Gallery I

Stereoview Gallery I

The images in my galleries will usually be 19th century stereoviews, chosen generally for photographic impact and/or socio-historical interest.

I present them in Right/Left/Right format, so that the 3D effect can be seen by crossing eyes on the left pair--(my own preferred format)--or by viewing the right paair in standard stereo alignment.

The accompanying text is my own assessment, as a longtime collector of these things. If you disagree, or you have additional info to add, please let me know. All contents of this page are copyrighted by me.

Here's the first group:

The Santon

I found this image at a flea market, and it has always fascinated me. No photographer is credited, and it appears to date to the 1860's. One the reverse is this inscription in pencil:
"In the foreground a Santon, who has for years, under a vow, held up his left hand. In the background, an American missionary improving [sic?]the occasion."
A santon is a Muslim holyman. From the crowd, the location might be India or thereabouts. The curious word "improving"--could it be a shade of meaning which has lost its commonness over time? Or could it merely be an indication of Western chauvinism? I would guess the latter. If anyone has any additional information, please let me know.

The Brooklyn Bridge under construction.

It was know as the East River Bridge at the time of its construction. We see here the footbridge that spanned the river after the towers reached their full height. Originally the public was allowed to use the walkway, but soon after, someone had a panic attack and the and subsequent use of the walkway was restricted. This stereoview is by an unknown publisher (perhaps by the prolific publishers, Seaver and Pollack of Boston). It dates to about 1876.

MIT Class of 1872?

This photograph was on a "Boston and Vicinity" card mount, typical of those credited to the Seaver/Pollock publisher. On the back wall, we can see a banner "72". M.I.T. was founded in 1861.

Author! Author!Who is to blame for this travesty?

Feedbackis always welcome.

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