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Sisters Grimm: 1943
May 1943. Buffalo, New York. "Patsy Grimm helping with housework. Their mother, a ... 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 ... me and I don't have any problems today. (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, Kids, Kitchens etc., Marjory Collins) ... 
 
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)
Empire State Express: 1905
... is a 1909 Babcock Electric brougham, manufactured in Buffalo. [The vehicle in our photo seems to have a tiller for steering. - ... 
 
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)
Double Coneys: 1941
... 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 ... 
 
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)
Lots of Pulp: 1890s
... paper mill? Furniture cars Both this and the recent Buffalo picture show rail cars dedicated to furniture transport. As far as I ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/26/2012 - 4:56pm -

Appleton, Wisconsin, circa 1890s. "Girls of the paper mills." Evidently taking a water break. Detroit Publishing Company glass negative. View full size. Ruffles and FlourishesIt takes a spirited woman to add a five-layer ruffled collar to a utilitarian calico shirtwaist. Who says you can't look stylish working in a paper mill? Furniture carsBoth this and the recent Buffalo picture show rail cars dedicated to furniture transport. As far as I know those types of cars haven't existed in decades. Nice looking girlsThey really don't look like the type to be working hard in a paper mill. Furniture carsFurniture cars were substantially larger (40 or even 50 feet long) because furniture was a relatively light load. The average car of the 1890s was 34 feet long and held maybe 30 tons. Putting a full load of grain, for instance, into a furniture car would badly overload it, but a 50-foot car of furniture was unlikely to tax the weight limit for the wood frame. As boxcars got stronger, the need to have specialty cars for larger but lighter loads decreased. But what you do see, incidentally, is the growth of automobile boxcars, which are marked by extra large or double doors. Note also the F&PM car on the right does not have an airbrake hose. Furniture CarsMy grandfather, who was an engineer born into a family of railroaders, once explained to me that "Furniture Cars" existed to ensure consumer goods weren't damaged upon arrival, as in those days anything could be hauled in a boxcar, from raw cow hides to coal to the occasional load of livestock. I know I wouldn't want a couch that was shipped to me in a boxcar that recently held coal! If you look closely....you can see Brett Favre in the open boxcar, probably hiding from training camp. What are you going to believe?Despite the calm and easygoing faces these two lasses are exhibiting, it's hard to not to notice how ruffled they are. Comfortable in the real worldI've been wondering why the "factory girls" were usually prettier than the aristocratic women. This picture may give an answer: the "factory girls" were comfortable and confident about reality. Even though the photo is clearly posed, you can tell the girl on the left knows how to use a pump and isn't afraid to get wet; the girl on the right knows that the train won't be moving soon, and isn't afraid to let ordinary dirt touch her dress. Memory FailingI could have sworn that "Girls of the Paper Mills" was a Playboy photo feature in the early 1970's. Ladylike? Yes, butboth of them have hands that could crack walnuts. F.&P.M.The F&PM was the Flint & Pere Marquette, later just Pere Marquette. The car has a newfangled knuckle coupler, labelled "MCB" for Master Car Builder's Association. However there doesn't seem to be an air brake hose. Also notice the poling pockets on the end beam -- metal circles. A wooden pole could be placed from these to similar pockets on a locomotive on a parallel track, enabling the locomotive to push the car. This was a dangerous practice for the crewmen, who had to hold the pole in place. In those days though, railroad workers were considered more or less disposable. The circled "H" indicates that this is the handbrake end of the car, I think. Come on.....This is really a recent photo taken with girls wearing period clothes. What a great photo, and excellent quality. Like stepping into a time machine. Yet I doubt anything in this photo exists today, except maybe the rail line. One of them doesn't seem to be working too hard at all. No brakesOr I should say no air brakes on that F&PM (Flint & Pere Marquette) boxcar, as evidenced by the lack of an air hose next to the coupler. The F&PM operated a Lake Michigan carferry service from Ludington to Manitowoc just down the line from Appleton. It was later simply called the Pere Marquette, and in 1947 was merged into the Chesapeake & Ohio, which is now part of CSX. FancyCompared to the dress of folks we have seen in previous working environments, these two ladies look like they are preparing to attend a fancy ball. And look at those delicious Midwestern complexions. Mary & MarthaHow can I get the e-mail address of the cutie on the right? I Guess......I'm the only one who thinks that's an odd place for a well & pump. My German WifeThe girl on the right looks spooky similar to my German wife. With the photo being taken in Wisconsin in the 1890s; I suspect we might be looking at German immigrant girls. (The Gallery, DPC, Factories, Railroads)
Labor Day: 1900
Buffalo, New York, 1900. "Labor Day parade crowd, Main Street." 8x10 inch dry ... The annual street car parade through downtown Buffalo. "All Aboard!" Last Day for the Boaters It's likely that all ... safety rail or anything else is creepy. (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, DPC, Patriotic, Streetcars) ... 
 
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)
Crackerbox: 1940
... 20th century Heintz Art Metal lamp, made by Otto Heintz of Buffalo, of dark bronze with sterling onlays. These are very sought after by ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 05/11/2009 - 11:00pm -

January 1940. "Family living in a 'crackerbox' slum tenement in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania." Medium-format nitrate negative by Jack Delano. View full size. Geeze...I'm now thoroughly depressed. Can we please get back to those nice scantily clad swimsuit models now? Why be depressed?Hey - at least this was the exception, in the US. "By 1965, 38% of houses in Glasgow had no fixed toilet or shower. "By 1985, 5% of households still did not have a bath or shower." - Glasgow People's Palace (museum) TightAnd I thought those camping trailers were small. ReflectionsThe people reflected in the mirror don't seem like they are very close to being down and out, although looks can be deceiving. At least they seem to have retained their dignity. And what the heck is a "crackerbox slum tenement" anyway? I lived not far from Beaver Falls, at the little river town of Beaver on the north bank of the Ohio, back in the summer of 1956. It was one of the nicest little towns I've ever lived in, although you had to go across the Beaver River on the bridge to Rochester to buy a beer or see a movie. Pillow TalkI remember those embroidered pillowcases. I bet Dad usually woke up with the word "Dad" imprinted on his forehead. A poignant pictureDespite the family's desperate situation there are clues of a happy life framed in this shot. They are safe and warm from the snow storm seen through the window. Their child's dolls are nearby. On the dresser is a treasured portrait of a smiling young couple who are obviously in love. Despite the conditions they find themselves, the mirror reveals them smiling as they look over toward their child in the crib. This is a loving family that will survive their circumstances. [Revised clue: The kid's on the bed, not in the crib. - Dave] Door to where?I'm curious about the door behind the bed. It's latched and nailed shut. The BabyI didn't realize that was a baby until I looked at the photo full sized. The guardian angel on the crib made me choke up. The DoorThis might have been a room for rent. Luz artificial.Por la traza de las sombras se aprecia que la luz procede de un punto interior de la habitación. Probablemente de un foco eléctrico o un flash, quizás de magnesio. La luz natural disponible en el interior, seguramente, habría reflejado una imagen más sombría y aún más deprimente. The DresserThe finial over the mirror is missing. I bought a similar dresser at a yard sale years ago. The top part kept falling off. The lamp on the dresserThese people owned a very nice "collectible of the future" -- an early 20th century Heintz Art Metal lamp, made by Otto Heintz of Buffalo, of dark bronze with sterling onlays. These are very sought after by collectors of Craftsman style furnishings, and nowadays usually sell for several hundred dollars, unless some eager beaver has polished the bronze. Below is a similar lamp. Famous BeaveriteJoe Willie Namath was born there in 1943! Jim and Della - revisitedSomething of this photo reminds me of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi". Here we have Jim and Della, some years later, though bereft of their treasures, still the hopeful parents of innocent babes, and still rich in the love they share for each other... "And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. Of all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi." Ansel Adams had the Zone System... I'm working on the points system. First I points it here, and then I points it there... Wake up!That is one limp-looking baby. At first I thought it was a big doll. NeighborsThe door likely led to another apartment. A lot of houses were subdivided later into apartments and rather than removing the old doorway, the landlord simply nailed it shut. I used to live in single family home converted into a duplex and a good many once-useful doors to the other half of the house were latched/nailed/boarded shut. My Aching BackYou know that sleeping on that mattress had to be utter torture. Home Sweet HomeHome is where the Heart is. Buckle alignmentIt appears that the man, reflected in the mirror, has his belt buckle aligned on his side rather than in front above the zipper. What gives. [It means he was a former hipster. - Dave] Belt BuckleMy Gramps wore his that way until he died a few years back. My grandmother says it was cool in the 30's. He couldn't let that fad go; maybe he was waiting for it to come back in style. Belt buckle bass playersI am a professional classical musician and have noticed that string bass players shift their belt buckles to the side, in order to avoid scratching the finish on the wood in proximity to their bodies. They may or may not be doing that to be "hip". But it works. MomI guess she's the one taking the shot. I love her little handbag behind the dresser lamp. And the "Dad" pillowcase. Pennies from heavenThis photo is so sweet. I love the little details like the scissors hanging from the dresser, the photo of the happy couple and the purse on the dresser. The detail on the lamp is pretty wonderful too. The baby seems pretty blissful to me. Oh and the "Dad" embroidered on the pillowcase. (The Gallery, Jack Delano)
Green Street: 1900
... 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 ... 
 
