Meyersdale Public Library - Photographs

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  • Date = Ca. 1900-1910

About This Collection

The Meyersdale Public Library photograph collections contain approximately 2,000 photographs. From the total collection, about 320 will be selected for digitization based on the selection criteria. The photographs that will be selected for online display are significant because they provide a broad overview of life immediately before, during, and after the Progressive Era in the Allegheny Mountains region (mostly Somerset Co., PA & northern Maryland). The photographs capture families & individuals both in portraits and in natural settings, military men, coal mines, mills, railroads, transportation, education, and African American families. Our photographs have been used in Somerset Magazine and in the book "Allegheny Passage Companion, Guide to History & Heritage Along the Trail" by Bill Metzger. Accessibility to the collection will be enhanced because the images will be searchable online. Currently the photographs are accessioned on paper but are not included in our library catalog. Digitization would allow users easy & free access to historical photographs that would otherwise essentially be hidden in a closet.
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Baby in the middle
Baby in the middle
Infants, Women, Men, Children
The small baby with curly hair and a white dress seems to be floating between the two adults. On the baby's left, a lady sits very straight, and is wearing a light colored, long sleeved, pleated dress. Around her neck is a V-shaped collar. Sitting in a decorative chair on the baby's right is a man in a dark suit, high collared white shirt, and dark tie. 8 7/8 x 6 7/8 in. black and white photograph.
Billiard table
Billiard table
Billiards
Windows in this room are from the ceiling to the floor, and are covered with curtains just as long. A few pictures are on the wall, and the billiard table in the middle of the room sits on a rough carpet. 3 1/2 x3 1/2 in. glass negative.
Buhl & Gatesman Distillery
Buhl & Gatesman Distillery
Buhl & Gatesman Distillery, Distilling industry
This wintry scene shows the Buhl & Gatesman Distillery. The dirt road is cleared to the large building and house, but deep snow covers the surrounding area. The distillery was located on Keystone Street in Meyersdale. 3 1/4 x 4 3/8 in. glass negative.
Close up of Meyers house
Close up of Meyers house
Unites States-Pennsylvania-Meyersdale, Maple Manor
The Meyers house stands with columns on the front porch. Double porches on the side of the house are also in view. Several people are resting on the front lawn, and the bare trees show signs of fall. Transcribed from the back 'The Homestead, 120 Meyers Ave. Meyersdale, Penna.' 10 x 8 in. black and white photograph.
Cozy couple under an umbrella
Cozy couple under an umbrella
Men, Women, Umbrellas
A cozy couple uses an umbrella to protect them from the sun as they sit together in the grass. The woman is in a long, white, long sleeved dress with frills around the shoulders. The man sits close to her wearing a light colored suit, white shirt, and bow tie. There is a ring is on his finger. 3 1/4 x 4 3/8 in. glass negative.
Four boys on a bridge
Four boys on a bridge
Children, Bridges
Four boys stopped on a bridge and sat on the railing for a photograph. The boy on the viewer’s right is wearing a dark suit with long slacks, vest, white shirt, bow tie, and high top shoes. He wears a flat brimmed straw hat with a dark band. The other three boys are wearing knickerbockers with knee high dark stockings and high top shoes. All three have dark suits with white shirts and a long tie or bow tie. The two boys on the end have newsboy hats. Long umbrellas with pointed tips are carried by two of the boys. A small stream is flowing below the bridge, and homes are seen in the distance. 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. glass negative.
Group portrait featuring babies
Group portrait featuring babies
Men, Women, Children, Infants, Portrait photographs
Babies are the center of this group portrait, with four on laps and a young boy in front. An older lady is holding two of the babies, and a younger lady is holding one baby. Both women are in dark skirts and white tops. The gentleman behind the small boy is also holding a baby. On the end of the bench, a man has thick hair, a moustache, and a dark suit. Behind him is a group of four men and four women. The ladies are wearing dark and light colored dresses, and the men are in suits and ties. 9 3/4 x 7 3/4 in. black and white photograph.
Hay's Hotel in Salisbury, Pa.
Hay's Hotel in Salisbury, Pa.
United States-Pennsylvania-Salisbury, Hay's Hotel, Petry, Otto, Hotels
The entrance to Hay's Hotel shows careful maintenance. The sidewalk is paved, decorative planters with flowers sit on the lawn, and flowers are seen along the edge of the porch. A gas lamp provides light for the evening. A group of 14 men stand on the porch wearing a variety of suits and hats. Standing with the men is a lady in a long white dress and a young girl in a dark knee length dress. Sitting on the steps are two small girls in white dresses. In the window behind the man on the end the ‘Hotel Office’ sign is seen. A second story porch is overhead. Transcribed from the back 'Hay's Hotel Salisbury, Pa. Dad A.H Shu? Otto Peatry.' 9 1/4 x 7 1/2 in. black and white photograph.
