Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York
The stunning photochromic postcards released by the Detroit Publishing Company showcase 1900s New York in all its colorful splendor.
Mulberry Street
In the 1880s, Hans Jakob Schmidt invented photochrome — a process for creating color images using lithographic plates coated with a special chemical mixture. In America, this technology was licensed by the Detroit Publishing Company and used to create its own series of photo cards with views of America.
Bowling Green Park and Lower Broadway
Such postcards were mostly issued in 1890-1910, most often they were decorated with a gold border and a one-line description of the place from the photo. Photochromes were popular souvenirs, especially among travelers. They were often stored in photo albums or framed.
Battery Park and New York Bay
At the height of its success, Detroit Publishing Company was a market player in Detroit, New York, Los Angeles, London, and Zurich. The company continued to expand the business, selling postcards in popular boutiques, popular tourist destinations, and by mail order. However, during the First World War, sales of photographs and postcards began to decline.
West Street
The advent of more modern and inexpensive printing methods used by competitors hit the company, and by 1924 it had to go into receivership. After another eight years, DPC finally liquidated all its assets in 1932.
South Street and the Brooklyn Bridge
New York City Hall
St. Paul's Chapel
Bowery
110th Street Elevated Railroad
Marble Cathedral Church and Holland House
Fifth Avenue at 51st Street
Monday wash
Central Park Mall Esplanade
Obelisk in Central Park
High Bridge
Riverside Park and Grant Mausoleum
Madison Square
Church of the Transfiguration on East 29th Street, aka " The Little Church Around the Corner»
Newspaper row
"The tallest building in the world»
The Arc de Triomphe in Madison Square
Coney Island Beach
View of Sixth Avenue
Banana cart
View of Broadway from Day Street
The Statue of Liberty. The original copper hue is still visible under the green patina
Keywords: New York | Postcards | Retro photos | Photo chronicles