msatalof
...now browsing by author
Bio
Written by Michael Satalof on October 17th, 2012
Ernestine Aschner’s pug-dog “Toby”, ca. 1895, v1992.40.6; Fred Hoyt family research collection, ARC.043; Brooklyn Historical Society.
Though this cabinet card dates back to the late 19th century, the image possesses a timeless quirkiness. From the Fred Hoyt family research collection, the photograph shows the pet “pug-dog” of Ernestine Aschner (a German immigrant to Brooklyn and aunt of Fred Hoyt), poised in a decorative chair with a doll companion. Even today, pugs–and their owners–seem to have a certain precocious quality about them. One trend that has certainly endured the years is the inclination for owners to take photographs of their pets. And if the canine companion can be coaxed into a whimsical human-like pose… all the better.
Interested in seeing more photographs from BHS’s collection? Visit our online image gallery which includes a selection of our images. To search our entire collection of images, visit BHS Othmer Library Wed-Fri 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Posted in Brooklyn Past & Present, Library & Archives | No Responses »
Tags: Brooklyn photos, Photo of the Week, Photography Collection
Written by Michael Satalof on September 26th, 2012
Exterior views - construction view 13, 1928, 2006.001.1.013; Williamsburgh Savings Bank Building photographs and architectural drawings, ARC.116. Brooklyn Historical Society. Donated by HSBC Bank USA, N.A.
In September 1928, only the finishing touches remained in the construction of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Building at One Hanson Place. Taken from the south, this photograph shows the new tower rising above street traffic below, including the BMT Fifth Avenue Elevated Railway station at Atlantic Avenue. The following January, soon after its iconic clock tower was completed, the bank’s headquarters and branch lobby opened to the public. The tower would remain the tallest structure in Brooklyn until 2009, when it was overtaken by a condominium.
Brooklyn Historical Society’s collection contains the building’s construction from start to finish, vault use, bank workers and patrons, and holiday decorations throughout the Bank’s history. Visit the onlineimagegallery to see the entire collection. BHS also has the architectural drawings, which may be viewed by appointment at the library during research hours.
Interested in seeing more photographs from BHS’s collection? Visit our online image gallery which includes a selection of our images. To search our entire collection of images, visit BHS Othmer Library Wed-Fri 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Posted in Brooklyn Past & Present, Library & Archives | 2 Responses »
Tags: Brooklyn photographs, Photo of the Week, Photography Collection
Written by Michael Satalof on August 15th, 2012
View of east side of 8th Avenue, June 11, 1961, v1974.9.250; John D. Morrell photographs, ARC.005; Brooklyn Historical Society.
Either the photographer (and Long Island Historical Society librarian) John D. Morrell captured an intense game of hide-and-seek or the girls are upset with the knowledge that the days of their grand cast-iron lamp posts are numbered. According to
Forgotten New York, this lamp post is a Type G, popular in both parks and residential streets. Few remain outside of Stuyvesant Town because it wasn’t until 1997 that the
Landmarks Preservation Commission granted landmark status to approximately 60 historic street lamp posts acrossNew York City. Some lamps from the same class as this one were given protection based on their historic value to the design iconography of streets across the five boroughs.
It’s unlikely the girls were remotely aware of the lighting in their hide-and-seek territory being replaced by a less ornate aluminum or steel lamppost and in some ways this Park Slope corner looks much the same today as it did then. However subtle modifications—like the disappearance of a decorative lamppost and the smart-looking red fire hydrant—demonstrate gradual changes that can seem like huge and unfortunate ones to us today.
Interested in seeing more photos from BHS’s collection? Visit our online image gallery, which includes a selection of our images. To search our entire collection of images visit BHS’s Othmer Library Wed-Fri, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Posted in Brooklyn Past & Present, Library & Archives | 1 Response »
Tags: Brooklyn Past & Present, Park Slope, Photo of the Week, Photographs, photography, Photography Collection
Written by Michael Satalof on July 4th, 2012
Three picnicking ladies, ca. 1899, 2010.023.61; 141 Quincy Street photograph album; 2010.023; Brooklyn Historical Society.
These three ladies are enjoying a leisurely picnic by the water in Prospect Park in 1899. Even then, just a year after the consolidation of Brooklyn into modern New York City, Frederick Law Olmsted’s park provided neighbors with a refuge from the rapid urbanization taking place beyond its boundaries. Today, the park is still an oasis for many Brooklynites, providing a place for recreation or relaxation, and a place to enjoy nature in the heart of Brooklyn.
The photograph comes from the 141 Quincy Street photograph album, which documents the house and home life of a Bedford-Stuyvesant family in the late 1890s. The album was donated to Brooklyn Historical Society by the third owners of 141 Quincy Street, a house still standing and in almost its original condition, between Bedford and Franklin Avenues. More pages from this album can be seen in Say Cheese! Portraits to Pics, now on view at Brooklyn Historical Society.
Interested in seeing more photos from BHS’s collection? Visit our online image gallery, which includes a selection of our images. To search our entire collection of images visit BHS’s Othmer Library Wed-Fri, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Posted in Brooklyn Past & Present, Hidden Collections, Library & Archives | No Responses »
Tags: Brooklyn, Photo of the Week, Photographs, photography, Photography Collection, Prospect Park
Written by Michael Satalof on May 23rd, 2012
Parade, May 26, 1899, 2010.023.35; 141 Quincy Street photograph album, 2010.023; Brooklyn Historical Society.
This photograph from the 141 Quincy Street photography album documents the furnishings, architectural features, and home life of a Bedford-Stuyvesant family in the late 1890s. This photograph captures a parade through the neighborhood on Memorial Day weekend in 1899. It includes a marching band, church group, and civic associations. Other photographs in the album show banners for The International Order of The King’s Daughters and Sons, a religious philanthropic organization, and the Nostrand Avenue Methodist Church Sunday School.
The album was donated to the Brooklyn Historical Society by the third owners of 141 Quincy Street, still standing and in almost its original condition between Bedford and Franklin Avenues. More pages from this album can be seen in Say Cheese! Portraits to Pics, BHS’s new exhibition which opens on June 6. Join us at the exhibition opening Wednesday, June 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Interested in seeing more photos from BHS’s collection? Visit our online image gallery, which includes a selection of our images. To search our entire collection of images visit BHS’s Othmer Library Wed-Fri, 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Posted in Brooklyn Past & Present, Hidden Collections, Library & Archives | 2 Responses »
Tags: Brooklyn, Memorial Day, parade, Photo of the Week, Photographs, photography, Photography Collection
