Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot

Here's a photo of the 19th century French painter Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot. Best known for his landscapes, he is seen as a precursor to impressionism. This photo was taken in 1875, the year of Corot's death. The photo is a Woodburytype, the result of a photomechanical process. This technique was only used for a few years between 1870 and 1900.

Mexican Water Works

Here's a "real photo postcard", made around 1904-1918. It shows the way in which some residents of Laredo, Texas received their water back then. At one time, there were several towns near the border with Mexico that failed to provide adequate services (such as municipal water) to areas where Mexican-Americans lived.

An Old Cowhand

When I was a kid, I used to know a lot of old guys like that looked kind of like this guy. Used up, worn out old cowboys. Some of them told great stories about the old days, when the ranges were still open. But things changed, as tends to happen. The old guys had to shift around for work, sometimes failing at it.

Speakeasy

It's probably safe to assume that this photograph was taken during the prohibition era. The clothing is a clue. Those unmarked jugs of hooch are strong evidence. Perhaps the scene is a "speakeasy" in the basement of a Chicago brownstone, and these folks are part of the booming rum trade under someone like Al Capone, in violation of the Volstead Act. Click on the image for an enlargement.

Found Photograph

I have a box-full of photos like this one that I have found over the years...in the trash, at flea markets, etc. It should be easy to make up a good story about this.

Carte de Visite

This is a type of photograph popular in the late nineteenth century called a Carte de Visite. The photograph was taken in a professional photographer's studio. The photo was then pasted on a thin sheet of cardboard about the size of a business card. These were used as an alternative to the then-popular use of visiting cards, or calling cards. This one was made some time between 1860 and 1870.

Mud Brick House

A nice panoramic image of an old brick house and a big family. I think that the bricks are made of mud or sod. Some would call this an "adobe" house. The photograph is probably from the late nineteenth century. Click on the image for an enlargement.

Lightfall

I took this shot while we were boating with the Floyds in Connecticut. It was a stunner of a day. Thanks to Beverly and Steve.
(click image to see enlargement)

A view of a "Trading Post" in Bemidji, Minnesota. The tall Native American is one of a breed.
(click image to see enlargement)

Night-Blooming CEREUS

A Night-Blooming Cereus, which lived with us for some years. It was abandoned to strangers when it became inconvenient...

Boston Alley

I took this picture during a winter snow storm some time in the 1970's. The scene is downtown Boston. The building in the background, seen partially at the end of the alley, is Old City Hall, built in 1865. You can just see the statue of Ben Franklin. It's at the corner of School Street and City Hall Avenue. I don't know if the view from this vantage is even possible now...

Click on the image for a larger view.

Wallkill River

A view of the Wallkill River near Tillson, NY. Taken with a digital camera.The overpass at left is the New York Throughway, Interstate 87. At right, obviously, is an old covered bridge.

click on the image to see it larger

Chinese Food

A restaurant on Broadway in Kingston, NY. Taken with a digital camera.

click on the image for enlargement

ARMADA

Resemblances are everything.

Marfa

A building in the west Texas town of Marfa. Taken with a digital camera. Marfa is the site of the Chinati Foundation, among many other things.