years ago, this caster made for very secure handling and less tendency to high speed wobble. You haven't lived until you have experienced a case of high speed wobble!!! UnpunctualThe messages were delivered 36 hours late according to the article below from The Salt Lake Tribune from July 26, 1915. Research indicates that the riders were trying to show that taking a dispatch on a motorcycle across the country would be faster than placing the same message on a train. As originally scheduled, the race would have gone through Sacramento during the national Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM) convention in Sacramento, but this did not happen because of the belated arrival of the dispatch rider. The FAM was the organization behind the race. All riders were asked to conduct a rehearsal ride on July 11th. The purpose of riding in teams of three was to ensure that if something happened to the primary rider or his motorcycle another rider would be immediately available to continue the mission to San Francisco. Of the three riders pictured here, Seabrook punctured a tire before reaching Baltimore, and he dropped out; Long ran into a pile of rocks in Baltimore, and he was injured; so Leishear became the only man to make it to the first transfer point. By Bryan, Ohio, near the Indiana border, the racers were five and a half hours late because of rains and bad roads. By the time the riders reached Chicago they were 12 hours behind schedule. Some time was made up on the way to Moline, Illinois as the deficit was reduced to just eight and a half hours upon arriving there, and seven hours at Des Moines, Iowa. In Nebraska the lead rider had an accident, but the other riders were far behind him. Consequently, by Rock Springs, Wyoming the riders were 19 hours behind their scheduled arrival, and at Ogden, Utah 18 hours overdue. I did not find where the other 18 hours were lost, but many sources mention the 36 hour late arrival. The official route, dates, and times as originally scheduled were shown in the Ogden Standard (Ogden, Utah) on July 17, 1915. Note the earlier start time than what actually took place. July 19: 6:00 AM, Washington. D.C. to Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, Poughkeepsie, Albany, Utica, Syracuse, Rochester to: July 20: 12:45 AM, Buffalo, New York to Erie, Cleveland, Toledo, Bryan, South Bend, Chicago, Sterling, Davenport to: July 21: 3:15 AM, Victor, Iowa to Walnut, Omaha, Columbus, Kearney, North Platte, Julesburg to: July 22: 3:15 AM, Cheyenne, Wyoming to Pine Ridge Station, Rawlins, Rock Springs, Evanston, Salt Lake City, Ogden to: July 23: 12:45 AM, Kelton, Utah to Cobre, Elko, Rye Patch Station, Battle Mountain, Tenley, Reno, Colfax, Sacramento, Tracy, to San Francisco. (The Gallery, D.C., Motorcycles, Natl Photo, Sports)
Inaugural Umbrellas: 1901
... whose inauguration was being celebrated would lie dead in Buffalo, shot by the Anarchist Leon Czolgosz. The Village Anyone else ... all western states with Progressive traditions, save New York. (Differences from one state to another encouraged by our federal ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/13/2011 - 12:22pm -

March 4, 1901. "President William McKinley second inaugural parade, Pennsylvania Avenue." Brady-Handy Collection glass negative. View full size. Precision Umbrella Drill Team Rules!Complete with snappy white top hats (the Doo Dah Parade is calling, gentlemen!) And if that's The Washington Post building in the background, maybe they're the (well informed) destination for the impressive array of phone lines above the buildings on the left. Hopefully the men perched atop the other phone pole aren't disrupting calls! Just funWhat a whimsical sight, from the umbrellas, to the white top hats, to the dog in the street. Can you think of any inaugural parade in the last fifty years that was as much fun? Friends ForeverIs that a pickpocket in action left foreground? MulletDid anyone else notice the fashion-forward hairdo on one member of the umbrella drill team? Takes GutsThere are at least 2 men sitting on top of a telephone or light pole and a few more about halfway down. I hope they all got down safely. DisneyesqueIt looks like it was staged by Walt Disney and great fun to be in and to watch. One of the aspects of "the good old days" that is actually true: no fears of disruption or calamity. A celebration of Liberty. No dames allowed?Virtually no women visible in the ranks of the spectators. What's that about? [There are dozens of women in this picture. - Dave] What goes up must come... Wait, what?Again and again, we see photos on Shorpy that feature people fearlessly leaning out 6th-floor windows, cramming onto roofs, perched on mile-high balconies and swinging from the tops of fifty-foot poles. Makes me think the apple fell on Isaac Newton much later...say, the 1940s. Pride ParadeThe umbrella corps would do San Francisco proud. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Where's Waldo......can you find at least one man who is uncovered (not wearing a hat)? I think I can see a couple. I find it heartening to see such enthusiasm for the workings of democracy. I suppose a cynic would say that it was a time when the people were starved for entertainment and would turn out for any dog and pony show, especially if given a few hours off. To me, in a time when the media weren't so pervasive, it was probably important that the democratic process was proved to have been completed. A Prelude>> One of the aspects of 'the good old days' that is actually true: no fears of disruption or calamity. That's a rather ironic statement considering that slightly less than 6 months later the man whose inauguration was being celebrated would lie dead in Buffalo, shot by the Anarchist Leon Czolgosz. The VillageAnyone else see the umbrellas and capes and think of The Prisoner? Short TermMcKinley, the last veteran of the American Civil War to be elected, would be assassinated six months later. His vice president, Theodore Roosevelt, would succeed him. Number 2I thought of The Prisoner too. Short Time in OfficeFrom the date of this photo, President McKinley would have but a little more than six months in office; losing his life to a madman's bullet on September 14th. His VP - Teddy Roosevelt would become the 26th President. I agree that this looks to be a much more enjoyable inaugural parade than we've seen of late. I doubt that any of these marchers would be thrown out of their organization because they dared look at the President. Social ProprietyOnce past the Umbrella Drill Team, one is impressed that onlookers are free to line buildings, windows and parapets. Although there is some police presence, it appears nobody really expects this important ceremony to be disrupted by protests or violence. No longer a safe assumption in these security-conscious days! Still, the price of this social stability seems to have been a rigid sense of "proper" dress and public decorum. One might wish to stroll down lovely Tremont Street in 1906 Boston, but imagine having to dress up like this just to go out! Those onlookers would be scandalized by at least 75 percent of today's ordinary public activities (Kids running around! Unsupervised teenage couples! Boisterous music!), not to mention our scandalously revealing comfortable clothing. Mullet?I haven't been able to spot a mullet hairdo, but if JeffK is referring to the second umbrellist from the right in the first row, what looks like long hair in back is actually the bottom corner of the cape on the guy behind. Ka Pow !Which one is the Penguin ? Parade, si! Vote, no!I appreciate Stevie's comments on democratic spectacles. I feel that kind of nostalgia, too. But before getting too carried away with that kind of enthusiasm, I would like to note that most of the spectators frozen in the year 1901 by this photo were unable to vote for either of the major presidential tickets (McKinley / Roosevelt or Bryan / Stevenson). Nor for that matter could they cast a ballots for Wooley, Debs, Barker, Maloney or any of the other presidential candidate who managed to get himself steamrolled by the Republicans in 1900. Why? I assume that most of the people in the photo lived in DC. Any of them alive in 1964 would have been enfranchised by the 23rd Amendment (1961), and so could have voted for President in 1964--finally. That's not to mention that no woman in the photo could have voted in 1900. The 19th Amendment wasn't ratified until 1920. For that matter, it would have been unlikely that any of the African American males who were in town that day from Virginia or Maryland had been permitted to vote in their own districts. So when we celebrate our democratic heritage, let's also remember how far we've come. [Whether the women in this photo could vote depended on where they lived -- suffrage was granted by the individual states and territories (starting with Wyoming, in 1859) long before passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. By 1917, women in 16 states plus Alaska already had the vote. - Dave] (Dave, I appreciate your comments as well. I think I was looking at the forest, and you, at the trees. Just a couple things. First, Wyoming was admitted to the Union in 1869, and its constitution did enfranchise women. Second, a number of states did allow complete women's suffrage by 1915--not surprisingly, they were nearly all western states with Progressive traditions, save New York. (Differences from one state to another encouraged by our federal system must always be taken into account.) But in other states, even when they did enjoy the vote, the right to vote was not extended to women in all kinds of elections. This was the case in both Maryland and Virginia in 1901. Third, there were localized instances of women being extended suffrage rights in the US before the Civil War, but those rights were very specialized. As I recall, in some states, women could vote if they were widowed and owned property above a certain value. Finally, all African American males should have been enfranchsed after the passage of 15th Amendment in 1871. The odd thing is that, by and large, the women's suffrage movement of the 19th and 20th Centuries avoided taking black suffrage on board with their own cause. Thanks again for both the entertainment you provide here, and the chance to blog about the occasional arcane, forgotten, or obscure issue.) Dig that flag!Tthe flag in this photo is by far the coolest historical flag I think I've ever seen; I never realized that we went back, briefly, to the old circle constellation style for a brief period at the very beginning of the 20th century. Dang! Never seen a flag like that!Parade flag with stars inside a circle of stars -- anyone know if or when that was an official flag? Dressing up to go outOne might wish to stroll down lovely Tremont Street in 1906 Boston, but imagine having to dress up like this just to go out! I once lived in a house built in the 1890s that had not had the privilege of being remodeled in the intervening century. Each closet was outfitted with precisely three hooks: One for Sunday, one for Monday through Saturday, and one for overalls. Dressing up was surprisingly less onerous than you'd think when you owned precisely three suits of clothes. The smell, despite the presence of numerous laundries, was another issue entirely. Sweat, wool, tobacco, macassar oil, and lilac water is a powerful combination. Every time I see a Shorpy crowd photo from 1890-1910, the smell overwhelms me. Suffrage in VirginiaArnnman writes about women's suffrage: "But in other states, even when they did enjoy the vote, the right to vote was not extended to women in all kinds of elections. This was the case in both Maryland and Virginia in 1901." I don't think this was the case in Virginia at all. Women here did not get the right to vote until three-fourths of the states ratified the Nineteenth Amendment in 1920. However, even then, Virginia refused to ratify until 1952. Encyclopedia Virginia's entry on the subject can be found here: http://staging.encyclopediavirginia.org/Woman_Suffrage_in_Virginia If we got this history wrong, please let us know. Washington Post buildingNear the middle of the photo you can see the top of the Washington Post building (located at 1339 E St. NW, according to the Post website). The Post still uses the same font for its masthead. America's Choice Bike ShopAnyone have any idea what the name of the bike shop with the awning is? I would love to know if there was once a frame-builder in DC. ["America's Choice" was President McKinley. This was the R.M. Dobbins bike shop at 1425 Pennsylvania Avenue. - Dave] The PrisonerThat was my first thought. Actually, I have thought about the show in a number of instances with the photos from this era. This one, though, was the one that REALLY did it for me. Re: Never seen a flag like thatThere was no such thing as an "official" American flag until President Taft standardized the design in 1912. This flag design was as official as any other with the correct number of stars on it. It would appear to be the forerunner for Wayne Whipple's flag. See the pdf chart of US Flags at http://www.vexman.net/ (The Gallery, D.C., Politics)
Empire State Express: 1905
Syracuse, New York, circa 1905. "Empire State Express (New York Central Railroad) passing thru Washington Street." Our second look at ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/29/2012 - 10:12am -