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 ... 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) ... 
 
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 ... awnings and the people on the street. Last time I checked Buffalo was in the Northern hemisphere. West Eagle doesn't quite run ... A pretty good one can be found here . (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, Cars, Trucks, Buses, DPC, Streetcars) ... 
 
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)
Badger State: 1900
Buffalo, N.Y., circa 1900. "An old-timer at C.T.T. elevator." The Badger ... right of the Badger State is the Robert Mills, built in Buffalo in 1888. I cannot identify the canal barge. Robert Mills history ... again in 1929. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, Buffalo NY, DPC) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/14/2012 - 8:22pm -

Buffalo, N.Y., circa 1900. "An old-timer at C.T.T. elevator." The Badger State at the Connecting Terminal grain elevator -- whose loading "leg" was a huge structure on wheels -- on the City Ship Canal, next to the Marine Elevator. View full size. Sis ahoy!I believe her sister ship, the Empire State, was photographed in Duluth circa 1905. Amber WavesThis photo boggles my mind with all of its incredible detail and sharpness. It forces me to imagine what it was like to work inside one of the open windows in the grain elevators. What are the dangers that may lurk inside. Grain dust explosions or falling from heights hazards? It begs for color! Badger State bioBuilt in 1862 as a passenger/freight steamer. Converted in 1905 to a floating pool hall. Back to work in 1906 carrying lumber. Burned and sank in 1909. Now a popular wreck for divers in the St. Clair River, Michigan. I've got a mule and her name is Sal...Both the Badger and the old Laker beside her are fascinating, however the little "Erie Canal barge" is amazing. American ColossusThis image appears in William Brown's book, "American Colossus: the Grain Elevator, 1843 to 1943" (Colossal Books, 2009). http://american-colossus.blogspot.com RivetsWhat a nice shot! We can see every rivet on the tube! That ship at the right side seems made of wood. Wooden steamerThe steamer to the right of the Badger State is the Robert Mills, built in Buffalo in 1888. I cannot identify the canal barge. Robert Mills historyThat laker sandwiched between the Badger and canal boat was built in 1888 with a 256 by 40-foot wooden hull. Got a new 800 hp boiler in 1893. Sank and abandoned at Manitowoc but raised to become an automobile carrier named "Fellowcraft" in 1918. Abandoned again in 1929. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, Buffalo NY, DPC)
Hop In, Honey: 19xx
... Packard Sport Touring All the salient parts match. The Buffalo wire wheels are a conversion—you can see the original holes on the ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 04/12/2015 - 9:25pm -

From somewhere in San Francisco comes this undated, unlabeled photo of a lady in a fancy-looking phaeton with a glass headrest. Who can tell us what she's driving, and when? 5x7 glass negative by Christopher Helin. View full size. "Ask the man who owns one"Packard. Not sure what year, but guessing late teens or so. Hitchcock cameoI can't ID the car, but I can the big house across Jefferson Square Park at the upper left: it's the Fortmann Mansion at 1007 Gough, which in its decrepit state in 1958 portrayed the "McKittrick Hotel" in Alfred Hitchcock's Vertigo. Then a year later it was torn down. Behind the trees at the upper right, St. Paulus' German Evangelical Lutheran Church, built in 1893 at the corner of Gough and Eddy, also made a brief appearance in the film. It was destroyed by fire in 1995. Circa 1928 Cadillac?Dual cowl phaeton/ oops i'll change that to a similar vintage Hudson; didn't know they had their own "flying lady." HybridIt appears to be a 1924 Packard, but the hood ornament looks like it's from a 1928 Hudson. So they lost the Packard's rad cap and replaced it with the Hudson's? PackardI am fairly certain that this is a Packard of about 1930/31. The 'Glass Headrest' is in fact a windscreen for the rear passengers. It has fold-out 'wings' to deflect the rush of air, similar to the wings on the front windscreen. With the roof erected, it also provides a separation for the rear passengers from the lowly chauffeur up front. 1922–1933I think that this high-style cruiser is a 1922-1923 Packard Model 126 Sport Phaeton with custom body by Pullman Co. The car is a 1929 Hudson The hood ornament is the only thing to give you a hint. ID? MaybeAccording to Google "Images for hood ornaments guide", second picture in, it could be an Auburn between the years 1928 to 1931. That's based on the hood ornament, but photos of the actual car (compared to the Shorpy picture) don't really match. Flying Lady.The hood ornament looks like it belongs on a Rolls Royce. 1923-ish Packard Sport TouringAll the salient parts match. The Buffalo wire wheels are a conversion—you can see the original holes on the brake drums. The radiator mascot, bumpers, spotlight, and side-mounted spare are contemporary accessories, or cadged from other cars. The rear windscreen may be the same, but with its wings folded in. Edit I forgot to attach this photo earlier-- the radiator-shell shape, matching headlight bezels, the hood louvers and latch, windshield frame, belt moulding, long radiator neck, and access port for greasing the rear spring shackle, all point to the Packard. Their Model Series didn't line up exactly with the calendar, so the year model is not completely unambiguous. Ask the Lady Who Owns OneSome model of Packard, maybe 1926 Touring? Should be plenty of experts out there. I guessit's a 1928 Cord. On the MarquePackard; note radiator top. A Lincoln I'm ThinkinMaybe around 1925 and might be the Model L. Excuse My Dust!It's a mid-1920s Packard, not a factory dual-cowl phaeton. The rear windscreen appears to be an add-on accessory. Back then it was quite popular with the higher end automobiles to accessorize the hood ornament with something other than the factory job. Packards at the time came with Motometers. Hudson Hood OrnamentThe hood ornament is the "winged sea goddess" radiator cap from a late 1920s Hudson: ModifiedPlacing the model year as 1924 due to the drum headlights but the spare wheel mounting seems to be after-market as it is not recessed into the fender. Four wheel brakes narrows the field but positive as a Packard would be iffy. Car IDI'll say it's a 1923 Packard SportPhaeton. I agree with WatchwayneIt's a Packard. Around '23. The radiator cap has been swapped out and I don't blame them. This cap is beautiful. If you look at the radiator, the top has a curved slope that was found on the Packards. Above the running board towards the rear, you can find an oval access hole. These items are the same on both vehicles. Kind of a jalopyA little hard-used. Top is missing, running board is distorted. This could have been taken in the late 30s or even the 40s. [The license tag, tires, and fact that the photo is a 5x7 glass negative, point to an earlier time frame. - Dave] License to dateI'm going with 1927. Special KNote the "K" tread design and monogram (which may be the reason the picture was taken -- retrofit your ride with modern Kent Balloon tires). 1927?I am interested in the reasons why tterrace concludes for 1927. In the reverse picture detail I only see: 1 - 99[.-...] 19 CAL[IFORNIA] .. So why 1927? Tterrace, please make me wise. [The plate format shown in the photos in my comment was used only in 1927 and 1928; 1927 was a guess based on what seems like thicker characters in that year. -tterrace] (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Chris Helin, San Francisco)
Flattenator II
... engine rollers. This Barber Asphalt Co. roller, built in Buffalo, N.Y., appears to be a very close copy of the Buffalo-Springfield steamroller. Barber Asphalt was not related to ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/05/2012 - 5:40pm -

