Author Archives: Dablad1
Cana Island Lighthouse
Built in 1869, Cana Island Lighthouse is located on a nine-acre site on Lake Michigan in Door County WI. It was frequently battered by severe storms, so much so that, after 16 years, one keeper left saying it was “one of the most inhospitable and undesirable places that can well be imagined.” In 1902 the … Continue reading
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse
“Old Mac” was built in 1892 in Mackinaw City, MI. where Lakes Michigan and Lake Huron meet. Completion of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957 rendered the Lighthouse obsolete since the Bridge had lights. It is now a popular tourist attraction. The first photo shows it nearing completion.
Poe Reef Lighthouse
Although Poe Reef Lighthouse is located about 20 miles from Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, it is much more remote. It lies completely in Lake Huron about two miles off shore. It was built in 1929 and frequently had waves hit its base sending water up as high as the 4th floor. It was decommissioned in … Continue reading
Notice
I recently discovered an error in uploading photos which kept them from being enlarged dating back to February 2016. I have corrected this and all photos are once again enlargeable.
Williamsburg Virginia
Here are three 18th century outbuildings at the Grissell-Hay house. From left to right they are a privy, a smokehouse, and a dairy. Judging by their appearance in this 1920’s photo, work began just in time. Restoration was done using almost all original materials. Built in 1715, the powder magazine stored arms and ammunition … Continue reading
Williamsburg Virginia
Due largely to the vision and generosity of John D, Rockefeller, Jr., there is no better place in America for then-and-now photos than Williamsburg, VA. Beginning in 1926 he quietly bought up much of the former colonial capitol of Virginia. The main road through town has long been the Duke of Gloucester Street, running one … Continue reading
Erie Canal
An idea of the magnitude of lock construction is seen in the first photo dated 1907 showing Lock #3 in Waterford NY and again in an undated photo. Click to enlarge. During winter, a favorite pastime was skating on the Canal as seen in this ca,1900 photo from Clinton Square. … Continue reading
Erie Canal
Ground was broken for the Erie Canal in 1817, making the current year its bi-centennial. It took 8 years to complete the 363 miles from Albany NY to Buffalo NY. The Canal was 40-feet wide with a 10-foot horse/mule towpath for room to pull the barges. Several photos and much information are presented courtesy of … Continue reading
Franklin Hotel
Located in Deadwood, SD, the Franklin Hotel opened in 1903 with many luxuries, including private baths in half of the 80 rooms. Over the years it hosted luminaries such as Teddy Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Buffalo Bill, Babe Ruth, and John Wayne.The Crash of ’29 forced the hotel to convert to apartments. It became … Continue reading
Grand Hotel
The Grand Hotel is located on Mackinaw Island, MI, and was built in only 93 days in 1887. At 660 feet, the porch is considered the longest in the world. AAA gives it a 4 Star rating.The Grand Hotel is considered one of the finest hotels in the world. It celebrated it’s 130th birthday in … Continue reading