Syracuse, New York, circa 1905. "Empire State Express (New York Central Railroad) passing thru Washington Street." Our second look at one of these urban express trains. 8x10 glass negative, Detroit Publishing Co. View full size. That "plume of smoke"Actually that's steam, which is why it's white and not black. Street trainThe scariest railroad picture I've seen is one I picked up on Flickr of a freight train going down a residential street in small town Georgia. Guess you check the schedule before you back out of your drive, or let the kids out. Strike!I'll bet the only time you couldn't hear the noise in that bowling alley next to the tracks was when the train came roaring through. Mystery CoachWhat is the vehicle beside the awning? Looks like a self-propelled stagecoach. Fresh *cough cough* Air *cough cough*!I can't Imagine being in one of those offices or apartments in "The Yates" with the windows open when the train came through! Egad, How did people stay alive back then? VacancyThe Yates Hotel was torn down in the 50's or 60's to make room for a parking lot. This intersection is gone also. The triangular building is still there. Cover your earsCan you imagine the noise? I'll wager the people working and/or living at The Yates hated to hear that old locomotive approaching. Probably rattled their very bones. Magnificent sight, though. Look at that plume of black smoke! Trains in streetsNew Albany, Mississippi, had the GM&O main line go right down main street. This persisted even after diesels arrived in 1935. There are tracks in the streets of Paris, TN but I don't know if they are still used. You have to remember that the railroads were there first and the towns built their streets later in most cases. Here it is todayStill quite recognizable by the building on the right. View Larger Map It still happensThere are several places here in California that still have some trains running down the middle of the street. I was in Santa Maria a couple of years ago and nearly got in the way of a locomotive meandering down the avenue. It was cool to see. Gotta Lovethose streetlamps. Good stuffMost of that "smoke" is steam. Great photo from a great era! Street RunningActually, trains running in city streets is quite common, even today. The most notable example is the Union Pacific tracks through Jack London Square in Oakland, Ca. It is not uncommon to find long double stack intermodal trains moving through the heart of downtown rather frequently there. There are numerous examples of the railroads using city streets, which were added alongside the rights of way. Be advised though, that the speeds are really slow, and the trains don't go tearing off through the heart of town. Steamed upMy wife and I rode a train (RGSR) last weekend which was powered by a steam locomotive, one of the last standard gauge steam locomotives left in Colorado. They are amazing machines! Our's was an oil burner, rather than coal, but the black smoke and steam was magnificent, not unpleasant to me at all! It pulled La Vita pass like magic. This picture is one of my favorites so far! In UrbanaI saw something similar in the mid-50's. In Champaign-Urbana Illinois. Main line track, right down the middle of the main street. The mystery coach of SyracuseHere, from the New York Public Library's online archive, is a 1909 Babcock Electric brougham, manufactured in Buffalo. [The vehicle in our photo seems to have a tiller for steering. - Dave] MasonryWhat a wonderful masonry masterpiece! Electric SteamInteresting juxtaposition of steam powered train crossing under overhead trolley catenary wires, and over the trolley tracks, all frozen in one moment of time. (The Gallery, DPC, Railroads, Syracuse)
Sisters Grimm: 1943
May 1943. Buffalo, New York. "Patsy Grimm helping with housework. Their mother, a 26-year-old widow, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/04/2015 - 3:33pm -

May 1943. Buffalo, New York. "Patsy Grimm helping with housework. Their mother, a 26-year-old widow, is a crane operator at Pratt and Letchworth." Photo by Marjory Collins for the Office of War Information. View full size. Identifying old stuffOne question has been answered: That IS a dual-fuel stove. Never heard of that before but it sure looked like it. The other question is: What is the device behind the boy? (light fixture, less bulb is my best guess; water pump?) [Floor lamp minus bulb and shade. -tterrace] Grimm namesAccording to the Library of Congress archives, the names and ages of the girls were Beverly Ann, eleven, Mary, eight, and Patsy Grimm six. There is no indication who the boy was. The kicker was that my uncle worked at Pratt & Letchworth back in the day, and might have known their mother. Dual FuelMy parents bought a Fairmount range in 1946, similar in design as pictured. The left side had kerosene burners, and was used as a space heater since kitchens typically were not tied in to the central heating system. In the 1970's I removed the kerosene unit and converted it to a wood range. I still have it, can't be beat for baking and roasting. Halls BowlIn the Autumn Leaf pattern. Octagon GranulatedYou may think it's sugar but it's laundry detergent. It may also double as dishwashing detergent. Just keep it off your Kellog's Corn Flakes. Who Knew?For those who, like me, may have thought the name of the pattern of that bowl was "Jewel Tea," it wasn't. That's just what your Grandma called it because it came as a premium with Jewel Tea. DUZ DetergentThe open box on the stove is DUZ detergent. Growing up in Ohio in the 40's - 50's that product was always in the kitchen. Wash basinsUp into the eighties, our summer place in Manitoba did not have hot and cold running water or a proper sewage hook-up, so we had to haul buckets from a nearby artesian well for all our water needs and we had to use kettles and metal pails on the stovetop for hot water. Doing the dishes, as in this photo, meant one basin for washing and one for rinsing. When we finally dug our own well and got proper plumbing, it was like entering the modern age. But I actually have fond memories of the basins. There were five kids, and my mom always devised a fair schedule for washing and drying the dishes. Gas and oil maybeWay back in my memory, I remember a two section stove similar to this one. One half was for cooking with a gas oven and gas burners but the other side (with the tea kettle) was warmed with heating oil and each night we kids had to take turns filling the oil can. It was filled from a huge drum of oil that was supplied by a local oil co. that was kept in the cellar (this was in Ct.). The filled can would then be placed upside down in a holder that dispensed the oil, via a coiled spring of some kind (a slow drip I assume), and that side of the stove was always warm enough to simmer pots of soup, stew, sauce, etc. all day or as long as desired and there was always a kettle on for tea, etc. that stayed hot. I was too young at that time to remember exactly how it worked but the can that was placed at the stove each night was probably about 3 to 4 gallons. We used the oil side of the stove only in the winter, not in the summer. One other thought; why is the male in the house always assigned to the garbage detail? The Brother GrimmAlton James Grimm is the boy's name. He is one year younger than his 11-year-old sister Beverly Ann. The age of the mother, Thelma Grimm, is incorrectly stated. She was not 26 years old in 1943, she was 29. This puts her more in line with the ages of her children. Thelma married the 32-year-old Alton R. Grimm right out of high school at age 17 in 1931. In early 1940 Alton R. Grimm was an inmate at the Buffalo State Hospital for the Insane later on that year he was buried in his home town of Cattaraugus, New York. He was 41. [The boy is Peter Grimm. More Grimm photos and information here. - Dave] New one to meI don't think I've ever seen a dual fuel stove like this. I assume the left side range is coal fired in lieu of a water heater. Any Shorpyite know? [The even older Wedgewood gas range we had pre-1955 was this basic configuration, and the left side was a trash burner. -tterrace] That's interesting. Hey tterrace, did that incinerator side heat anything above? [I imagine it was possible, but I don't remember too much about it. I was 8 when it was replaced with the new O'Keefe & Merritt in 1955. -tterrace] What a shamethat kids had to live in a black and white world back then. Dual dutyUp until 12 years ago I cooked on a 1927 cream and green porcelain stove that was gas on one side, cast iron trash burner on the other. It was built for burning paper but we also stoked it up with wood on cold days and it burned beautifully. Great stove, I do miss it. The top had removable metal covers and could be used for cooking. On another note, this woman has humbled me and I don't have any problems today. (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, Kids, Kitchens etc., Marjory Collins)
Seeandbee: 1912
... and Seeandbee stood for "C&B" -- Cleveland & Buffalo, the railroad that owned her. Sidewheeler to carrier In WW II ... ship, poles and planks, slides off. Splash Zone? A new launch looks like a popular spectacle, but I wonder if the front rows, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 01/12/2012 - 6:07am -