"Crawford Paving Co." Another look at that Barber steamroller circa 1925 in D.C. Watch your fingers, kids. National Photo glass negative. View full size. Workhorse at RestMy new favorite Shorpy photo! I love the details of the drive mechanism. Is that some sort of clutch between the crankshaft and the worm pinion gear? A few photos of similar beasts on the internets: Vintage Seattle: Hi Res Univ. Washington Library: [1] (note different pistons, two-speed ring gear) , [2], [3]. Nice Grease Spot, TooWhat a beast! Just looking at it makes me want to count my fingers. Big WheelsI'll bet Ed "Big Daddy" Roth and Rat Fink could turn that thing into a real wheel-stander. Ahoy matey!Did the ship's wheel come standard or is that an add-on? Chimney linersI've not seen such a variety of chiminey liners before including the sectioned ones on the right. I wonder what is the purpose for the narrow, three section and more rectangular six section liners. I am thinking individual rooms surrounding the chiminey or on other floors above or below would have their own heating source individually connected to the central flue or chiminey. That almost seems a "plumbing" pain and I am just guessing. Perhaps it is just reinforcement. Ring Gear I'm scratching my head here....Where's the rest of that big ring gear? [Behind the skirt. - Dave] WormyThat's a pinion gear, not a worm gear. Still (steel) around?I wonder if this is related to the Barber Green company that makes asphalt rollers today. The fixI recall that you put your SHORPY stamp on those photos you've spent a great deal of effort restoring. If this is true, I would like to see a before-and-after of your work with a few comments about techniques. [This one did not take much work. A recent before-and-after example is here. Another one is below. Click to enlarge. - Dave] ClutchMy new favorite Shorpy photo! I love the details of the drive mechanism. Is that some sort of clutch between the crankshaft and the worm pinion gear? It appears to be a dog clutch that engages the steering wheel via the long chain. The lever behind the wheel is pushed or pulled to turn either left or right. I imagine incremental steering was done manually with the "ship's wheel." Steamrollers for DummiesI'm pretty sure the long lever near the steering wheel is the forward/reverse control. It either allows the power to go straight down the driveshaft or then engages a planetary gear that reverses the direction of rotation for reverse. Steam vehicles don't have a clutch. They don't idle in neutral. You control the rate of speed by controlling the amount of steam allowed into the pistons. If the vehicle is stoppped the steam engine is not turning. This vehicle is why even today these things are called "steam" rollers. Steam 101I'm no steam engineer by any means, but in all the steam vehicles that I have encountered, the engine rotation is reversed to back up. Stanleys, locomotives, ships, etc. have no reverse gear. Steam engines don't care which way they turn. StrangeI just love Shorpy. Every time I find something new. Why would the pinion gearset not go completely around the wheel? If that sucker ever stopped not on the gear how the heck would you get it to move again? I can't imaging anything short of a locomotive having enough torque to engage that monster! [It does go all the way around, behind the skirt. - Dave] Crown WheelThe large gear on the roller is a ring gear or crown wheel. We tend to call them ring gears, the Brits prefer the other. Must be sumthin' to do with the monarchy The Barber Asphalt Company .. ..The term "steamroller" is quite correct here, as compared to "road roller," which describes internal combustion engine rollers. This Barber Asphalt Co. roller, built in Buffalo, N.Y., appears to be a very close copy of the Buffalo-Springfield steamroller. Barber Asphalt was not related to Barber-Greene, which never built rollers, but did build paving machines from the early 1930's, and conveyors and conveyor loaders from 1916. Barber Asphalt was founded by one Amzi Lorenzo Barber (1843-1909), son of a Vermont Congregational preacher. After making good money in real estate, he became interested in Trinidad sheet asphalt in 1878, and founded Barber Asphalt in 1882. The company boomed with the increase in paving in the late 19th century, and by 1896 it laid nearly half the asphalt in the U.S., as well as having expanded into Europe. Barber was as good an industrialist as Ford or Rockefeller when it came to domination and lawsuits. The first steam roller was built as early as 1865, by Aveling-Proctor in the U.K., and the last ones in the mid-1930s by Buffalo Springfield. SteamrollerIt's not two-speed -- it was a way of making it run smoother and quieter. The inner ring teeth are in between the outer ring. The "clutch" you are talking about is the steering gear -- these rollers are direct drive. The lever at the end of the crankshaft is the reverser. The GovernatorAs one with warm memories of old-fashioned road equipment, I was enthralled by this photo. The one thing I couldn't find in the shot is the part that used to fascinate me most as a kid: the spinning governor with its three balls (much like a pawnbroker sign). The more the engine sped up, the farther the hinged arms to which the balls were fixed would swing out through centrifugal force, closing the steam feed. With the steam feed diminished, the balls slowed, dropped, and allowed more steam in. A remarkably ingenious but perfectly simple device. [Those centrifugal governors have two balls. - Dave] I yam what I yamNow, what fun would a steamroller be without a steam powered whistle? Anybody spot a whistle on board? Old cabooses used to have whistles on the rear railing for signaling. The gears, nautical wheel, and oversized parts remind me of something between Rube Goldberg and Popeye. (The Gallery, Cars, Trucks, Buses, D.C., Natl Photo)
Help! Fire! Help!
... 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 ... 
 
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.)
The Granary: 1910
Buffalo, New York, circa 1910. "Canal harbor and elevators." 8x10 inch dry ... I had no idea these massive grain elevators existed in Buffalo. Very impressive. It even excited Le Corbusier . Steamer James ... Sheeler urbanscape. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, Buffalo NY, DPC) ... 
 
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)
Century Road Club: 1913
... 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)
The Gospel Wagon: 1900
Buffalo, N.Y., circa 1900. "Ellicott Square Building." At the time of its ... popular name used through out the country), operated in Buffalo from 1887 to 1920, closed for prohibition from 1920 to 1934, operated ... ticket offices in the building: Erie; Pennsylvania; Buffalo Rochester and Pittsburgh; Chicago and Northwestern, and Nickel Plate. ... 
 
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)
Shelton Square: 1908
Buffalo, New York, circa 1908. "Shelton Square -- St. Paul's Episcopal ... tterrace, didn't even think of that! (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, Cars, Trucks, Buses, DPC, Streetcars) ... 
 
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)
City of Cleveland: 1910
... at Sandwich, Ontario, 1954-1955, but her hull was towed to Buffalo to be converted to a crane barge, a metamorphosis that never occurred, ... in 1910 was about 465,000 - with only 5,741 Black people. Buffalo (my city) had only 1,773 out of 423,715. Migration to the factory jobs ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/14/2012 - 4:26pm -

