W. H. Post Carpet Store and G.O. Sawyer & Co., Main Street, Hartford
PhotographerPhotographed by
Unknown
Datebefore 1884
MediumPhotography; silver gelatin print on paper mounted on card
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 4 5/8 x 35 1/2in. (11.7 x 90.2cm)
Sheet (height x width): 7 x 10in. (17.8 x 25.4cm)
Sheet (height x width): 7 x 10in. (17.8 x 25.4cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineBequest of Ada Louise Taylor
DescriptionCommercial buildings line a deeply rutted dirt street. The frame building at the left has striped awnings and signs that read: "... & PIPE" "... & SONS" "TRUNKS / VALISES / & / TRAVELING / BAGS" "434 W.H. BRAINARD 434" "TRUNKS / & / BAGS / MADE / AND / REPAIRED". The next building to the right has signs that read: "CARPETS" "CURTAINS / DECORATIONS / CARPETS / WALL PAPERS / HOUSE FURNISHINGS" "130 WILLIAM H. POST & COMPANY 128" "CARPETS OILCLOTHS MATTINGS CURTAINS WALL PAPERS". Merchandise, apparently printed fabric for curtains, is displayed in the shop windows. The building at the right has louvered shutters and signs that read: "G.O. SAWYER & CO." "F.E. THOMPSON" "THOMPSON'S / BAZAAR" "STAMPING" "CHINA & GLASS-WARE". Men and a boy stand on the sidewalk. One man appears to be a policeman in uniform. A barrel is in front of the building at the far left. Horse-drawn vehicles are in the street.
Object number1956.84.183
InscribedOn verso, inscribed in black ink, "1894 / First house on the left the ancient building on / the South East corner of Main & Talcott Sts. / The next south Posts carpet store. / The building next was destroyed by fire about / 1884 and another building was erected. / It was occupied at the time by Geo O. Sawyer & Co."In another hand, "Mrs. Charles Smith tells us that the Sawyer Building belonged to / Eliphalet Averill. / In 1825 he was in West India Trade on Commerce Street living in 1842 / one of the first directors of Aetna Fire in 1819. 1833 petition for / Farmers & Mechanic Bank - one of the first board of directors died or / moved away before 1846 / Henry P. Averill 1841-1843 - Maj foot Guard."
In a third hand, "C.H.S / SAMUEL TAYLOR COLL."
In pencil: lower left, "neg #192"; accession number in left margin.NotesSubject Note: As noted, William H. Post & Co. was destroyed by fire in 1884 and was in a new location by 1894. The notes on the back were probably done in 1894, not when the photograph was taken. (Finlay, Jul-09-2002)
On View
Not on view