November 9, 1912. Wyandotte, Michigan. "Steamer Seeandbee on the ways just before the launch." 8x10 glass negative, Detroit Publishing Co. View full size. Strange fateShe became in 1942 the USS Wolverine (IX-64), a converted training carrier. The only one of two sidewheeler carriers ever. It Wasn't Finished YetThey must have finished it off while it was in the water. Here's what it looked like finished. Seeandbee's Future AccomplishmentsEarly on in WWII, the Seeandbee (along with the Greater Buffalo) were purchased by the Navy and converted into the world's only freshwater, coal-fired, paddlewheel aircraft carriers (The USS Wolverine and the Uss Sable, respectively), for training pilots. Both were scrapped at the end of the war. The Namewas selected by contest, and Seeandbee stood for "C&B" -- Cleveland & Buffalo, the railroad that owned her. Sidewheeler to carrierIn WW II the Seandbee was converted to the USS Wolverine, a training carrier (or "unclassified miscellaneous auxiliary", acto the navy). One GHW Bush qualified for carrier duty on her sister training ship, the USS Sable. TensionIt must be a really tense time, standing there, just waiting for someone to give the signal and see this marvelous ship slide into the water. And float [hopefully]. I like the lady in the lower right corner with the babe in arms, I'd step back a bit further if I were her, just in case. All together now, on the count of three:So when it is time to launch it do all of those guys under the ship knock out their respective support poles and then duck quickly between the rails that it uses to slide sideways into the water? What happens if one or more of the poles are not cooperative about knocking loose or someone misses the three count? Sounds to me like an occupation that life insurance companies would certainly shy away from. I must be missing something, there must be a better way. Please enlighten us Shorpy. No Ducking RequiredIf I'm not mistaken, the poles aren't pulled out from under the hull at launch. The ship and the support poles are all resting upon those topmost inclined planks, and it's the planks which are being held in place from the other side. Their anchorage is removed, and the whole system, ship, poles and planks, slides off. Splash Zone?A new launch looks like a popular spectacle, but I wonder if the front rows, close to the near side of the ways, is a Shamu-style splash zone! "Please leave all Kodaks and radio equipment in your automobiles, as the management cannot be responsible for damages!" Honeymoon and TailhookMy late friend graduated from the US Naval Acadmedy in 1941 and married, spending his honeymoon on a SeeandBee voyage. He then became a Naval Air Pilot and practiced carrier landings and take-offs from the same ship renamed the USS Wolverine. Certainly he and his wife were one couple of maybe a few who could have ever claimed to have spent their honeymoon on an aircraft carrier. Proto-taggingAll you commenters from last week: the railroad car in the foreground appears to have some sort of pre-spray paint graffiti on it, including what looks like a stylized letter "T". Old wheelI like the flatcars wheel - forged with the year 1888. Also, when they launch ships like this, how do they / DO they recover the wood rigging that slides into the water? Does it sink? Float? Flat car wheelThat wheel has been cast, not forged. The number is probably a serial number. More freight car wheels !Freight car wheels are forged not cast as they are made of steel and turned to the final dimensions. The 1888 is the year of manufacture as railroads like to keep track of how long things last and for the past hundred years or so it has been required by the Feds.( retired railroad machinist) Fire SafetyThe Seeandbee represented a step forward in providing fire detection and suppression built into the vessel. Perhaps that, along with large size, made her a suitable candidate for conversion to an aircraft carrier. While steam-driven side-wheel paddlers were approaching their final days when the Seeandbee was launched, it was still considered by some to be superior propulsion system for maneuverability and passage through ice. Safety Engineering, Vol. 26, November, 1913. A New Era in Steamship Equipment At last a steamship company has constructed a vessel in which the fire peril has been considered as important as length, breadth and comfort. There has recently been launched the largest and most costly passenger ship on inland waters—the "Seeandbee"—built by the Detroit Shipbuilding Company, and owned by the Cleveland and Buffalo Transportation Company. This vessel plies between Cleveland and Detroit. The "Seeandbee" is 500 feet in length and has sleeping accommodations for 1.500 passengers. In the design and equipment of this vessel, nothing in the way of comfort has been omitted. A new element of safety has been introduced. Contrary to the almost universal rule of steamship construction, the owners of the "Seeandbee" have afforded protection against fire for the passengers. The Aero Fire Alarm Company, New York, has equipped the ship throughout with the Aero Automatic Fire Alarm System. Sprinklers have been installed. How many passenger-carrying steamships carry such protection against fire? Examples have been frequent recently of the terrible destruction which fire accomplishes when it appears on a vessel unequipped to speedily detect and extinguish fire outbreaks. Thousands of lives are jeopardized each day on board firetrap ships, the owners of which refuse to consider seriously the grave danger to life from the fire peril which exists in their vessels. The Cleveland & Buffalo Transportation Company has set an example in providing for the safety of passengers, which can well be followed by other steamship owners. The "Seeandbee" represents a great step forward in steamship construction. The Aero Automatic Fire Alarm System consists of a fine copper tube which is extended in loops throughout the entire ship. Both ends of these loops are returned to a cabinet, which, on one end, contains a sensitive diaphragm, which moves sufficiently to touch an electrical contact point on the occasion of fire breaking out in the ship. Fire causes a rapid rise of temperature, and thus the air in the tube expands and so operates the diaphragm. The other end of the circuit terminates in a testing valve, which is opened at the time of testing into an air pump, by which pressure is created in the tube similar to fire pressure, causing the diaphragm on the other end to make the electric contact and carries out in exact manner the operation of the system in the event of an actual fire. … More on RR wheelsThose wheels are cast. The date of manufacture is included in serial numbers today per AAR regulations. I don`t know if that was true in 1888. All wheels made in North America today are cast except for the following manufacturer. http://www.standardsteel.com/history.html Forged wheels are required for passenger service and some freight cars. Most cast wheels today have the serial numbers on the back plate raised above the surface. Forged wheels have numbers stamped into the back hub or rim face. Retired wheel machinist. Last word on RR wheels?All the previous posts are partially correct in their own way. The wheel in question is almost undoubtedly a cast wheel. The raised lettering is a clue. The 1888 is also undoubtedly the date of manufacture. Railroad car wheels are currently manufactured both by forging and by casting. I believe that cast wheels comprise a larger segment of the new wheel market, due to lower cost. These are cast STEEL wheels, not cast iron, manufactured in highly automated facilities. However, a wheel cast in 1888 is most likely a cast IRON wheel. The real visual ID on these are the cast-in cooling ribs on the reverse side. More than anyone likely wanted to know about a minor detail in the foreground! John G (former RR Car Dept. Manager) Where's WaldoI think I have found him and his twin brother wearing identical knit caps in the front, near the water, to the right of center. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, DPC)
Buffalobelisk: 1911
Buffalo, New York, circa 1911. "William McKinley monument, Niagara Square." 8x10 inch dry ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/20/2017 - 10:22am -

Buffalo, New York, circa 1911. "William McKinley monument, Niagara Square." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. A forefinger of stone, dreamed by a sculptor, points to the sky. It says: This way! this way! Four lions snore in stone at the corner of the shaft. They too are the dream of a sculptor. They too say: This way! this way! — Carl Sandburg, Slants at Buffalo Bryant & Stratton Business CollegeIn Providence RI they even had their own bank and money! Not on the spotMcKinley was assassinated in Buffalo in 1901. Six years later, this monument was placed in front of City Hall rather than at the site, which is now a median strip in a residential area. A bronze plaque was placed there in 1921. McKinley's native Ohio has two competing memorials, in Niles and Canton. (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, DPC)
Double Coneys: 1941
October 1941. "Deserted diner near Syracuse, New York." Serving "Best" ice cream, merely "Good" coffee and -- yum! -- "Regular" ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/29/2022 - 8:51pm -