Detroit, Michigan, circa 1910. "Sidewheel steamer City of Cleveland. Off for the upper lakes." Detroit Publishing Company glass negative. View full size. Post-pyroThis must be the rebuilt version, after the fire. Looking good after the fireGoogled history and read that the steamer was launched in Jan '07 and almost completely destroyed by fire in May '07. Original build/superstructure must have been something grand. All Aboard!I can imagine the guy that broke the news to the people on the dock to form a single line. ColorlessI am always amazed at these pictures of an active crowded America at the beginning of the last century, there always seems to be a dearth of people of color present at public events. Were we "encouraged" to avoid large gatherings or were we just not tolerated by what was then mainstream America? What was our role in our country's many and varied activities? Crunched "Cleveland"After colliding with the Norwegian freighter Ravnefjell: Connecting The DotsRemember the Gothic mansion of W.C. McMillan that was shown here lately, well, from "Marine Vessels Navigating the Great Lakes in 1905" we find: Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Co.,Detroit, Mich., W. C. McMillan, General Manager. ... Steamer City of Cleveland Captain, Archibald McLachlan Engineer, John Hall. W.C. would have been proudIn 1910 the City of Cleveland (v. 3) was the pride of the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Co., the company run by W.C. McMillan (the owner of the Addams Family-type home posted three days ago). She was built twice - because, in 1907, when her construction was nearly finished, she burned to her steel framework. The History of Detroit (1912) describes her elegance this way: "five hundred staterooms, twenty private parlors with bath, hot and cold running water in each room; telephone in every stateroom, passenger elevator, fire place, convention hall. Venetian garden, luxurious dining room and costly furnishings." An inauspicious beginning and tragic endmarked the career of the City of Cleveland. Launched 5 January 1907 at the yard of the Detroit Ship Building Company at Wyandotte, she caught fire there while being fitted out for service on 13 May 1907 (see photo). She was, of course, built for the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company, of which William McMillan, discussed here recently, was President, but who died a month after the vessel's launching. Rebuilt, she entered service in May 1908. Renamed City of Cleveland III in 1912, she remained in service until she collided with the Norwegian freighter Ravnefjell in dense fog on Lake Huron off Harbor Beach, Michigan, on 25 June 1950. The freighter's bow pierced her cabins, killing five aboard the passenger vessel. The official Coast Guard report. Following the collision, the City of Cleveland III was laid up at Detroit for four years until she again caught fire on 20 October 1954. Most of her was scrapped at Sandwich, Ontario, 1954-1955, but her hull was towed to Buffalo to be converted to a crane barge, a metamorphosis that never occurred, and the hull was broken up there in 1956. Eminent American naval architect Frank Kirby designed the City of Cleveland. Name changeMore about the City of Cleveland here. Incendiarism Is SuspectedMansfield (Ohio) News, May 13, 1907. SPLENDID NEW VESSEL City of Cleveland, Under Construction in Detroit, Swept by Fire Early Today INTENDED FOR COMMISSION OF JUNE 30 It was to Have Been the Finest Side Wheel Steamer on Fresh Water. The Boat Will Be Rebuilt, but it Will Be Impossible to Get Her Ready for Service Before Next Season -- Incendiarism Is Suspected. Detroit, Mich., May 13. -- The magnificent new passenger steamer City of Cleveland, under construction at the plant of the Detroit Ship Building company, for the Detroit and Cleveland Navigation company, and designed to run between Detroit and Cleveland, was swept by fire early today and is a total loss except for her hull and machinery. How much they have been damaged cannot be determined until the hull is pumped out and a careful examination made. The loss, which falls on the Detroit Ship Building company, a branch of the American Ship Building company is about $700,000 and is fairly well covered by insurance. The fire broke out just before daylight in some mysterious manner. There are rumors afloat that an inceniary is suspected. The officials of the ship yard are at a loss to explain the fire, as there were two watchemn on the ship and another at the gate of the ship yard. The City of Cleveland was launched at Wyandotte January 5 and was to have been turned over to the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation company about June 30. She is 444 feet long and is designed to carry 4,500 passengers, with sleeping accomodations for 1,500. The interior wood work and fittings were practically completed and the machinery and boilers were installed. The flames had secured a good start before they were discovered and despite the efforts of two fire boats and all the shore apparatus which could work on the burning ship, swept away everything inflammable from the craft. Tons of water were poured into the hull which now lies at the Orleans dock partly submerged. The two watchmen on the steamer got ashore safely and no one was injured during the fire. The City of Cleveland was intended to be the finest side wheel steamer on fresh water and her interior wood work all of which is destroyed, was unusually beautiful and lavish. Here whole cost was intended to $1,250,000. The ship building company will rebuild the boat as rapidly as possible, it is announced, but it will be impossible to get her ready for service before next season. The Detroit and Cleveland Navigation company will continue the same service arrangements on the Cleveland route which prevailed last season. Well how about that?It sure is a sidewheel steamer! (Pictures with no comments seem lonely to me and since this picture had not a single one, I had to acknowledge its presence). Go "City of Cleveland"! Keep on sailin'! Ghost ShipOne of the ships managed by one of the Halloween house owners. Largest Side-Wheeler in the WorldPopular Mechanics, March 1907: The largest side-wheel steamer in the world, the "City of Cleveland", was launched at Detroit on January 5th. Her dimensions are: Lenght: 444 ft.; beam, 96 ft. 6 in.; and depth, 22 ft. There are seven decks with a passenger capacity of 5,000 and sleeping accomodations for 1,500. In addition, freight cargo equivalent to 110 carloads can be carried. Electric passenger elevators connect the upper and lower decks. There is a telephone in every stateroom which will have connection with the city service when in ports. A complete wireless system will afford land communication when sailing. A speed of 25 miles is expected from the 8,000-hp. engines. A unique feature is the bow rudder which can be seen in the illustration taken just before launching. The steamer will cost $1,250,000 and run between Detroit and Cleveland the coming summer. Board of Commerce excursion, June 10In a 1910 issue of the Michigan Manufacturer & Financial Record you can read all about the upcoming cruise sponsored by the Detroit Board of Commerce, the This was seventh annual trip for the organization. It was also the first trade group to go on a trip by airplane. ColorlessOne explanation, in this case: Detroit's population in 1910 was about 465,000 - with only 5,741 Black people. Buffalo (my city) had only 1,773 out of 423,715. Migration to the factory jobs of the North began shortly after this time. AmazingGrowing up as I have in a largely post-industrial suburban America, images like this fascinate me. I suppose people do travel from Detroit to Cleveland today, but I don't know why. You could probably make the drive in the time it takes to roll through the traffic in Detroit to the airport, park the car, get a ticket, go thru TSA, get on the plane, land, get your luggage, rent a car, and drive to their destination from the airport thru Cleveland traffic. Given the choice of the two, neither seems as fun or as novel as taking to the lake on the City of Cleveland. Seeing pictures of my home country thru the eyes of this website is almost like reading science fiction. The names of the locales are the same, but the details of these people's existence seem almost otherworldly. Going back a mere second in time seems a infinitely less traversable distance than that to the farthest conceivable galaxy. It is a true Lost World. My continuing thanks for posting the photography. Mea Culpa Bauhaus For a people convinced they were on the cusp of modernity, they had an ineffable sense of style. Nothing of value was produced without elegant embellishment that is so lacking today.With apologies to Gropius and Frank, I think there is an ephemeral value to frills. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, Detroit Photos, DPC)
Lanier Hotel: 1921
... that I've scanned the menu, I couldn't find pizza, nachos buffalo wings or calamari, so I am taking my business elsewhere. Chairs?? ... 
 
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
... The first steam-powered grain elevator was invented in Buffalo in 1842, but the system flourished and developed in Chicago. I grew up ... 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 ... 
 
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)
Errand of Marcy: 1943
... security of America itself - while his partner, Harold "Buffalo" Nichols, grasped firmly on the pole, peering at the woman through his ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/24/2014 - 2:45pm -

        The shutter clicked as she fingered the cold steel of the pistol in her purse. "No one suspects," she muttered under her breath, fixing her gaze on the Nazi spy at the front of the coach ... April 1943. "Baltimore, Maryland. Crowded bus carrying people to work at 8 a.m." Photo by Marjory Collins for the Office of War Information. View full size. MeanwhileFBI agent "Buck" Knife sat behind her looking for a safe place to stop and confront the Axis of Evil that had infiltrated the bus - as well as the security of America itself - while his partner, Harold "Buffalo" Nichols, grasped firmly on the pole, peering at the woman through his thick lenses waiting for her to make even the slightest move. Continue the story?Unbeknownst to her, sitting just behind the back door of the bus, over her shoulder, in the fedora, her overseer (and future lover) scanned the sidewalk for the Nazi's contact. The woman sitting beside her wondered if she herself had been that pretty when she was young. And the boy in glasses, staring right at Marjory Collins, now knew -- once and forever -- that he wanted a camera. Shorpy NoirThe gumshoe watching behind her tried to appear inconspicuous by turning up his collar, but you could tell he was a Fed by the crease in his fedora. "No one suspects...An old woman", she thought. While her husband waited patiently behind her to hustle her out of the car after the deed was done, his thoughts were more on the National Bohemian he'd have when they got home. In Vogue?Possibly one of the best fashion shoots of the war years - she's very cool, very stylish. She's a LookerEnough said. High CoutureHow many of us ever had a hat made of the same fabric as our coat? A man could die happyThat woman didn't need a gun, her look could kill. The steely gaze of the true femme fatale. Noir indeedY'all should get together and write a screenplay. If only we could find a Barbara Stanwyck look-alike to play the lead. Shorpy got it RightWe are NOT on a bus. This is a "PCC" streetcar, a standardized design created by the "Presidents Conference Committee" just before WWII intended to be universally operable by every streetcar system. [Actually, the caption should have said "bus." We have amended it to reflect the correction. - Dave] Not a StreetcarCool photo. But these intriguing folks are not riding a streetcar; Baltimore never had the type of PCC streetcar with standee windows as seen in this photo. It's either a motor bus or electric trolleybus. The original caption says "trolley" which was sometimes used as a term for trolleybus at that time, so there you have it. Baltimore of the 1940's was a lively place.Looks like a far cry from the grim, depressing city I lived near in the 1990's. A real femme fatale.No wonder it was in the envelope marked 'killed'. Wonder who her victim was. See previousShorpy has previously posted several exterior images of these vehicles which were always referred in that time as trackless trolleys. A much quieter version of the look alike Diesel engine bus. [Actually the caption here should have said "bus." The trackless trolleys don't have the oblong oval window seen here. -Dave] "Crowded bus"This particular image is uncaptioned in the Library of Congress archive, which was offline when we posted this yesterday, so I had to improvise, being unable to check the adjacent photos for captions. Which would have revealed this shot of the same riders, labeled "Crowded bus carrying people to work at eight a.m." We've amended the caption to reflect this. Below, at center, a similar coach photographed by Marjory Collins in the Baltimore Transit Co. garage. Marble StepsOutside the windows a blaze of white rolls by. This was a regular sight on Saturday morning when walking through the side streets on the way to "The Avenue" in Highlandtown. Noir, With A Web of HorrorI think that older woman is her mother. And that knowing look on the face of the young woman says she knows you know that is what she will look like in a few years, so she'll have to catch some other prey, sans madre, over margaritas in a darkened corner of a waterfront bar. It'll be a courthouse wedding and the honeymoon will be over all too soon when the groom meets Mama the first time. Natty BohTop left of the picture is an ad for National Bohemian Beer, known affectionately by locals as "Natty Boh." The stranger in the back of the bus.The young man in the back of the bus watched the beautiful spy with intentional vigor. He wondered silently to himself if he could pluck up enough courage to approach her as the exited the transport, even though he was only a teenager, he felt like a man when he was near her. Whew, now I'm all flustered after writing that (The Gallery, Baltimore, Cars, Trucks, Buses, Marjory Collins)
Carrier of Carrots: 1943
May 1943. Buffalo, New York. "Beverly Ann Grimm, 11, leaving the store after making the ... half of their life as just a student. (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, Marjory Collins, Stores & Markets) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/06/2015 - 2:26pm -