Hen and chicks
Hen and chicks
Chickens
The hen is busy in the barnyard with about a dozen chicks. One has strayed away, but she does not seem concerned. 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. glass negative.
Horse and rider
Horse and rider
Horses, Women, Houses
A horse and rider stand in the yard of a two story house with a picket fence. The lady on the horse is sitting tall with the reins in her hands, ready to ride. She is wearing a dark skirt with a white long sleeved blouse. On her head is a bowler type hat. 3 1/4 x 4 3/8 in. glass negative.
In the yard of the white house
In the yard of the white house
Women, Children, Houses
Eight people gathered in the yard of a three story white house. The young boy in a dark suit decided to stand by the picket fence. A younger boy in knickerbockers and a light jacket stood by the mailbox. Behind the mailbox was a tall boy in a dark suit with a dark shirt. In front of him was a small girl in a white knee length dress, holding her hand. In front, a tiny child in a white dress was being supported by a young girl in a dark dress. A lady in a dark skirt and white top with a ribbon around her neck stood to the tall boy’s left. The lady in a long dark skirt and top decorated with buttons moved slightly away from the rest, and stood by the picket fence. 8 1/2 x 6 3/8 in. black and white photograph.
James M. Cover at his desk
James M. Cover at his desk
Cover, James M.
A man in a dark suit sits relaxed in his office chair; the name plate on his desk reads ‘James M. Cover.’ The desk is cluttered with papers and glass items. A large map of the United States and a calendar hang on the wall behind him. 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. glass negative.
Ladies in prayer coverings
Ladies in prayer coverings
Women, Men
Chairs were brought out for three elderly ladies in long dark dresses and white prayer coverings to sit in the yard for a photograph. Each rests in the chair in their own way; one with an arm on the chair, one with her hand in her lap, and one holding a book. A gentleman stands ready to assist one of the women. On the viewer’s right is a lady in a white blouse and black choker resting her hand on the chair. Assisting on the left is a tall lady with a white top and dark tie. 8 7/8 x 6 7/8 in. black and white photograph.
Lady holding her hat in place
Lady holding her hat in place
Bridges, Rivers, Railroad bridges, Women, Men
It must have been a windy day; the lady sitting on the log is seen with her arm on her lap, and in a rare exposure, her arm is seen reaching to hold her hat. Her dress has a long dark colored skirt, long sleeves with large puffs at the shoulders, and a white gathered front. She saved her dark hat, with a flower on the brim, and feathers on top, from being blown off by the wind. Beside her, a man in a dark suit and bowler hat holds a package in his hand. A bridge can be seen over a river in the background. 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. glass negative.
Lady in wide brimmed hat
Lady in wide brimmed hat
Portrait photographs, Women
Preferring an outside photo among the flowers, this smiling young lady dressed in a long dark skirt and a white blouse. She finished off the outfit with a long sleeved jacket, and wide brimmed hat. 5 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. black and white postcard.
Man on wicker bench
Man on wicker bench
Portrait photographs, Men
A man rests on a wicker bench in a stage or studio. He pulls his left leg up on the bench, smokes a cigar, and reads the newspaper. He wears light colored slacks and a wrinkled white shirt. The wall behind him is blank, but some scenery can be seen off to the right. The floor is bare wood. 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. glass negative.
Man with cigarette
Man with cigarette
Men, Portrait photographs
Wearing his suit with a high collared white shirt, a man sat in front of a large painted cloth hanging from the side of a house. He added a cushion to the seat of the chair and sat looking to his left. His hands were folded on his leg, as he held a cigarette. 4 x 5 in. glass negative.
Man with rifle
Man with rifle
Men, Firearms
A man in a dark coat and hat stands in the snow in front of a trellis, displaying a rifle. 4 x 5 in. glass negative.
Men with a mirror
Men with a mirror
Men, Mirrors, Portrait photographs
A wheel that raises and lowers scenery is pictured on the viewer’s right. The man on the viewer’s right in a dark suit, vest, white shirt, and tie stands holding a mirror. The other man, in a dark suit, stoops down to see himself in the mirror. He kneels on a furry throw rug. 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. glass negative.
Men with scenic backdrop
Men with scenic backdrop
Portrait photographs, Men
Two men pose in a room with scenic backdrops. The man on the viewer’s left is standing and has his right knee resting on a chair. He is wearing a dark suit and a bowler hat. The other man is sitting cross-legged on a furry throw rug with his hands resting on his knees. He is also wearing a suit and bowler hat. 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 in. glass negative.