October 1941. "Deserted diner near Syracuse, New York." Serving "Best" ice cream, merely "Good" coffee and -- yum! -- "Regular" dinners. Acetate negative by John Collier. View full size. PrefabulousBased on articles here, here, and here, some diners were converted streetcars, but most were prefabricated in a factory and shipped to their location. The shape was dictated by what would fit on a railcar or truck. A diner bites the double coney dustThere is a 4th North Street which would have been near, but not in Syracuse in 1941. It's a short stretch, x to x on the attached map. A diner might be successful there because 4th Street intersects U. S. Highway 11, north of Syracuse. I'm sure John Collier cropped the diner on the left to not show an addition built for the kitchen, storage, restrooms, etc. The charm here is in the former streetcar. Someone went to the trouble of building a brick skirt and steps, and planting shrubbery. I wonder how long they operated. Brand old advertisingThirty years old, at that point, to be exact Hamburg, in addition to being a stadt in Germany, is also a town outside Buffalo ... I'm not 100% certain someone who ordered one would end up with what was expected. (Then again if they don't seem to be "good" or "regular" they aren't called "surprising" either). HamburgsFor Notcom, the older folks here in Rhode Island sometimes refer to hamburgers as hamburgs. My mom did - "We're having hamburgs for supper!" Perhaps they did that in New York, too? Waste notSo cool, I wonder how common it was to repurpose old street trolleys as diners. Best's BestBeing an apostrophe fan, I note the ice cream logo in the ad says "Best's Creamy Ice Cream" but text in the ad says only "Best Ice Cream." I suspect the loss of the apostrophe happened organically over time, as people just called the stuff Best. We didn't have Best in the Midwest (although, hey, it rhymes) so I'm unfamiliar with whether it was truly the Best. Don’t forgetIn addition to Best Ice Cream and Good Coffee, the breakfast had So-So Scrambled Eggs. I wonder How the heck they double decked a coney hotdog?! Gosh I really want one now, too! (The Gallery, Eateries & Bars, John Collier, Syracuse)
Labor Day: 1900
Buffalo, New York, 1900. "Labor Day parade crowd, Main Street." 8x10 inch dry plate glass ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/08/2012 - 7:35pm -

Buffalo, New York, 1900. "Labor Day parade crowd, Main Street." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. What's wrong with this pictureIf this indeed a march of the working man, this is the part where the foremen, employers, white collar people and school teaches marched. The crowd is way too well dressed. Where are the stevedores, the bargemen, the mill workers. This is right out of the movie "Easter Parade." I think I can see Fred Astaire & Judy Garland. Felt Hat DayBack when men wore hats all of the time, I had a secretary who moonlighted in the menswear department of a department store. She referred to Labor Day as "felt hat day" and Memorial Day as "straw hat day." It's a Tradition The annual street car parade through downtown Buffalo. "All Aboard!" Last Day for the BoatersIt's likely that all those summery straw hats are living their last day of glory before somber bowlers are donned in their place. In the Eastern US at this time, it was common for boaters to be worn only from Memorial Day through Labor Day. I guess this answers my questionI was wondering to myself just this morning if there ever was such a thing as a Labor Day parade anywhere at any time. And here it is. This is a cool picture. Seems like it was a pretty big thing back in the day, too. [It is a big crowd, but this isn't the parade. -Dave] It's The LAWI notice that the majority of females are getting their last gasp of white clothes worn lest Serial Mom come after them the next day. Western Savings BankDo you think they knew the one flag is upside down (is it still a distress symbol in this context?)? Revive the Economy!If everybody today started buying and wearing hats like almost everyone did in that photo, we could put thousands of hat makers back to work! Gives me the willies!The man standing casually outside the building on the second or third floor gives me the heebie jeebies! Just thinking about him out there with no safety rail or anything else is creepy. (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, DPC, Patriotic, Streetcars)
Help! Fire! Help!
Coney Island, New York, circa 1905. An attraction called "Fighting the Flames." 8x10 inch dry ... A quiet little war is being waged in the biscuit line in New York and nearby centers, the outcome of which will be watched intently by ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/05/2012 - 1:25pm -

Coney Island, New York, circa 1905. An attraction called "Fighting the Flames." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. Where can I get some?I'll take a box or two of that Mennen's toilet powder. SidelineApparently the androgynous Mr. Brown augmented his shoe sales income with his ginger snap gig. Six years laterDreamland burned down! No tickets required, either. Moxie stand!Another old favorite. Hey Cousin!How about throwin' a few of those unredeemed diamonds my way?! It's Sensational... Spectacular! Realistic! Now featuring that marvel of the Modern Age: Product Placement! Painterly qualityWow! There is so much to see in this photo. The juxtaposition of the buildings makes it look like a backdrop for a stage. Smoke, fire engines, people climbing down fire escapes and ladders. An Undertaker wagon at the bottom. A horse drawn ambulance in the lower right. Wonder how long it would take to get to the hospital that way, and in what shape. All the advertising all over the buildings and signs. And lastly, the prophetic banner at the top proclaiming "...se... fighting the flames." And lower, "Sensational. Spectacular. Realistic." [It looks like a painted backdrop on a stage because it is a painted backdrop on a stage! - Dave] U-Lika Bis-KitAt first I thought the set designers were afraid of using the name Uneeda Biscuit so they came up with a pseudonym of "U-Lika Bis-Kit." But they didn't seem to have any problem touting Mennen, Painless Parker, Chiclets, and scads of other brand names. Then I found the following in "Profits" Magazine, March 5, 1904: Quiet Little Biscuit War A quiet little war is being waged in the biscuit line in New York and nearby centers, the outcome of which will be watched intently by those opposed to trusts in general and especially where one will receive for their nickel an article conceded by all to be of very much better quality and manufacture. The Manhattan Biscuit Company, the largest independent bakery In the United States, are making a feature of the U-lika Bis-kit, and it has already taken a prominent position alongside of, if not in advance, of its famous competitor. Instead of spending the greater portion of their receipts telling what they mean to do, the Manhattan Company expend every possible dollar in the manufacture and perfection of the biscuit as a whole before being offered to the critical housewife and consumer. This company, must of necessity, soon occupy a distinct position in its respective line; i.e., the partial refreshing of the hungry broker in his family circle, where they all U-lika Bis-kit. GeronimoIs that dude jumpin to his grizzly death? [That was across the street -- "Fighting the Bears." - Dave] Freedom Land, 55 years earlierIn the one time I was taken to Freedom Land in the Bronx (now the site of Co-op City), there was a "fire" that we kids could all help all put out--the great Chicago Fire. I remember thinking as a kid "what a wonderful and new idea" it was to have an attraction like that. Ha! BTW June 19 was the 50th anniversary of the opening of that park, which was supposed to be the Disney Land of the east, but which, unfortunately, did not last long. Popular with the Insurance Men The Summary, Vol. 33, 1905 "Fighting the flames" proved to be so popular as to warrant extensive elaboration of last year's scheme and construction and recasting involving an expenditure of $40,000. An entire block of buildings will be fire-ravaged at each performance. At the "fire lines" will be a crowd of 600 spectators. Taking part in the exciting illustration of department excellence and intrepidity will be 120 firemen. Chief Sweeney, once of the New York Fire Department, will be in charge. The Insurance Press, Vol. 18, 1904 Many insurance men are nightly seen at Coney Island, with their wives and families, watching the firemen in "Fighting the Flames." Billboard Magazine, Feb 26, 1949 Obituaries Murphy, Fredrick J., 89, one-time circus man, February 15 in Utica, N.Y. He once toured with the Buffalo Bill Show, the Barnum and the Frank A. Robbins circuses. In 1904 he developed an exhibit called Fighting the Flames, which he showed at Coney Island and Revere Beach, Boston. Moe Levy says "Fire Sale! Bargains Galore!"I was sure the product names on the backdrops not particularly in flame's way (so to speak) were things people actually could buy. But Moe Levy's emporium, right smack next to the action, had to be fictitious, I thought. Who wants to have a company name associated with tragedy, real or make-believe? Then I found this photo on Walter Grutchfield's site with this text: "Moe Levy 'Outfitters to Man & Boy' (established 1882) was in business as Moses Levy, tailor, at 119 Walker St., New York City in 1896. Moe Levy manufactured and retailed men's clothing and specialized in low prices. "From the home base of 119-125 Walker St. (which would now be considered a part of Chinatown) he opened numerous branch outlets in the city including Brooklyn, the Bronx and Jamaica, Queens. Particularly long-lived was the branch store on East 149 St. in the Bronx, first at 409 E. 149 (1921-1939), then across the street at 380 E. 149 (1940-1951). "Moe Levy & Son went out of business in the early 1950's. This sign can be precisely dated to the range 1906-1908." Now THAT is product placement. Whew!As a volunteer firefighter I couldn't help be worried about the fate of that structure - there were only two hose and ladder companies for such a large structure, only one working hose line and one chief officer (white helmet). Then I noticed the "real" people in the foreground and noticed the advertisement for FIGHTING THE FLAMES. Then I saw the repeating horizontal lines in the photograph and realized it was some sort of backdrop. As I said before, Whew! And, for myself, an added "Duh!" The Fall GuyIs that guy gonna bounce off the awning and land on his feet and say "TA DA!!"? (The Gallery, Coney Island, DPC, Fires, Floods etc.)
Green Street: 1900
Ithaca, New York, circa 1900. "Greene Street." Hey, mister -- you missed a spot. 8x10 inch ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/02/2012 - 5:22pm -