May 1943. Buffalo, New York. "Beverly Ann Grimm, 11, leaving the store after making the family purchases from a list left that morning by her widowed mother who is a crane operator at Pratt and Letchworth." Also: It's National Baby Week! Photo by Marjory Collins for the Office of War Information. View full size. No celery, eitherI'm definitely going to Hell. http://www.lileks.com/institute/frahm/ CheerioatsAt least that's what the box to the right of the Nabisco Shredded Wheat seems to say. Did they evolve/mutate into Cheerios? [Yes, in 1945. -tterrace] Cakes or bread or ???What are the round items stacked on the small table? Cakes? They seem too stiff for cakes though. Bread...with icing? Things I can find at the store in 2015Cut-Rite Wax Paper Dole Pineapple Rice Crispies Corn Flakes Mueller's Noodles Musselman's Applesauce Nabisco Shredded Wheat Scott Tissue Wheaties That mysterious box of Shreddiesnot available in the U.S. are still a staple breakfast food in Canada. Campbell's Soup is there, tooAlso some unidentifiable Heinz products. The distinctive keystone-shaped label is discernible on several cans. Her city smells like CheeriosBecause that's where they're made, still, as are T-sirts that proclaim "My City Smells Like Cheerios", which it does, when the wind comes from the southwest. Where's Her Baguette?She's halfway to a proper bag of Standard Urban Groceries. No dark cornersMarjory Collins' spotlight on a tripod is visible on the right. Good thing, or I'd never be able to find the Duz. No one has mentioned the chores ...My sister and I were brought up in the 1950s and seeing these kids doing household chores, even the little ones, brought back memories. I learned to fry eggs and pancakes at 5 (my family owned a restaurant). I think dusting was the first chore we did. We helped my grandmother to sweep and mop, iron small items, and wash dishes at an early age, all under the supervision of an adult. But once we learned how to do the chore we were left on our own. I still remember Granny showing me the correct way to wring a mop. I was washing my own clothes by junior high and helped at the family business at 13. By 16 (1970) I was making 5 dollars an hour working weekends and in the summer. We learned lots of skills working with adults -- some good, some surprising. When today I know some graduates don't even enter the work force until they are close to 30, I cringe because they have already used up almost half of their life as just a student. (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, Marjory Collins, Stores & Markets)
Sault Ste. Marie: 1905
... The lodges shown in the picture are canvas, which replaced buffalo hide covers once supplies became available in the 1850's. The upper ... As they eyes go heavy and sleep is sought in blankets or buffalo robes, the final sight is the night sky as seen through the smokehole ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 10/27/2019 - 3:23pm -

Michigan circa 1905. "Sault Sainte Marie Canal celebration. Reviewing stand and Indian village." Dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Co. View full size. GunshipsThese two vessels are Navy gunships -- the U.S.S. Michigan and Essex. The Michigan, renamed Wolverine in 1905, was launched in 1844 as a sidewheeler. The Essex was launched in 1876 as a full rigged propeller steamer. Neither vessel survives. I'll betMany a pocket was picked that day. Dense crowds with plenty of teepees to duck behind. The Soo!Yes that is correct English. You can look it up! Colorful CelebrationThe Semi-Centennial Celebration, held on August 3, 1905, was evidently a very big deal. A commemorative book and history of the St. Mary's Falls Canal was published in Detroit in 1907 by the Semi-Centennial Commission, with this color frontispiece. Hats!You just never left the house without a topper. Any Shipshape Shorpsters...know anything about these ships? It looks like they are powered by steam and sail. Ahead of their timeNot only are the three young men walking toward us across the field flaunting flouting convention by going hatless, the lad on the left is clearly talking on a cell phone. First Class TravelThere are some baby carriages to die for on the right. Wave to the Canadians across the riverThat's Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada in the background. The clock tower of the Post Office (now the Sault Ste. Marie Museum) at Queen and East Streets is visible above the dory on the ship on the left. Slice of AmericanaWhat a terrific photograph for studying faces. The Indian LodgeIt is possible that not every Shorpy reader has had the privilege of camping in a tipi. Since I have done so at Mountain Man rendezvous, I can attest to the superiority of this ingenious abode. The lodges shown in the picture are canvas, which replaced buffalo hide covers once supplies became available in the 1850's. The upper right lodge shows evidence of much use, judging by the well-smoked top. Although it can be a considerable source of amusement to watch several inexperienced men erect a lodge, with experience the poles can be erected, canvas wrapped, and all tied down in no great length of time. Although mountain men of yore spent much of their time sleeping outdoors or under simple shelters, the man with an Indian wife and lodge lived in comparative luxury. Sheltered from wind and rain, gathered around a flickering fire, coffee or food cooking, lounging at ease with possessions hung from the poles at a convenient height, life is good. As they eyes go heavy and sleep is sought in blankets or buffalo robes, the final sight is the night sky as seen through the smokehole with its welter of poles. As may generally be known, the doorway is traditionally oriented to the east to catch the morning sun, by which we can infer this picture was taken in mid-afternoon, and the two flaps are directed by their poles to point downwind to encourage smoke to leave the lodge, or in the worst weather, to close up the smokehole. The circle of lodges with openings pointed inwards, as seen in movies were a director's artistic pretension. And of course, we now know where the lodgepole pine got its name. SteamshipsGreat picture, thanks! The ships in the foreground look rather older than 1905, but ships on the Great Lakes often live a long time because fresh water doesn't rust them as quickly as seawater. The one on the left is rigged as a schooner, the one on the right as a barque, but they obviously have main propulsion by steam with the size of the rig reduced because in light winds the iron tops'l would be doing the work. Note that sails are not bent except for the schooner's mizzen, but smoke is coming from the schooner's funnel. Maddeningly, the name of the schooner can be read easily -- but only the first 4 letters, GLOR, the rest obscured by bunting decorations. Perhaps GLORIANA, or GLORY? There was a sailing yacht by the former name in this period but she was totally different, it couldn't be the same one. Note the huge steering wheel on top of the barque's bridge and what is almost certainly a polished brass binnacle next to it. Among 19th C. sailors it was considered unseamanlike to steer a vessel from an inside station while under sail because the helmsman had to respond promptly to wind changes. There is a glassed in pilothouse on the level below that was doubtless used more often when under steam. The schooner is a side wheeler -- you can make out part of the paddle box -- but the barque is evidently equipped with the more "modern" propeller. On the right background there is a handsome steam yacht that looks like it could have been new or very recent in 1905. Hats! Hats! Hats!A picture like this makes you wonder how many milliners have fallen by the wayside. The TepeesThe Tepees were part of a "historical" demonstration purportedly showing the descendants of the Ojibwe Indians who lived on the site before being driven off my the white settlers. A troupe of Indians were brought in by Louis Oliver Armstrong, a Canadian, who was a minister and self-styled "expert" on Native lore and history. He worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway and was a proponent of opening the west to settlement. He was involved in mapping the west and eventually moved into filmmaking, which started with movies in the early 1900s designed to entice European settlement in the Canadian west. It was L.O. Armstrong who turned the tale of Hiawatha into a play and spread the mythic appeal of the story. This led to the wide fascination with all things "Red Man." He assembled several troupes of Indian actors - Ojibwe from the Garden River Reserve (which is near Sault Sainte Marie) and Mohawks from Kanewakhe, near Montreal. They put on tableaus, plays and did reenactments based on real historical events. However, because their traditional costumes often didn't register as "authentic" with the public, they were put into more theatrical costumes (buckskin and feather headdresses of the Plains Indians and used tipis instead of the traditional shelters of the area they were supposed to be representing. In this case, we see Plains Indian tipis, not the wigwams of the Ojibwe (dome-shaped structures made from saplings, bent wood, covered with bark and skins). The irony is that a good number of the crowd appear to be native, themselves, and are as well dressed as any other European in the crowd. May of them are the descendants of the Indians the troupe are supposedly depicting. Not the EssexFrom the comments section above: The vessel in the rear of the photo is not the USS Essex, she is the USS Yantic. We know this for many reasons; what little of the beak head can be seen is the Yantic (vertical slats vs scroll work on the Essex) and Essex wasn't painted white until after 1910. Also, depending on when this photo was taken, USS Michigan became USS Wolverine on 17 June 1905; so, if this photo was taken after that precise date, she is the Wolverine. She is not Gloria - that is a flag flying in front of the vessel and not her name. Her name would be on her stern. Also, parts of the Wolverine have survived in Erie, PA, and the wreck of the Essex does exist in Duluth, MN. See the work of Maritime Heritage Minnesota for more on Essex; we have digitized all her known logbooks and have been monitoring the wreck's condition yearly. USS Essex is the only known example of the work of shipbuilding Donald McKay known to exist anywhere in the world and the wreck of the Essex is on the National Register of HIstoric Places. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, DPC, Native Americans)
Erie Canal: 1904
... Behind the photographer, the canal split, the Erie to Buffalo, the Oswego Canal to, well, Oswego a port city on Lake Ontario. This ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/01/2012 - 1:34pm -

