Tag: 1800s

Civil War Bridge On The Pamunkey

US Signal Corps Photo (Brady Collection) in National Archives
US Signal Corps Photo (Brady Collection) in National Archives

In The American Heritage History of American Railroads by Jensen, this 1862 image shows a bridge under construction. Major General George McClellan of the Union Army brought locomotives and cars by ship from Baltimore and ran trains as close to four miles to the Confederate capital. The workmen are seated, and to the left is a photographer’s field darkroom. At that time, photographs had to be developed immediately and while wet.

To their left , a locomotive was arriving on a ship in White House Landing on the Pamunkey River.

railroadsinamerica016

Here is another image of the field darkroom, invented by Matthew Brady.

http://www.sonofthesouth.net/
http://www.sonofthesouth.net/

The wagon would carry the chemicals, glass plates, and finished negatives. Can you imagine what would have happened if the horses got startled or took off at a gallop?

Grilled Lean Bison Burger

Railroads in America by Jensen
Railroads in America by Jensen

The Kansas-Pacific Railway promoted buffalo-hunting parties back in 1870. Outside the railroad’s general offices, a taxidermist displays his work.

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Don’t worry; they’re off the endangered species list. The population is stable and you can enjoy a nice sammich, should you so desire.

Slater's 50/50 bison burger in Huntington Beach, CA
Slater’s 50/50 bison burger in Huntington Beach, CA

The OC Weekly raves:

The tangy stack features seasoned ground bison (aka the American buffalo) nestled on a bed of shredded celery and carrots. All that’s topped buffalo sauce-infused sharp cheddar cheese, grilled onions and jalapeños, and then smothered with housemade buttermilk ranch and Frank’s RedHot dressing.

Who could resist?

Raymond’s Drugstore 1898

 

from "Hometown USA"
from “Hometown USA”

Clerks at this Lawrence, Kansas drugstore hammed it up at the soda fountain 117 years ago. Up high, you can see the fruit flavors listed. They were dispensed to the right, out of the “papier-mache grotto.” Weird, right? Patent medicines lined the shelves, including Dr. Pierce’s Golden Medical Discovery, “the idea spring tonic and blood purifier.” And I’d love to know what that little bird statue is for.

Filet-O-Fish Photobomb

Missour River catfish caught near Leavenworth, brought to Dustin Brothers Fish Market on Shawnee Street
Missouri River catfish near Leavenworth, lying on its side for all the free world to see at Dustin Brothers Fish Market in 1869 (source: “The West: An American Experience” by David R. Phillips)

 

Bridge Under Covered Wagon

CoveredWagon

I have a pretty good eye for determining 20th Century decades, based on clothing and hairstyle. But this picture that I purchased had no details, and I can’t even venture a guess as to whether it’s the late 1800s or early 1900s. Anyone able to tell by the hats and uniforms where or when this might be?