Ithaca, New York, circa 1900. "Greene Street." Hey, mister -- you missed a spot. 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. No Electricity yet?I only see one wire, strung tree to tree, and nothing going to the houses. Was there no electricity or phones to the houses yet? Broom ServiceBack when "street sweeper," like "computer," was an occupation and not a machine! Hey, my home town!Thanks for this great photo. Let me point out that it's "Green," without the E. Alas, Alasfor the elm and chestnut trees of yore. How lovely they were. It seems those trees serve a dual purpose. They have telephone wires strung on them. The first tree on the left seem to have a wooden sidepin with an insulator on it, and the next tree has the knob/spool type of insulator attached to it. The other purpose of course is to look beautiful in the fall. Curbside to go Are those steps at the curb for entering a carriage? Dutch Elm DiseaseAre those the elm trees that died? Keep up the good work Dave, these pictures make my day. Playing HorseyWhat are the stacked blocks before the two houses in the center? I guess they are to stand on to get up onto your horse (after it's been untied from the metal stand across the street). [They're called mounting blocks (for mounting and dismounting a carriage) and hitching posts. - Dave] What a beautiful neigborhoodSo sad to see the wasteland it turned into. (The same could be said for most of the American landscape.) Half-bakedThe house in the foreground on the left is now a parking lot. All the houses on the right have been plowed under for a modern bakery. View Larger Map No ParkingHow beautiful our streets were before we had to park cars all along them. Time to SpareIn the distance comes a carriage. Should be here in half an hour or so. I'll go watch paint dry while I wait. Mounting blocks!And the drone of leaf blowers nowhere to be heard. Where'd I put my time machine? Somebody else's problemOne of my major "peeves" is that today's lawn service workers just take their leafblowers, blow the grass and leaf debris out into the street and it becomes somebody else's problem. It also gets directed into the storm sewers and block up the drains causing sewer back-ups and all sorts of plumbing problems for the neighborhood. Even though it is SUPPOSED to be against the law to do this, it is never enforced. Not too much gets my goat, but leafblowers really DO. Progress does not become this sceneThis makes me sad. I looked at this scene, and said, "This is beautiful; I bet the only changes are that the street is now paved with concrete, the horse hitching posts are gone, and there are a few more wires strung through the air." To see that one of the houses is a parking lot, and one entire side has been torn down for that THING on the right just makes me sad. Yes, I realize this street may have become blighted 50 or 60 years after this picture, but it's just such a beautiful street here, it's such a shame. Still a nice neighborhood"Wasteland"?? I explored around using the Street View posted below. It's still a very pleasant, leafy neighborhood with many if not most of the old houses still standing. View Larger Map This Old HouseI was certainly surprised to see that this was not just any generic Green Street, but the Green Street in my current city of residence! Yes, as others have pointed out, most of these old houses are gone, but Ithaca still has many, many old, historic homes similar to this. Unfortunately, few of them are single-family homes anymore-- they are mostly chopped up into two or three (or more) apartments. But such is the fate of a big old house in a college town. Moonlight feels rightNo streetlamps! I bet it was pretty dark along that street at night, with only the glow from the electric (or still gas) lamps from the windows of those gorgeous houses to light the way. Still niceWandering about the neighborhood a hundred and ten years later, I'd still live there. A hundred an ten years ago this was already a mature neighborhood, quality lasts. Lots Still LeftWestern Upstate NY and else where around the Finger Lakes still has a lot of street scenes with all the houses like this still standing. Take US20 East out of Buffalo and head to the NY State Fair. See a lot of rural people not effected by modern day life. Geneva, Batavia, Waterloo, Auburn. NY. Skaneateles could have been a set in a Hardy Boy book. Sits right on the North Shore of Lake Skaneateles. In Toronto between Bloor and College St. same thing. Full of cars because of no driveways, but the houses are all still there. You can still time travel in your sub conscious I wish I could retire in the pastThe world of 110 years ago, while it lacked many good things we've learned and achieved since then, was very beautiful. No driveways!THAT's what was bugging me about this picture--the lack of driveways cut into the curbs. You just don't see that now. Let there be light!I was thinking the same thing as the person who wrote the "Moonlight feels right" comment but several moments later I did notice that there's at least one carbon arc streetlight in this picture. It's hanging above the middle of the street above the street sweeper's left shoulder in the middle of the thick canopy of leaves, making it hard to see, but it's there. What a shamethat beautiful things in life never stay the same. Things have changed!How can something change like that? Beautiful photograph, horrible sensations now! (The Gallery, DPC)
Lafayette Square: 1911
Buffalo, New York, circa 1911. "Lafayette Square." Where amusements include Motion Pictures, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/22/2014 - 6:47am -

Buffalo, New York, circa 1911. "Lafayette Square." Where amusements include Motion Pictures, Vaudeville, a Pony Circus and, for the more practical-minded, Gas & Electric Fixtures. 8x10 inch glass negative. View full size. The fun is goneAll of the buildings on the left are gone, as is the large brick building in the center. But the Lafayette Hotel is still there, as is the Kleinhans building. Both are largely unchanged, externally. Pointed QuestionDoes anyone know what the center building was called and used for? I'm fascinated by it. I'm so glad the others are still standing. Thanks. [Buffalo Public Library. Demolished c.1960 and replaced by the current library building. -tterrace] (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, Cars, Trucks, Buses, DPC)
Hotel Iroquois: 1905
Buffalo, New York, circa 1905. "Hotel Iroquois." A nice selection of ghost pedestrians in ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/22/2012 - 10:40am -

Buffalo, New York, circa 1905. "Hotel Iroquois." A nice selection of ghost pedestrians in this time exposure. Detroit Publishing Co. View full size. It's OKBut it's no Hotel Netherland. AwningsThe front of the building faced east. If we could see the rear, it might have had awnings as well. It would have faced the setting sun over Lake Erie and would have provided fairly harsh light in both summer and winter. [Actually, the front faces west-northwest. - Dave] Awnings and streetlampsBuildings like this with dozens of awnings fascinate me. Anyone know which direction this building faced? I'd imagine that would make a difference in why one only one side of the building has the awnings at various stages of deployment. Gorgeous streetlamps as well, and I love all the men in similar boater hats. What's Hangin'Can anybody identify what the object is that looks like it's hanging from the power lines in the upper right corner of the photo? [It's lighting for a sign. - Dave] Fancy!Look at that amazing ironwork at the front door. Very Stephen King-ishLooks like The Shining meets Rosemary's Baby. Creepy ... especially those top floors. Or, facing westIf the front of the hotel is indeed facing east then the sun, quite remarkably, is shining from the northeast. Check the shadows of the awnings and the people on the street. Last time I checked Buffalo was in the Northern hemisphere. West Eagle doesn't quite run straight east-west, but it's pretty close. And it's not early morning here. The sun's quite high. All of which surely suggests that this is in fact early afternoon, and the hotel faces west, not east. Which would explain why there are no awnings on the left of the building. That's the north side. Top thisThese mansard-roof skyscrapers of the late 1800s were an interesting response to the architects' dilemma of what a tall building should look like, given that there was very little in the way of precedent. Fortunately guys like Burnham and Sullivan came along and put an end to these nightmares. Not many of these mansard-roof jobs are still around these days. All Aboard!There's lots of ghosting in this photo, but the one that fascinates me is the train/streetcar crossing the back intersection -- it's AWESOME! I can imagine it still moving through the city, invisible to all but ghosts and certain "sensitive" types. It's like seeing traces of a parallel dimension. If it were a Twilight Zone episode, we'd see people boarding it and a conductor taking tickets. Wouldn't it be niceif your activities of today left some kind of ghostly trace somewhere? The crisp corners of the brickwork seem as though they may have little tolerance for biological membranous activity ... Interesting HistoryA pretty good one can be found here. (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, Cars, Trucks, Buses, DPC, Streetcars)
Century Road Club: 1913
... 3, 1913. "Fred J. Scherer and Walter Wiley at the start of New York to San Francisco bicycle race." Bain News Service glass negative. ... overnight stays in Schenectady, Utica, Auburn, Batavia, Buffalo, Erie, Cleveland, Norwalk, and Toledo, Ohio—where they hoped to ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/13/2013 - 3:25pm -

