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33

CINCINNATI SUBWAY PHOTOGRAPHS.

Currency:USD Category:Everything Else / Other Start Price:NA Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
CINCINNATI SUBWAY PHOTOGRAPHS.
CINCINNATI SUBWAY PHOTOGRAPHS. An important gathering of one hundred ninety (190) 8 x10 images; thirteen (13) 5 x 7 images; one (1) 4x 6 image; and one (1) 3x5 image in sleeves in 2 ring binders. These photos document the clearing of the Miami & Erie Canal and its associated bridges, etc. and pouring of the subway tunnels ("cut & cover") from Nov. 1919 through early July 1924. The Cincinnati Subway loop, modelled on the Cambridge (MA) (Red Line) loop was to partially follow the path of the old Canal. The first proposals for mass transit were being suggested in the late 19th-century as the Canal became a public health menace, especially in the hot Cincinnati summers, and an eyesore. Looking at the garbage in the bottom of the drained canal, it is little wonder. By the early 20th century the canal was obsolete, although still in use for local transport of heavy materials such as gravel. The canal path was an obvious choice for the interurban railway, since it was publicly owned, partially excavated (and wide), already had some utility lines, etc. Plans and funding were finally approved before WWI, which of course slowed the start of construction, but the canal was finally drained and construction begun in 1919. Almost all photos are labeled on rear, some of them with humorous notes, such as the photo on June 10, 1920, "The last international log rolling contest in the waters of the Miami & Erie Canal" which shows some neighborhood children playing in a substantial puddle in the canal. The 8 x 10" photos appear to be an official record, possibly from the construction company, since the first ones are stamped ("Section 1"), and most have exact times photos were taken (for example: "East Side Vine St. Bridge, Mar. 27, 1920 8:42 A.M."). The photos have some interesting features, such as the mix of horse-drawn and motor vehicles. The 14th St. Bridge was loaded onto a horse-drawn wagon to be hauled to Sharonville. The smaller photos are earlier, most showing the canal in operation about 1900. PLEASE NOTE: THIS LOT WILL BE SOLD ON EBAY LIVE AUCTIONS BETWEEN 1:00-2:00pm EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME ON MAY 10, 2002. REGISTER NOW TO BID LIVE ONLINE THE DAY OF THE SALE! (EST 1500-2000) POLITICS BEFORE LINCOLN.
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