-
Postcard History: The Hippodrome Theatre, New York City, 1910s
The New York Hippodrome was a massive theater on Sixth Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets in Manhattan, New York City. It opened on April 12, 1905, with a lavish production titled “A Yankee Circus on Mars.” The Hippodrome was designed by Frederic Thompson and Jay Herbert Morgan in the Beaux-Arts style with Moorish Revival…
-
Postcard History: The Forgotten A.B. Pedroni Bakery, Yountville CA, 1910s
The history of Italian bakeries in California is inextricably linked to the broader Italian immigrant experience in the state. Beginning in the mid-19th century, Italians, particularly from regions like Sicily, Calabria, and Piedmont, arrived in California in significant numbers, drawn by the promise of economic opportunity, particularly in agriculture and mining. As Italian communities grew,…
-
Postcard History: The Quaker Oats Company, Akron OH, 1930s
The story of Quaker Oats is deeply intertwined with the city of Akron, Ohio. It all began in 1850 when German immigrant Ferdinand Schumacher founded the German Mills American Cereal Company. Schumacher, often called the “Oatmeal King,” pioneered mass-produced oatmeal using medieval milling techniques. His “Jumbo” plant in Akron was a marvel, churning out 360,000…
-
Postcard History: USS Macon Goodyear Zeppelin, Akron OH, 1930s
The USS Macon, a colossal airship of the 1930s, was a marvel of engineering and a testament to the audacity of the U.S. Navy. As one of the largest airships ever built, it pushed the boundaries of aviation technology and captured the public’s imagination. The Macon was a product of its time, born from…
-
Postcard History: Municipal Stadium, Cleveland OH, 1954
Cleveland Municipal Stadium, a colossal structure that once dominated the city’s skyline, was more than just a sports venue. It was a symbol of the city’s industrial might and a stage for countless iconic moments in American sports history. The idea of a municipal stadium first emerged in the early 20th century. With the city’s…
-
Postcard History: Stearns Salt & Lumber Company, Ludington MI, 1910s
The Stearns Salt and Lumber Company, a prominent figure in the 19th-century lumber industry, played a significant role in shaping the economic landscape of the Great Lakes region. Founded by Justus S. Stearns, the company’s operations were centered in Ludington MI, and extended into the vast forests of the Upper Peninsula. Stearns, a visionary entrepreneur,…
-
Postcard History: Cape Porpoise, Kennebunkport ME, 1940s
Cape Porpoise, a quaint coastal village nestled within the town of Kennebunkport ME, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the sea. Its storied past, marked by fishing, shipbuilding, and a vibrant maritime culture, has shaped the community into the picturesque destination it is today. Long before European settlers arrived, the Abenaki people inhabited the…
-
Postcard History: Morrell’s Meat Packing Plant, Ottumwa IA, 1910s
The history of John Morrell & Company is a fascinating tale of industrial growth, labor struggles, and eventual decline. Founded in England in 1827, the company expanded rapidly throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, becoming a major player in the global meatpacking industry. Morrell’s journey to prominence began in Bradford, England, where it established itself…
-
Postcard History: The Heisler Steam Locomotive, 1910s
The Heisler locomotive, a unique and powerful steam engine, stands as a testament to ingenuity and innovation in the realm of railway engineering. Developed in the late 19th century, this geared locomotive was designed to conquer challenging terrains and haul heavy loads with remarkable efficiency. What sets the Heisler apart from other steam locomotives…
-
Postcard History: Joe Di Maggio’s Restaurant, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco CA, 1940s
Although his name has become synonymous with New York City, Joe Di Maggio was born in Martinez CA in 1914. His father, a native of Sicily, descended from a long line of fisherman, and he moved the family to California Bay Area just before Joe was born. According to the younger Di Maggio’s autobiography, Lucky…