May 3, 1913. "Fred J. Scherer and Walter Wiley at the start of New York to San Francisco bicycle race." Bain News Service glass negative. View full size. Fixies?It appears that the bikes they were planning to ride were fixed-gear bikes with no brakes. I shudder to think what these guys went through crossing the Continental Divide. Odometers?There appear to be little Veeder-Root type counters mounted on the front forks of each bicycle. Or is this some other accessory? The amazing thing about this image is.Bicycles haven't changed much in all these years. Those OdometersBetabox, I actually had one of those odometers a couple of bikes ago. There was a little peg that attached to one of the spokes, and it hit a star wheel on the little meter. I still remember the little ping it made every time the peg came around. Worked pretty well, as I recall. Now I use a $5.00 GPS app on my iPhone that gives me a Google map of my route, speed, distance, altitude, pace, and even calories burned, and it keeps track of every ride I took for over a year. Even lets me listen to iTunes music while I ride. Absolutely amazing for $5.00. We've come a long way, baby. But still, that little counter gizmo lasted 100 years, and I'll bet it's still being sold. Now that's pretty cool. Carbide bicycle lanternsThere are a ton of these available at various on-line antique auction sites. The ones shown here resemble the "Old Sol" model by Hawthorne of Bridgeport Connecticut. There are jeweled facets on either side of the lamp that serve as running lights, green on the right and red on the left (with Red Port Wine being the aide-memoire). Century Road Club AssociationI don't know whether these two made it to Frisco, but their organization was founded in 1898 and is still going strong. Wool Was the Old Spandex Bicycle enthusiasts, dressing like dorks for nearly 100 years! Long Ride!I hope you have a photo of them at the finish line! Very bold.Considering that the first cross country automobile trip, and the hardships they endured, took place in 1907 it was still a bold move, even in 1913, to make the attempt on a bicycle. Track BikesIn today's terms these are track bikes: fixed gear: NO freewheeling rear gear/hub assembly. Difficult to ride because the only way you can stop is to pedal slower and slower -- bit tough on the down hills in hilly terrain. Of note: I could find nothing on this "race" via the search engines. Given the nature of the bikes, I doubt they make it very far without major crashes. In memory of carbide lanternsBack in my pre-teen youth in Altoona, Pa., my Dad and I used to go raccoon hunting, which is done at night with dogs (technical term "coon hounds"). For light we used carbide lanterns that were designed to be mounted on coal miners' helmets, and an Internet search yields many sites explaining how they work. Hunting was fun and all that, but carbide offered an extra benefit to anyone wanting to blow a can apart (technical term "teen vandals"). We'd drop a handful of carbide in a can that had a metal lid, such as an empty paint can, punch a hole in the lid, introduce saliva to the carbide (technical term "spitting"), wait for calcium hydroxide gas to build up while covering the hole, then touch a match to the hole and BLAMMO. Coaster brakes?I don't know when the Coaster Brake was invented but I think I see the little brake anchor lever that clamps to the frame on the one bike. It was never much fun as a kid when that lever came loose and you hit the brakes. Not FixiesFrom what I can tell, these are single speed bikes with a coaster brake, not a fixed gear. If you look at the left chainstay, it looks as if there is a coaster brake bracket coming from the rear hub. Also the rear hub looks to be rather large which would indicate it housing all the elements of a cb. I could be wrong, kind of hard to be 100% sure from the photo. Those carbide lampsWhen I was a kid, we had a "carbide cannon" as a toy. It was a poorly cast piece that looked like a WWI cannon. You put carbide in it, and it had a sparker like an old zippo lighter to ignite the gas. It was about a 5 on a 10 point fun-o-meter. Fun for about half an hour. How about those toe clips.If you look closely at the pedals, you will note the toe clips. I did some 100 miles per day bike trips in my salad days and toe clips made it a lot easier by locking your bike shoes to the pedals. It was a relief not to have to concentrate on keeping your shoes centered on the pedals. In addition you could "pull up" on one pedal while "pushing down" on the other. The carbide bike lamp is a Model S Solar manufactured by the Badger Brass Mfg. Co. of Kenosha, WI. It was patented in the US in 1896. My lamp (see pic) is not as shiny. The water tank and filler hole with vent plug is located in the back. The carbide pellets went in the cup on the bottom. The "key" on the side adjusted the water dripping on the carbide. Water plus carbide generates acetylene gas which burns with a hot white flame. The front of the lamp has a glass cover which swings open to light the acetylene. The flat cap on the light is the "smokestack" for the burnt gas to escape. The Eternal BicycleToe clips, coaster brakes, drop handlebars, handlebar wrap, panniers (sort of).... You need to change very few things to arrive at a modern bicycle. "Brought to you by..."... Fisk Tire (if the flag on the boys' bikes was indeed a sponsor). Fisk made bicycle and automobile tires at the time, and their logo was the little yawning boy in pajamas with a bicycle tire slung over his right shoulder. "Trust the Truss"Based on the badge and the frame design of the bicycle on the left, it's an Iver Johnson Truss-bridge bicycle. Yes, this is the same Iver Johnson that made fire arms. They built this style frame from 1900 to 1939. The bicycle on the left does, in fact, have a coaster brake. The coaster brake was invented in the late 1890s and were quite common by 1910. The large chrome ball on the handlebars are bicycle bells. Also note the sprocket driven odometers on the front hubs of both bikes. I have a feeling this event, sponsored by Fisk Tires, was not so much a race as it was a reliability run. What better way to promote your tires. The fact that no information can be found about this event makes me believe it was a failure, and so was not reported. Vanishing PointOn April 27, 1913 Fred J. Scherer, Walter Wiley, George McAdams, and Ernest Higgins were among more than 300 cyclists who took part in the 16th Annual Spring Century Run from Columbus Circle in Manhattan to Hicksville, Long Island and back. The race, sponsored by the Century Road Club [bicycle] Association, was a warm up for the 48-day Transcontinental Handicap Team Race that was started a week later. Scherer and Wiley represented the Caribou Club, while McAdams and Higgins rode for the Century Road Club. Scherer and Wiley received a twenty-four hour head start, leaving from City Hall at Broadway & Murray Street on the 3rd of May 3 at 1:00 p.m. They pedaled up Broadway (mostly) accompanied seventy-five other cyclists and autos stuffed with officials who were shouting last minute details and instructions. The autos dropped out at Yonkers, while the other cyclists kept up the escort as far as Tarrytown. The first night's stop would be in Poughkeepsie, with other overnight stays in Schenectady, Utica, Auburn, Batavia, Buffalo, Erie, Cleveland, Norwalk, and Toledo, Ohio—where they hoped to arrive on the 13th. The itinerary had them arriving in Chicago on the 16th and Omaha on the 22nd. They figured to arrive at their final destination—San Francisco—on June 20, whereupon they would present a message from Mayor Gaynor of New York to Mayor Rolph of San Francisco. They also carried messages from East Coast bicycle organizations to their West Coast counterparts. They estimated making an average of seventy miles a day and took no money, as "all expenses must be met by the sale of post cards and money actually earned in other ways while enroute." McAdams and Higgins left twenty-four hours later from the same place and followed the same route and timetable, although they bragged that they would overtake Scherer and Wiley in a few days, and reach San Francisco first. There was supposed to be another team from Denver that would be riding a tandem bike, but no one really believed that they would show up. They didn't. A couple of newspapers in Indiana got the news feed wrong, and printed that Scherer and Wiley were riding motorcycles from New York to San Francisco. One newspaper that apparently got it right was the Chicago Daily News, whose photographer took the picture below (Library of Congress collection): It seems that the first pair of cyclists made it to Chicago looking none the worse for wear, but the exact date is unknown at this time. The Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette noted on May 10 that the cyclists were due through that town on May 18 and 19, and the local cyclists were "preparing to give them a rousing reception." I don't know if they ever got their rousing reception—at this point I can't find anything about them past Chicago. I'll keep looking, but if someone has any idea whether or not they made it to San Francisco, please share with the rest of us. Coaster brakes vs. coastingYes, as douglas fir mentioned, the diameter of the rear hub looks quite adequate for containing a coaster brake mechanism. Early fixed gear bikes would have a rear hub with a narrow barrel. But fixed gear bikes were of course the first style of bicycle and during the 1890s they were used for long (even round the world) tours. On leisurely rides and for more gentle descents, early fixed gear bikes were sometimes fitted with foot rests added to the sides of the front fork. This illustration gives a good idea how these front "pegs" were used; of course, you'd better be familiar with the road if allowing yourself a long coast - since you'd eventually need to regain control of the still rapidly rotating pedals, and pedals with toe clips would likely be out of the question. Sturmey Archer 3 speedThe bike on the left has a sturmey archer 3 speed rear hub. (The Gallery, Bicycles, G.G. Bain, NYC)
Shelton Square: 1908
Buffalo, New York, circa 1908. "Shelton Square -- St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Prudential ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/18/2012 - 7:01pm -

