November 4, 2012
… unusual for the time, at least.
Here’s a great street scene from New York, c. 1905. There are throngs of people on the sidewalk and a Hansom Cab waiting by the curb. And did you notice the unusual part? The photographer appears to have stationed himself on a horse-drawn vehicle, as you can see the back of the horse’s head at the bottom of the photo.
November 3, 2012
Shall we go shopping on this Saturday? Here’s the corner Market and 8th Streets in Philadelphia, in front of Gimbel Brothers’ department store, c. 1900. In addition to a lot of pedestrians, there are a number of commercial vehicles pictured on this busy street.
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September 17, 2012
I was looking through old issues of The Carriage Journal, in search of something … and I came across these fabulous “Tips for Stagecoach Travelers” in the Spring 1994 issue.
These were first published in the Omaha Herald newspaper, on October 3, 1877:
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The best seat inside a stage is the one next to the driver. Even if you have a tendency to seasickness when riding backwards, you’ll get over it and will get less jolting and jostling. Don’t let any “sly elph” trade you his mid-seat.
In cold weather, don’t ride with tight-fitting boots, shoes, or gloves. When the driver asks you to get off and walk, do so without grumbling. he won’t request it unless absolutely necessary. If the team runs away, sit still and take your chances. If you jump, nine times out of ten you will get hurt.
In very cold weather, abstain entirely from liquor when on the road, because you will freeze twice as quickly when under its influence. Don’t growl at the food received at the station: stage companies generally provide the best they can get.
Don’t keep the stage waiting. Don’t smoke a strong pipe inside the coach. Spit on the leeward side. If you have anything to drink in a bottle, pass it around. Procure your stimulants before starting, as “ranch” (Stage Depot) whiskey is not “nectar”!
Don’t swear or lop over neighbors when sleeping. Take small change to pay expenses. Never shoot on the road as the noise might frighten the horses. Don’t discuss politics or religion. Don’t point out where murders have been committed especially if there are any women passengers.
Don’t lag at the wash basin. Don’t grease your hair, because travel is dusty.
Don’t imagine for a moment that you are going on a picnic. Expect annoyances, discomfort, and some hardship.
August 1, 2012
After yesterday’s break for a bit of early-twentieth-century advertising, here are a few more street scenes.
1) Central Avenue in Hot Springs, Arkansas, c. 1900
3) Elm Street, in Cincinnati, c. 1905
4) Wabasha Street in St. Paul, Minnesota, c. 1908
6) Canal Street in New Orleans, c. 1910
July 30, 2012
Are you up for a few more old street scenes? I hope you enjoy these …
3) the Seelbach Hotel, on Fourth Street in Louisville, c. 1907
4) the Astor House Hotel, at Vesey Street and Broadway (New York), c. 1908
5) Fourth Street in Cincinnati, c. 1910
6) Genesee and Bleecker Streets in Utica, New York, c. 1910
The Slower Road 