Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

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The stunning photochromic postcards released by the Detroit Publishing Company showcase 1900s New York in all its colorful splendor.

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York
Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

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.

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

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.

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

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.

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

South Street and the Brooklyn Bridge

New York City Hall

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

St. Paul's Chapel

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

Bowery

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

110th Street Elevated Railroad

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

Marble Cathedral Church and Holland House

Fifth Avenue at 51st Street

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

Monday wash

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

Central Park Mall Esplanade

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

Obelisk in Central Park

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

High Bridge

Riverside Park and Grant Mausoleum

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

Madison Square

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

Church of the Transfiguration on East 29th Street, aka " The Little Church Around the Corner»

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

Newspaper row

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

"The tallest building in the world»

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

The Arc de Triomphe in Madison Square

Coney Island Beach

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

View of Sixth Avenue

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

Banana cart

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

View of Broadway from Day Street

Fabulous photochromes of 1900s New York

The Statue of Liberty. The original copper hue is still visible under the green patina

Keywords: New York | Postcards | Retro photos | Photo chronicles

     

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