Buffalo, New York, circa 1908. "Shelton Square -- St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, Prudential Building, Erie County Savings Bank." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. SurprisinglyThat block is still there. Is it possiblethat church steeple is made entirely of bricks? if so, who was the guy that put the last brick at the top, yikes! Wells FargoIt's interesting to see a Wells Fargo Express office this late, and this far east, although I see by the company history this was so. Do the horse-drawn wagons in front of the office say Wells Fargo? The Message From AboveI'm sure the top floor window lettering trumpeting the New York Central RR were probably read mostly by migrating Geese. Mystery solvedThanks for posting this photo, you've cleared up a mystery in the Hamilton (Ontario) Public Library's photo collection. In the collection there's an unlabelled photo of a streetcar, which was used in a 1909 Hamilton Times article to illustrate the new streetcars that Hamilton would be getting. The streetcar was numbered 5150, and is a perfect match to streetcar 5192 in the photo above. Erie County Savings Bank demolitionThe Erie County Savings Bank, at left, was demolished in 1968. Sad photos here: http://tinyurl.com/7s9bnkk What a cool old building compared to what took its place: http://tinyurl.com/7k43ylu An Adler & Sullivan beauty!Love the Prudential building. Built in 1894, designated a National Landmark in 1975 after a fire and near-demolition, restored in the '80s through the aughts ... its one of those buildings you wouldn't know was important until you looked it up. Long may she stand! Traffic LightsNotice how the sign above the road says "cars stop here"? It would be six more years until the first traffic lights were installed in Cleveland, Ohio. Nice picture of my home city! ["Cars" refers to streetcars. -tterrace] Thanks for the update tterrace, didn't even think of that! (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, Cars, Trucks, Buses, DPC, Streetcars)
The Granary: 1910
Buffalo, New York, circa 1910. "Canal harbor and elevators." 8x10 inch dry plate glass ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/22/2012 - 10:40am -

Buffalo, New York, circa 1910. "Canal harbor and elevators." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. The area is still the sameI believe that this was shot near where S. Michigan Avenue used to cross over the inner canal. First fruits of the new age!I had no idea these massive grain elevators existed in Buffalo. Very impressive. It even excited Le Corbusier. Steamer James GayleyThe ship unloading grain appears to be the bulk freighter James Gayley. Built: 1902 by the American Ship Building Company, Cleveland hull #410. Gross Tonnage: 4777, Net Tonnage: 3359. Keel/Beam/Depth: 416x50x28. Owner: Mitchell & Co., Cleveland. Lost: Aug 7, 1912, on Lake Superior in thick fog — struck on the starboard side by the steamer Rensselaer. The James Gayley, burdened with a load of coal, sank 20 minutes after the impact. All those aboard, including 5 women, were safely recovered by the Rensselaer which remained afloat. The wreck lies 35-40 miles east of Manitou Island. SidewaysIf you look at the smaller silos (?) alongside the large elevator you can see they are on rail trucks and evidently can be moved along the wharf to accommodate various vessels. [The Connecting Terminal Elevator in action circa 1900. - Dave] Straight out of a Sheeler PaintingI immediately thought of a Charles Sheeler urbanscape. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, Buffalo NY, DPC)
The Gospel Wagon: 1900
Buffalo, N.Y., circa 1900. "Ellicott Square Building." At the time of its ... Hamlin, Donovan & Goodyear moved into the brand-new Iroquois Gas Building. Donovan's office grew dusty as he devoted more and more time to reawakening New York's militia and turning it, by 1917, into the "Fighting 69th" New York ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/16/2017 - 9:43am -

Buffalo, N.Y., circa 1900. "Ellicott Square Building." At the time of its completion 1896, the largest office building in the world. Our title for this post comes from lower down (and higher up). 8x10 inch glass negative. View full size. I like the Gospel Wagon idea..At least there not out knocking on your door during the Pittsburgh Steeler games. Progressive?What does one sell in a "progressive" store? ["Progressive" as in the sense of "modern," as in this article, which seems unintentionally prescient. -tterrace] Phoenix Reflected The Phoenix Brewery, (a very popular name used through out the country), operated in Buffalo from 1887 to 1920, closed for prohibition from 1920 to 1934, operated again from 1934 to final closing in 1957. The title refers to the "BEER" reflection in one of the store windows across the street to the left. Signs of the TimesThere are at least five separate railroad ticket offices in the building: Erie; Pennsylvania; Buffalo Rochester and Pittsburgh; Chicago and Northwestern, and Nickel Plate. There may be more, but they're too fuzzy to read. Also like the interesting phonograph store selling Columbia and Edison cylinders and players (no they were not compatible). Ministering On Main StreetThe Ellicott Square Building (283-309 Main Street) was completed in mid-1896 and still stands today. Six workmen died during the building's construction. Across the street was 304 Main, home to Palmer's Florist and the Albany Dental Parlor. “Sam. Welsh's Progressive Store” was the cigar store of brothers Samuel and Charles E. Welsh. They opened their 311 Main Street store in November of 1899, having previously operated the Progressive Cigar Store at 331 Main Street. Perhaps the Gospel Wagon Association thought that those buying cigars and phonographs needed to be exposed to something a little more “redeeming.” Sidewalk Sign DesignI am interested if anyone knows the purpose of the signs placed along the sidewalks, which seem to be advertising above, and vertical bars of some sort below. Perhaps stops for public transportation, but why so many? And what are the bars for? A classic Shorpy mystery for me. [A rare sight in early Shorpy street scenes: a bicycle rack, like the one in use here. -tterrace] Future office of Wild Bill DonovanWhen this was taken, a local Buffalo teen named William Joseph Donovan was in St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, with big dreams. He would enroll in Niagara University for two years before transferring to Columbia, where he received a B.A. and law degree. Returning to his hometown, "Wild Bill" went into private practice with Love & Keating in 464 Ellicott Square. He would remain there until he scratched the itch to form his own law firm in 1912. O'Brian, Hamlin, Donovan & Goodyear moved into the brand-new Iroquois Gas Building. Donovan's office grew dusty as he devoted more and more time to reawakening New York's militia and turning it, by 1917, into the "Fighting 69th" New York Infantry. As its colonel, Donovan became nationally famous, leading to a series of positions that would culminate as his appointment during World War II to begin the Office of Strategic Services - the forerunner of the CIA. (The Gallery, Bicycles, Buffalo NY, DPC, Stores & Markets)
Lanier Hotel: 1921
New York, July 5, 1921. "Lanier Hotel restaurant." Fried kidney only 20 cents. Note ... that was abandoned in place when supplanted by those new-fangled incandescent bulbs? You can smell this picture. It's July. ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/09/2013 - 1:40am -