"1904. Erie Canal at Salina Street, Syracuse, New York." Detroit Publishing Company glass negative, Library of Congress. View full size. Watch Yer HeadLow bridge, everybody down. For it's low bridge, We're coming to a town! You can always tell your neighbor, You can always tell your pal, If you've ever navigated On the Erie Canal. -- "Low Bridge" by Thomas S. Allen Clinton SquareLooks like this is now a large public fountain if, as it appears, this current shot is taken from almost the exact same angle. http://www.panoramio.com/photo/12595565 (Click the photo for Shorpyesque "Hi-Def Image") Stone GorgeousAll the elaborate stonework of the buildings along the canal makes the scene look something like Venice. Was that intentional, or not? I'd say that it was. I once spent a summer in Venice, And I had a yen to play tennis, But those darn canals were a menace, So I didn't play tennis in Venice. -- Frank Crumit (1931) Horse PowerIn 1904 I would have expected real horse or mule power to pull the barges but it appears there is no path on one side and, to the left, it stops. Is this a terminus or are they perhaps using coal? Stairway to HeavenLove the stairs to nowhere. But wait! Not to nowhere. The stairs become very valuable when the bridge is up. While up, canal boats can pass underneath and pedestrians can use the stairs to cross without having to wait for the bridge to come back down. I've never seen a bridge like that. Path to somewhereI live in Syracuse, the path on the left stops in Albany. They do have some steamers in this shot though. Behind the photographer, the canal split, the Erie to Buffalo, the Oswego Canal to, well, Oswego a port city on Lake Ontario. This scene lasted only 12 more years until the Barge Canal opened. Then the Erie thru Syracuse was filled in (with garbage)and became Erie Boulevard, one of Syracuse's main thoroughfares . The grassy knoll was replaced by the Soldiers and Sailors monument and the City of Syracuse recently place park at this same spot. Clinton SquareThe old Erie Canal as it ran through downtown Syracuse has been paved over (now Erie Boulevard). There is a small pond-like area in the view you see, also used for winter ice-skating and outside concerts when drained. In the Shorpy view to the left and right of the canal were unloading docks and an outdoor market. To the right is the beautiful old Onondaga Bank Building, in the middle the Gridley Building and to the left the old Syracuse Savings Bank. All of these buildings remain and form what is today known as Clinton Square. Syracuse Savings Bank"Main Street, U.S.A." notes that the 1876 Syracuse Savings Bank on the left is a steel-framed "textbook example" of High Victorian Gothic designed by Joseph Lyman Silsbee. A graduate of the first American school of architecture (the Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Silsbee is noted as mentor to to a generation of architects including Frank Lloyd Wright. Steam PowerBy 1904 they were probably using steam-powered barges on the Erie, as they were doing then on the canals here in Illinois. [News clips mention Erie barges being moved by tugboats -- electric and steam-powered. - Dave] Beautiful city and canal.I do like this area of New York. The money used to build the Erie Canal was well spent and then some. Erie CanalI have lived in Syracuse since 1933. Although the Erie Canal as it went through the center of Syracuse has been filled in, the essence of the canal remains. The circa 1845 Weigh Lock Building two blocks East of the photograph is a museum, and many of the engineering marvels of the Erie Canal still remain as mini parks and hiking trails along the towpaths, like the "water over water over water" display in the park on Butternut Drive in DeWitt. The citizens in the communities all along of the Erie Canal have done a great job preserving it and encouraging tourism. The 'Ear-I-Ee' CanalWell, someone had to say it! (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, DPC, Syracuse)
Early Amazon: 1900
Circa 1900. "New York Central freight sheds, Buffalo, N.Y." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Photographic ... 'Twas heard 10 miles away in St. Paul. (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, DPC, Railroads) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 03/06/2018 - 3:04pm -

Circa 1900. "New York Central freight sheds, Buffalo, N.Y." 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Photographic Company. View full size. Safety FirstA sand-filled bucket 10 feet off the floor on every column for fire control. Lots of manpower neededCan't imagine how many man-hours went into stacking just the sacks on the left, not to mention the thousands of barrels!! I believe I see a couple of them whose efforts helped make this scene so compelling over a century later. Thoroughly modernIf you take away the barrels, the sacks, the hanging lamps, and the buckets of sand, this warehouse looks uncannily modern. Something about the crisp, even brightness and the light, metal structure. Flour Is BloomingGold Medal Flour was my mother-in-law's favorite brand. My wife still uses it today. Gold Medal flourStill a brand today, but, pretty sure, this isn't how it's stacked these days! Vermin alertWith that many sacks of flour stacked that deep, I hope they have a couple of hungry cats hanging around. Just the sacksGold Medal - flour, still today. I wonder what's in the barrels. State of the art architecture.I'm no historian of architectural engineering, but the construction of this warehouse must have been state of the art for 1900. Life before forkliftsIt's weird to see a warehouse look so light, airy, and neat. Today, forklifts allow warehouse-men to lift items to dizzying heights, making sure that the only light available is artificial. And with rare exceptions, nobody would dare put a wood floor in a warehouse--you'd wear right through it, and quickly, with the tires of your forklifts. That noted, the frame of the building looks about the same as today. The big difference is you'll get a lot more lights hung from it, and instead of rivets, they're often welded. "Slack Barrels"Made with thin fir staves tongue and groove jointed, and with sapling hoops, these were called slack barrels, and they wouldn't hold a liquid for five minutes. They are indeed flour barrels. A crepe-like paper liner inside each barrel prevented sifting the flour out between the stave joints. Washburn Crosby Co of Minneapolis produced their Gold Medal Flour in Minneapolis, and eventually became General Mills - still producing Gold Medal Flour a century and a half later. round bottomit looks to me as at least the fire buckets i can see in the image that none have rounded bottoms all fire buckets i have ever seen had rounded bottoms that i believe the purpose being that it forced one to hang it up and thus readily available for use and not have to search for one. another words hang it up or it tips over and loses its contents and it hung up if itd empty it is deemed useless for fire. anyone have different on what i just said and how it might tie into these buckets being flat i believe. [leading candidate for this years ee cummings commenting fellowship way to go man - dave] Gas light districtAre those gas lamps hanging from a pipe? Ka-boom?!?!?!When I was working in a supermarket in the late 1960s, we kids who worked there would amuse ourselves by taking bags of flour, tearing a big hole in them, lobbing them into the incinerator, and then quickly slamming the steel incinerator door shut. The resulting explosions were powerful enough to bend the half-inch-thick steel door of the incinerator. So I shudder to think of a flour warehouse with open-flame lighting. That stuff is dangerous. EDIT: Here's our good friend, Mr. Wizard, explaining how flour dust can be explosive: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8t5iTunRkO4 Yup! Same WashburnThe largest explosion in Minneapolis' history was the 1878 explosion of the Washburn "A" Mill in downtown Minneapolis. 'Twas heard 10 miles away in St. Paul. (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, DPC, Railroads)
Syracuse Panorama: 1901
... and long shed" actually the New York, West Shore & Buffalo depot? Back then, New York Central passenger trains ran in the street ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 07/28/2012 - 4:16pm -

