Description

Description: This photograph of the Mechanics and Farmers Bank in Albany, New York, was taken by noted Albany photographer Eugene S. M. Haines. It likely dates from the early 1870s, as this building at the corner of Broadway and Exchange Street was razed in 1875. In the ever-fascinating ‘frozen moment in time’ department: on the sidewalk by the bank a man is setting up a collection of small items on a bench, likely to sell, and there is a box built around a tree trunk, upon which "John T. Kelly, City Bill Poster" has put up advertisements for transatlantic mail services and a show at the Martin Opera House.

The albumen photo has good resolution, and is on its original pasteboard mount and signed "’Haines.’ Photo" in the negative. The top of the of photo is shaped in an arch — the image measures 15 7/8" high at the center and 14 5/8" at the edges, while measuring 13" across. There is a shadowed area blocking out the lower right corner of the image — the center pavement of Exchange Street. Item #P00050

Condition: The photo is overall age toned, with scattered staining and a tiny snag to the surface of the photograph underneath the "Broadway" sign. Generally very good.