New York, July 5, 1921. "Lanier Hotel restaurant." Fried kidney only 20 cents. Note sleeping mousers. 5x7 glass negative, Bain News Service. View full size. Not so badYes, this is a picture of despairing people in a grimy environment and surely not the restaurant of choice for these poor souls, but I have had kidney stew and British steak and kidney pie, and if they are properly prepared, they are edible, even without the fava beans and a nice Chianti. When one is hungry and broke, something to eat is better than nothing to eat. People eat liver, heart, tongue, gizzards, brains, headcheese, many animal parts that might not be our favorites, but are still sustenance for those who have nothing or simply like this stuff. In the southwestern states, cowboys eat lamb testicles which the menu calls "lamb fries" which are battered and deep fried and some patrons do not even know what they are ordering. Some also call them "mountain oysters." Before he became the Drummer for R.E.M.Bill Berry slung Hash at a Dive Restaurant. Sleeping MousetrapsI just jumped when I saw the two sleeping cats. Too funny. Liver of choiceLiver is inexpensive and, if cooked well, very good. Liver and onions was on every menu of most restaurants, good and bad. Liver is also good for you. Lots of iron, which was important to people who generally ate very few green vegetables and when salted meats formed a substantial part of the diet. We may balk at eating in a place like this but for the poor working man, many who lived in shared room where they had to sleep in shifts and had no way to cook a meal, it would have been the height of luxury. Grim FareI find this a grim eatery as well. The apron on the waiter was the deal killer for me. Although that one fellow on table two on the left seems pleased with his meal, he is a bit too pleased; perhaps manic is a better description. I spent some time trying to read the bills of fare on either side of the room, but, as much as I love the font, it isn't easy to read. I saw salt port and pork chops offered, and some meals that included eggs, but that's about it. No, thanksThere are many photos on Shorpy that make me eager to spend some time walking around in them. What with the unhinged-looking patrons and staff, the filthy aprons, the chairs that look as uncomfortable as they are ugly, and the sawdust on the floor, this is definitely NOT one of those photos. MeowAre there any Shorpy food historians who might lend insight on the array of condiments set out on the unoccupied tables? I'm guessing the bottles are oil and vinegar. Are the small bowls salt and pepper? Whatever was in the center bowl appears hardly touched by the men dining on the other side of the room. Cuisine HelpersI'd guess that the pairs of saucers hold prepared horseradish and hellfire mustard sauce, both popular and sometimes essential condiments in cheaper eateries for those meat dishes that should have been shown the back door earlier in the week. Big bowlI don't have a real answer for what's in the big condiment bowls, but I thought I'd list the available evidence: there's a serving utensil in each one; the contents are dark, and either chunky or, if liquid, viscous enough for slops to adhere to the inner surface. Ketsup? Big Bowlthe big bowl may have been sauerkraut or cole slaw, essential foods at...budget eateries of the time. Thanks, Marchbanks!I hadn't looked at the full-sized photo of the outside of that fine establishment. Now that I've scanned the menu, I couldn't find pizza, nachos buffalo wings or calamari, so I am taking my business elsewhere. Chairs??I remember a bunch of diners, taverns and dives from when I was a kid that had those wire-backed chairs. They aren't as uncomfortable as they looks becaise the back will "give" a bit and the seat was generally wood, so it wasn't too bad. This section closedDon't seat anyone in section two. Staff Meeting. Barista's not back there.She must be on a break. So I guess you boys will have to go pour your own pumpkin latte. Car FaceFor some reason the young waiter's forehead reminds me of the back of a '59 Chevy. Those are interesting eyebrows. This may put to bedthe old "five second rule" yikes ! Order up@Jim Page, don't strain yerself trying to make out the bill of fare. Just look at the previous picture, and there's the whole thing painted quite legibly on the window of Fuerst Brothers Restaurant. Re: Car FaceFanhead's perfect description of that waiter's eyebrows was the funniest thing I've heard in ages; thank you for the health-giving laughter. It also brought to my attention the one very happy diner (sitting near the waiter holding the dirty dishes). He has a "Broadway musical" smile and seems like a cockeyed optimist who is making the best out of a bad situation. LightingI'm curious about the three non-illuminated globe light fixtures. The cylindrical porcelain part of the apparatus reminds me of old arc lights. Might these be arc lights (or some sort of gas light) that was abandoned in place when supplanted by those new-fangled incandescent bulbs? You can smell this picture.It's July. In New York. Everybody's a grimy sweaty Joe No-Lunch-Bucket dressed in layers of wool. The joint smells of liver and onions and knockwurst and kraut and whatever fried kidney smells like. And the wall fans are OFF. (The Gallery, Cats, Eateries & Bars, G.G. Bain, NYC)
Drink Schlitz: 1900
... 22, 1875, at Cleveland the Commodore, operated by the New York Central and named in honor of Vanderbilt, was the largest vessel on the ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/09/2016 - 12:13pm -

September 1, 1900. "Chicago River elevators at Chicago, Illinois." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. Elevator Purpose?? Anyone know??What are they used for??? A 'wet ship?'What looks to be rotting planks at the bow of 'Commodore' makes one wonder if she had her pumps running most of the time. Beer Elevators ! Grain elevators are normally a transshipment or storage point for grain. Where I live local farmers bring their harvested grain to the local elevator where it is held till it is sold to different buyers. It all flows downstreamThe flow of the Chicago River was reversed eight months before this photo was made. Instead of flowing into Lake Michigan, the river was redirected into the Sanitary and Ship Channel and since January 1900 the Chicago River has emptied into the Mississippi River. Ironically, given the subject of this image, St. Louis' breweries quickly alleged that water from Chicago was ruining the Missouri city's beers, a claim that was later disproven. Grain ElevatorsSALE OF CHICAGO ELEVATORS.; Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Makes a Big Purchase. CHICAGO, Feb. 25. (1899) -- The St. Paul and Fulton elevators were sold to-day to the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railway Company for $400,000 by the Chicago Railway Terminal Elevator Company. Within sixty days the railway company will operate them as a part of its system of Chicago terminal houses. I assume the elevators were each named after landmarks, such as Iowa (in this photo), St Paul, and Fulton. The Chicago Railway Terminal Elevator Company was in the process of winding down its operations. The purchase price for the two elevators ($400,000) is about $11,000,00 in 2016 dollars. A copy of the original article is here... http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1899/02/25/page/9/article/big-deal-in... Schlitz, the Beer that made Milwaukee FamousThe city of Chicago passed an ordinance in 1900 regulating the size of billboards. The Gunning System was an advertising company typical of those the city was trying to reign rein in. The company took exception to the law and lost in court. The instant ad was obviously done prior to enactment of the ordinance. The elevator purpose? Prior to the elevators and reliable rail service, Midwestern grain moved to Chicago in fabric sacks. Sacks were suitable in some cases, but loading large amounts of the stuff into ship holds was inefficient and thus costly. The elevator was designed to unload the grain in bulk from rail cars, store it as necessary and then transfer it to ships in bulk. The process is still in use today. Elevate the level of conversationGrain elevators are simply storage bins where grain is collected and stored until it is transferred to a ship or railcar for further movement. In the boxcar era of our photo, boxcars loaded about half full of loose grain were unloaded through grates into the basement, where the grain was then hauled by augur or conveyor [hence, the elevator] up to the top of the facility, where it was dumped into large bins. Note the chutes along side of the building...here is where the grain was off loaded to a ship or barge. Note also each chute has its own cyclone dust collector attached. Dust is a great danger in elevators, as it is highly explosive. I recall a huge elevator at Texas City, Texas blowing up circa 1970. All that was left was the concrete floor and some rubble. I refer to all this in the past tense, but grain elevators are still in use today, although the boxcars have been replaced by covered hoppers. This elevator in the photo is a good size for its time, although elevators can get much larger than this one. Of course, grain elevators are commonly seen many miles from any ship. Farmers haul grain to elevators where the it's collected for movement to a port or manufacturing facility. In the MidwestIn the midwest, the term "elevator" is used for most any grain storage facility. The Gunning System"Outdoor advertising has a certain value which is determined by the character and density of the population. It is a general plan for merchants to follow display advertising out into the rural districts, along the highways, and the larger wholesale stores of the cities even follow the railroads out for considerable distances, where people may read as they ride. This form of advertising is handled, as a rule, by special advertising agencies, such as the Gunning system, who buy up and control space in many communities." From: “Introduction to Business Organization” SAMUEL E. SPARLING, Ph.D.. Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of Wisconsin (1906) Grain elevatorThe grain elevator does away with the labor-intensive loading and unloading by sack. The basic idea is that the grain is dumped from the rail car through a grate into a hopper underneath, to be conveyed by elevator bucket into a bin or silo, which can then be fed by gravity, auger or conveyor into trucks, barges or other railway cars. A wheat grading system is needed so that one farmer's grain could be combined and stored with another farmer's crop of the same grade. The first steam-powered grain elevator was invented in Buffalo in 1842, but the system flourished and developed in Chicago. I grew up in the land of the wood-cribbed design of grain elevator prevalent throughout Western Canada from the early 1900s though the 1980s. The St. Albert elevators (below) are typical. I also found a colorized alternative of the Chicago view. When launched on July 22, 1875, at Clevelandthe Commodore, operated by the New York Central and named in honor of Vanderbilt, was the largest vessel on the Great Lakes. It was retired in 1912 and laid-up at Buffalo. The Illinois Naval Militia purchased the vessel that year and brought it to Chicago as a training platform, and in September 1918 the Navy commissioned it USS Commodore IX-7 where it served as a receiving ship for recruits. The following year it became a naval armory for the Naval Reserve, beached at the site of where a a new land-bound armory would be built in 1929. No longer of use and in the path of the proposed Outer Drive, on December 12, 1930, the vessel was torched and burned to ash at the foot of Randolph Street. The armory that replaced the Commodore was razed in November 1982 so that the notorious "S" curve on the Lake Shore Drive could be straightened and widened. The CommodoreLooks like the full inscription on the side of the Commodore is "New York Central & Hudson River RR Line". If so, then a ship named after "Commodore" Cornelius Vanderbilt makes perfect sense. Vanderbilt united his Hudson River RR with the NY Central RR and bought or leased lines all the way to Chicago, including freight shipping lines. LocationWe're looking north along the South Branch of the Chicago River at about 14th Street just west of Clark. That's the Iowa Elevator on the left built in 1880 & served by the C&NW railroad, and Rock Island Elevators B on the right & A in the background both served by the CRI&P railroad. Anyone have any information on the sailing ship "Commerce of Cheboygan" in the picture? Not A Cold Rolled Steel SpecialBut good work anyway. You got the name. You got the product. You got your catch phrase. You got the message. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, Buffalo NY, DPC, Railroads)
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