Syracuse, New York, circa 1901, in a panoramic view of the Erie Canal combining three 8x10 inch glass plates. Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. Jerry Rescue BlockThe building dead center (left of the lift bridge) is the Jerry Rescue Block. Wrote my Masters Thesis on the Rescue, too much to share, but the wiki entry is a decent if incomplete thumbnail: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Rescue Onondaga Coarse Salt AssociationWikipedia has a wealth of interesting detail on the Syracuse salt industry in general, and mentions the OCSA headquartered at No. 1 Clinton Block - 'Manufacturers and Dealers in all kinds of Coarse or Solar Salt." (Mid-frame, on the immediate right of the canal). Today in SyracuseView Larger Map The post office at the center is where the "Clinton Block" on the right side of the picture once stood. The canal itself has been filled in long ago and is now Erie Boulevard, which runs along the left side of the post office. Gone but not forgotten All of these buildings are long gone. The one on the left with the tower and long shed is the old New York Central station. The pre-concrete Erie CanalFor those not familiar with this area, the waterway with the bridge over it is the Erie Canal as it passed through downtown Syracuse (before it was paved over). You're looking essentially West. The bottom of the photo not seen is now "Clinton Square" (named for Dewitt, not Bill) where several majestic old buildings still survive. See https://www.shorpy.com/node/5501 Bridge explanation?That bridge across the canal has me puzzled. Did it raise with some sort of mechanism to the position seen in the photo, for passage of boats? It looks like there's nothing to keep a person from falling off the ends of the nearest walkway (can't tell about the one on the other side). At least one building is still there. Center of the picture to left of canal. The first building is gone (with white walls) but the middle building still stands. View Larger Map Lift bridge sidewalksThe far side of the lift bridge has stairs that connect to the sidewalk on that side when the bridge is in the up position. The gents apparently decided to take a ride on the side that has no up connection, which although frowned on, is still considered fun by some. Several bridges of this type have survived to this day on the Erie Canal: http://bridgehunter.com/ny/orleans/knowlesville-road/ http://bridgehunter.com/ny/monroe/washington-street/ http://bridgehunter.com/ny/niagara/adam-street/ Canals are so coolI think they should dig up the Erie Canal and open it to traffic again. Traveling around England and Europe on the canals is a fantastic way to see the countryside. A world of bikes at the end of the golden age of bikingIn the lower right hand corner, you can see what looks like a bike rack on the sidewalk. Of course the 1890s had been the golden age of bikes, and the Model T was still 8 years away from sale to the public. The world of the car was about to emerge, but not yet, not in 1901. When it did, sidewalk bike racks probably wouldn't come back for, oh, about 100 years, until about yesterday afternoon. Throughout the image I count 7 bikes, 2 with riders, 5 parked, although there may be more than 2 under the awnings of the bike store. And of course there is a bike store in the middle, on a prominent commercial corner, because bikes were still a bigger deal than they were about to become as auto production began to double every few years of the early 20th century. Peeking LiftThere's another lift bridge peeking out one street west ("up picture"). It is just barely visible on the north (far) side of the canal, in the up position. Look somewhat below the "Greenways" sign for it. A bridge in actionHere is a video of the same type of bridge in action. This bridge is located in Brockport, NY. Summer TrolleyThere's a very unusual double deck entirely open summer trolley car on the dead end tracks on Clinton St. that don't connect with the main tracks on Genesee St., lower right of the photo. Is the "one on the left with the tower and long shed" actually the New York, West Shore & Buffalo depot? Back then, New York Central passenger trains ran in the street downtown. Technically, both lines were under common ownership. Wish grantedThis photograph almost fulfills my wish to have lived in that great era just to feel, smell, and see our great city. I've been trying to piece together how the railroads ran through the city and this answers so many questions. Absolutely beautiful! (Panoramas, Boats & Bridges, DPC, Railroads, Syracuse)
Along the River: 1905
Circa 1905. "Along the river at Buffalo, New York. Steamers North Land and City of Erie ." 8x10 inch ... Another photo of the SS North Land tied up at Buffalo: 1905 . Ludington Daily News, September 30, 1995. ... was operated by the Northern Steamship Company between Buffalo, N.Y., and Chicago, Ill. The steamer called at Cleveland, Ohio, ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 12/12/2012 - 1:03pm -

Circa 1905. "Along the river at Buffalo, New York. Steamers North Land and City of Erie." 8x10 inch glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. Yacht-Like LinesAnother photo of the SS North Land tied up at Buffalo: 1905. Ludington Daily News, September 30, 1995. Early Great Lakes steamer was last word in elegance, until she almost went to war. By James L. Cabot. The 1895 season of navigation saw the debut of a new passenger steamer, the North Land. This vessel represented a standard of elegance that no longer exists. The North Land was built by the Globe Iron Works at Cleveland, Ohio. A steel steamer of 4,244 gross tons, she measured 376 feet in length and a beam of 44 feet. As no freight was carried, the North Land was fitted with staterooms for 500 passengers. Built by James J. Hill, the "Empire Builder," the North Land was operated by the Northern Steamship Company between Buffalo, N.Y., and Chicago, Ill. The steamer called at Cleveland, Ohio, Detroit, Mackinac Island, Harbor Springs, and Milwaukee, Wis. With her yacht-like lines and vividly white hull and cabins, the North Land truly was a beautiful ship. The steamer had three stacks when she entered service in 1895. In 1902 she was remodeled with new boilers, two stacks and an extra deck forward. … She last sailed in 1916; plans to operate the North Land in 1917 under lease to the Northern Michigan Transportation Company failed to materialize. In 1918 the North Land was acquired by the Davie Shipbuilding & Repairing Co., Ltd., of Lauzon, Quebec. The steamer was cut in two at Buffalo, bulkheaded and towed through the Welland And St. Lawrence canals. At Montreal Quebec, the two sections of ship were reattached. By the time the North Land reached Montreal, she was no longer needed for wartime service overseas. Plans to use the steamer as a troopship or a trans-Atlantic liner never materialized. The North Land lay idle at Montreal until she was scrapped in 1921, ending the career of a Great Lakes steamer that had once been considered the last word in elegance afloat. Small boat activitiesI'm intrigued by the three small flat-bottomed boats visible in this shot, all with square ends and propelled coracle-fashion by one oar over the stern. I'm guessing they're all engaged, or hoping to engage, in the same activity, and it's probably for cash rather than fun. Any ideas? An extinct businessGreat Lakes passenger liners - gone and largely forgotten. The final blow may have been the tragic Noronic fire in Sept., 1949 that killed 118. (The Gallery, Boats & Bridges, Buffalo NY, DPC)
Swing Shift: 1943
April 1943. Buffalo, New York. "Swing-shift workers on the sidelines at the weekly ... Ballroom), 1384-88 Main Street (corner of Main and Utica, Buffalo, NY). The building was demolished in 2014 and replaced by a one story ... of Mr. De Corse, but nevertheless ... (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, Marjory Collins, WW2) ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 09/15/2017 - 4:19pm -

April 1943. Buffalo, New York. "Swing-shift workers on the sidelines at the weekly swingshift dance held at the Main-Utica ballroom." Medium format negative by Marjory Collins for the Office of War Information. View full size. Chopper GuyHis lapel button says Bell Aircraft Corporation. He's acting like a bigwig. She's impressed. Great snapshot of an interesting era. “Girls, Wear Your Slacks”The Swing Shift Club dances opened Friday, September 11, 1942, at the Main-Utica Ballroom (former Dellwood Ballroom), 1384-88 Main Street (corner of Main and Utica, Buffalo, NY). The building was demolished in 2014 and replaced by a one story cinder-block building housing a Family Dollar store. Lend me your combAn early Kookie! Dear JohnAnd thus the beginning of many "Dear John" letters to our boys overseas. Bell Aircraft Corporation ID buttonOkay, not of Mr. De Corse, but nevertheless ... (The Gallery, Buffalo NY, Marjory Collins, WW2)
Shady Saratoga: 1915
... wasn't as bad as doing the same job in, let's say, Buffalo or NYC. Yet another awesome image for the colorizers out there! ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 08/14/2018 - 10:40am -

