Skyscrapers of New York via North River – Thomas Edison Film

Stills taken from Library of Congress film archive
of Thomas Edison film [click here].

1899 Film of Train Crossing Over Brooklyn Bridge – Fletcher’s Castoria Ad Clearly Seen – Library of Congress

This still was taken from a Library of Congress archival footage of a train crossing the Brooklyn Bridge into Manhattan. The Fletcher’s Castoria ad on the right is clearly seen in the beginning of the film. Steam billowing from what possibly was the Domino Sugar Refiner is an awesome sight.

Click above to view Quicktime MPG file.

Click above for link to Library of Congress for other file formats. Choose item #14
New Brooklyn to New York via Brooklyn Bridge, no. 2 /

© Frank H. Jump

Celluloid Comb Factory Ruins, c. 1909 – 150-152 Columbia Street – Library of Congress

Library of Congress

My buddy Robert Baptista – Colorants History.org- found this image and forwarded me some historical anecdotes pertaining to this former Brooklyn business (celluloid combs) that are reminiscent of the famous Triangle Factory Fire. Thanks Robert!

Hi Frank- I was looking at Brooklyn photos at the Library of Congress web site when I came across the attached photo with an interesting story behind it. The photo shows a celluloid comb factory at 150-152 Columbia St. that was hit by a devastating fire on Nov. 8, 1909. According to a New York Times article of Nov. 17, 1909 the fire claimed ten lives. The building had no fire escapes and iron bars on the second floor windows prevented workers from escaping.

The owner of the business, Robert Morrison, lost his son William in the fire. William was trying to rescue other workers. A despondent Robert Morrison committed suicide at his Brooklyn home on Nov. 18, 1909.

I don’t know if the building is still there. If it is, it would make a good then and now feature at your web site.

Best regards,
Robert

Google Maps

Nino il Pizzaiulo – the Pizza Chef – Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

© Frank H. Jump

Nino il Pizzaiulo – the Pizza Chef (originally from South Brooklyn) works at Enzo’s Pizzeria at 217 Prospect Park West in Windsor Terrace. Nino was kind enough to allow me to photograph him as he warmed up before a day’s work.

More Gowanus Expressway Signs featured on Amy Langfield’s New York Notebook

Amy Langfield’s New York Notebook

This posting was brought to my attention by my buddy Kevin Walsh (Forgotten-NY).

Eat-This – Dutch Blog on Communication & Design

Eat-This- “Klomp’s Bicycle Dealer”  Klomp Rijwielhandel