Author Archives: Dablad1

The world’s first skyscraper was the Home Insurance Building, completed in 1885 in Chicago. It was 12 stories tall and was the first building to use a structural steel frame to bear the weight which allowed for the record height. It was demolished in 1931. Chicago also has two other early skyscrapers. The first is … Continue reading »

132 W. Washington At one time, this structure was Nathaniel Snow’s grocery store. It is now occupied as Marblehead Mercantile and owned by Snow’s great, great grandson. The first photo is undated. Fort Sewall Fort Sewall is located at a point known as Gales Head. It was first fortified in 1634 and saw action in … Continue reading »

Marblehead is located near Boston. It was founded in 1649 and has been steeped in U.S. history ever since. Sailors from there were involved early on in the Revolutionary War, and scholars have labeled their activities the forerunner of the U.S. Navy. Many historic sites and buildings still exist, including: Old Town House The Old … Continue reading »

This undated photo shows the Gilpin Hotel in 1885. Despite the sign in the next photo (far right), it is now 100% casino. This photo shows a hardware store in 1885. It is now the Saratoga Casino, again, despite the sign. To make room for the casinos, 12 homes had to be moved to a … Continue reading »

Black Hawk is located 37 miles west of Denver. It was founded in 1859 after gold was discovered in the nearby hills. It was home to the first smelter in Colorado. So many more were added, the town become known as the “City of Mills.” A severe downturn in production occurred as the mines played … Continue reading »

Gilbert Peak Unita Mountains WY. 1870 Mount Holy Cross White River National Forest ca 1885 Narrow Gauge Railroad Near Silverton CO. 1882 U.S. Capitol 1918 Jackson also went to Mexico. Cathedral de Guadalajara. Late 1800s And Havana Cuba. Inglaterra Hotel ca. 1900 Jackson then went on a three-year journey working for the World Transportation Commission … Continue reading »

William Henry Jackson (1843-1942) was an exceptional photographer, painter, and explorer. He was the first to photograph the wonders of Yellowstone, which helped to establish that area as a national park in 1872. He was the first person to use a large-format 20 X 24 inch camera in the field. It took up to five … Continue reading »

Denver CO The Carnegie library in Denver opened in 1910 thanks to a six-million-dollar donation (today’s $). It operated until 1956 and is now used for offices and special events. The first photo is undated. Dodge City KS The Carnegie Library in Dodge City opened in 1907 and served until 1970, after which it housed … Continue reading »

Andrew Carnegie (1835-1919) was one of the richest men in American history. He sold his Carnegie Steel to J.P. Morgan, which became the basis for U.S. Steel. He also endowed Carnegie-Mellon Institute. In the end, he gave away 90% of his six billion dollar fortune to charities and institutions worldwide. However, he is probably best … Continue reading »

Watkins Glen Watkins Glen State Park is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Although privately owned, the area was opened to the public in 1863. The State took over administration of the 778 acres in 1911. The main attractions are the 400-ft.-deep gorge and 19 waterfalls along a two-mile trail. The first … Continue reading »