Saratoga Springs, New York, circa 1915. "Broadway at the United States Hotel." Looking more than a little like one of those idealized Disney "Main Streets." 5x7 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size. Everything I loveThis photo in particular just struck me and it has all the elements that keep bringing me back to Shorpy every day. I love the wonderful buildings, horse drawn carriages, early automobiles and well-dressed folks strolling down the sidewalk under stately trees. It could not get much more picturesque. It is a time and place I would trade almost anything for to see with my own eyes. But I am glad there are photos and that we have Shorpy, Dave and the other members sharing them with us. Keep up the great work! Main Street USAIt's interesting to note that when Walt Disney was creating Disneyland, his relationship to the historic period portrayed in his Main Street (approx. 50 years past) would be like ours to the 1950s and 60s. Street lights!I just noticed those wonderful street lights, that look like a little girl holding balloons. Disneyland needs to reproduce those right now! Lewis Hine AlertNewsies at the center. Of course, something tells me that being a newsboy in Saratoga Springs probably wasn't as bad as doing the same job in, let's say, Buffalo or NYC. Yet another awesome image for the colorizers out there! TodayI'll venture a guess that this street view today has virtually nothing remaining from 97 years ago, especially the trees! Can anybody provide a modern view? View Larger Map At the racesA timely photo, as this year's Saratoga race meeting starts in a few days. Some winners of the prestigious stakes from 1915: Alabama Stakes: Waterblossom Hopeful Stakes: Dominant Sanford Stakes: Bulse Spinaway Stakes: Jacoby Travers Stakes: Lady Rotha (A filly in a race usually dominated by males) I dabble in racing history, and have never heard of any of these horses. 1915 was a pretty lame year at the Spa! SpectacularWhat a glorious image; visual poetry. It is filled with so many priceless details. We have lost so much.... It would be an epic job but I hope that someone will please colorize this one. Majestic ElmsWhat strikes me most about this photo and hardly seen in present day are the elms that line the street. Such a sad thing and unique thing to have left us. Quite a bit remainsThey've done a great job of keeping this vantage particularly pretty much the same. There's been some fires and other changes but the "Adelphi" is still there and open (only in the summer). It's worth a visit for a cocktail in the garden. 1906 & today: Great American Main StreetMy apologies to "History Lover", but I do not have a photo of Saratoga's current Broadway to share. However, I can state that a great majority of what is visible in the photo does, in fact, still remain. Yes, much has changed and the Elms succumbed to disease many years ago, but it is a vibrant and rich downtown. Travel and Leisure named it as "One of America's Greatest Main Streets" and the National Trust for Historic Preservation awarded it one of five "Great American Main Street" awards. The United States Hotel opened in 1874 and had 768 rooms and 65 suites. It was, however, surpassed in size by the Grand Union Hotel, which in its day was the largest hotel in the world, covering some seven acres. "Lost World" is right - opening day for Saratoga's 144th year of thoroughbred racing commences on Friday, July 20th! Lots of kids, butLove, love, LOVE this image, but where are the babies? The baby carriages? So many people and no little ones? [These are vacationing wealthy people. The babies would be with their nannies. - tterrace] Looks the same to meThe Saratoga Planning Departments should be commended. It still has amazing charm. These were taken in 2010. (The Gallery, DPC, Saratoga Springs)
Leg Factory: 1916
... picture was taken, there were probably fewer than 1000 buffalo left. Fortunately, other belt materials were developed. A good ... 
 
Posted by Dave - 11/01/2016 - 12:43pm -

Circa 1916. "Section of lumber curing department." The raw materials for making wooden legs at what might be the Pittsburgh workshops of J.E. Hanger Artificial Limb Co. National Photo Company Collection glass negative. View full size. Workplace ...safety?Given the unguarded belts and motor drives, grinders, and other assorted hazards, this workplace looks like a good place to LOSE a limb. Then we have the issue of dust collection and respiratory hazards. At least there are plenty of windows for passive ventilation, weather permitting. And there on the far left in the back, a fire extinguisher hangs on the wall. Faded FineryI'd love to know what this room was like before the peg-leggers moved in. Just look at that ceiling. And is that a remnant of ornamental moulding on the far-left window? "Arrrrgg!""'Tis a fine peg-leg they be makin' here!" At least judging by the one on the table. It looks like there are more anatomical ones hanging in the back. I guess it depends on how much you want to spend. A room with stories to tellWindows that let in light and can be opened for fresh air, yet limit the pleasures of a view of the world outside. Perfectly symbolic for a room in which artifical legs are made. And who works in this room with the horrible views, dangerous machinery and beautiful ceiling? Perhaps a large, rough working man with a beautiful voice. And he sings only when he's working, his voice barely audible above the roar of the machines. Naturally he loves a sweet young woman from afar, and someday she will hear his voice and ... My, oh my, I do love Shorpy! It's better than an old novel! A hinge at the kneeFrom the Hanger website: In 1861, James Edward Hanger became the first amputee of the Civil War. He returned to his hometown in Virginia where he set his mind to walking again. When a satisfactory prosthetic solution was not available, he fashioned an artificial leg for himself -- a device constructed of whittled barrel staves with a hinge at the knee. It worked so well, the state legislature commissioned him to manufacture the “Hanger Limb” for other wounded Civil War veterans. Mr. Hanger patented his prosthetic device and his business thrived. He continued to develop revolutionary products, helping veterans and other amputees regain mobility. By 1919, the J.E. Hanger Company had branches in Atlanta, London, Paris, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and St. Louis. Mr. Hanger turned his personal tragedy into an invaluable service to mankind. His ingenuity and desire to help other wounded veterans set an unmatched standard for nearly 150 years, touching an untold number of lives. Casualties of War 200,000 Artificial Limbs Ordered by the Allies From American Firm Piitsburgh, Pa., Oct 3. - Fifteen million dollars' worth of artificial legs and arms for crippled soldiers will be made by the J.E. Hanger Artificial Limb Company to fill orders awarded by the English and French governments. The concern, which has branch offices in St. Louis, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta plans to ship 250 legs and arms each month till the immense order is complete. The first shipment from the Pittsburgh factory will be tomorrow. Discussing the order, Mr. Hanger said: "Two hundred and fifty legs a month is all our factories can make now, running double turn. We will be in shape in a few months to turn out 1,200 to 1,500 a month. We are getting out the limbs in the rough, and they will be finished and fitted in factories in London and Paris." The English and French nations have asked American manufacturers to bid on contracts for 200,000 artificial legs for soldiers. Such a legs sells for about $75. Washington Post, Oct 4, 1915 The Belted WorldWhat a great picture! To see a woodshop with the complete belting setup is a treat. That was how they did it in them days. Machine shops and wood shops were all belted. No breaker boxes, no extension cords, and primarily, all natural light. This seems to be more than just a section of the wood curing department. Looks like all pieces were cut and roughed out here then sent elsewhere to sand and finish. Bison BeltsThe belt drive technology shown in this shop was a major factor in the near extinction of the American Bison. Commercial hunters slaughtered thousands daily taking only the hides. Those were shipped east to be made into leather drive belts for factories. Granted, some hides were exported to Europe and some were made into lap robes and Army winter overcoats. Most ended up driving the American Industrial Revolution. By the time this picture was taken, there were probably fewer than 1000 buffalo left. Fortunately, other belt materials were developed. A good ideaThe shop floor seen here, and others like it in countless Shorpy photos, demonstrates why the development of the simple shop-vac was a huge step forward. I believe our ancestors lived in a world of dust and debris. One day the mental light bulb came on and some ingenious person thought "We've got to clean up this mess!" Those bench vises are the sturdiest I've seen. VaultDon't know why I thought of this, but I did. Can you imagine the day this photo was taken that the door was shut on this workplace and left untouched till today? It would be breathtaking to walk in and see the room just as it was left. I actually read a good story not too long ago about a toy company (Smith Miller) that was shut like that. http://www.smith-miller.com/about/ Willow woodI used to be in the back rooms of the prosthetic shops, whittling away at these wood blanks. Many of those old companies still running today (Hanger included) got their start from the inconceivable number of limbless veterans from the Civil War. I see stacks of AK (above knee) and BK (below knee) and knee blanks. Someone's working on an AK with a single axis knee in the center of the bench; must have a hip joint with leather belt. Those ankles with the recess for the bumper are still available and widely used. I fabricated these for many a war vet. The machines have changed very little and those benches and vises look very familiar. A few still wear wooden sockets, which are are heavier than modern fiberglass and carbon fiber reinforced plastics. But if well made, they don't weigh too much more. I do miss "getting into the zone," working with all that wood and machinery. I kept all my fingers! Recycled steering wheelsAs a carpenter and woodworker, I was enthralled by this shop. Then I noticed a clever and ingenious bit of recycling: they fit old automobile steering wheels on the threaded shafts of those four big bench clamps - much smoother and easier than the common sliding pins they replaced! (The Gallery, Natl Photo, Pittsburgh, WWI)
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