Description

Description: This 1892 boudoir cabinet photograph shows off the temporary arch that was constructed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the city of Gloucester, Massachusetts. A group of four youngsters stands under the arch looking at the camera. The center of the grand edifice reads: “Old Cape Ann Welcomes You” and the two pillars read: “1642 Her Rocky Shores Reveal the Worlds Deep-Laid Foundations” and “1982 The Road to Fortune is Paved With Her Granite.” The structure was built with wood and covered in cloth that was painted to resemble granite. The lettering was also painted to look as if the words were carved into the stone. The two Thacher’s Island lighthouses on the top of the arch were illuminated with electric lights.

On the verso there is a part-printed label that reads: “Cape Ann Scenery. 250th An. Arch East Side Published by Procter Brothers, Booksellers and Stationers… Gloucester, Mass.” A pencil note below the label reads: “Temporary Memorial Arch Gloucester’s 250th Annivery[sic], 1892 Adjacent to form[er] Town Hall on Washington St.

4 1/2″ x 7 3/8″ sepia toned image on a 5 1/4″ x 8 1/2” plain mount. Item #P00307

Condition: Light overall soil, stain on lower edge of mount, bumped corners. Generally good condition with very good contrast and resolution.