Hey, here we are with another challenge from Where & When! Yesterday was pretty easy, so I promised to give an interesting (read: toughie) locale that is also relative to certain recent events. As far as things go, this mention was well earned:
I really like this one; plenty of intriguing details. I don’t have to provide any clues on this one, but not because I find it particularly easy (it will fool a lot of you for a while), but because the picture basically tells on itself the way I like. What I’d particularly like for you to do is figure out the name of a couple of these buildings, the general address and locale and a good idea when this picture was taken. The first person with the exact answers, or the closest to the right answers will win the jug of cold root beer today. As usual, all participants will get a chalice of cold cream soda for their efforts. And I’m giving out a tray of brownies to the person who figures out why I chose this picture today. (and if you do, I’ll be happy to explain myself).
You know the rules… yunnow, I have to just type them up and set them up as a reference page somewhere so I don’t have to repeat myself each time… well, have fun with this one (which I know you will) and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Take care all, and… well, you know the deal.
Photo Credit: Shorpy
Buffalo NY. Buffalo Inquirer on the horse drawn carriage bottom left. Buffalo, due to the recent record snowfall.
DAMMIT!
I just figured it out, and was going to gloat, and rbj beats me.
Yeah, the cheap trips to Niagra Falls is what got it for me. Then some nice googling.
Okay, there's the Erie Savings Bank. The obelisk in the background is the McKinley Monument.
The pic is from just about 1900. It's Niagra Street (from Wikipedia, which has a photo of the same area on its Buffalo page, though not the same photo).
O.k., my mom's laptop is very unresponsive, can't really do power searches, so I can't figure out what the big castle like office building on the left is. As for year, no later than 1908. Model Ts, but most horse drawn and trolley. Is upstate so auto penetration would be later.
Oh, I think it is indeed 1908.
I think there's a Tin Lizzy, brand new. I don't agree that penetration would be late for cars -- I bet Buffalo got new cars very early back in the day. There was a lot of money, and Detroit isn't all that far. (Well, Ohio is in the way, but you know.)
The building is the Erie County Savings bank, in Shelton Square, torn down in 1968. The lions were preserved and are now at home at Buffalo State College.
It must have had a good electrical system: the consultant for the construction was Thomas Edison.
Here is a eulogy of sorts.
Ah well, I was a little late to the party, but I am glad to see that picture anyway!
[5] Ohio, or Canada, depending on your travel route!
As for the date, it is probably 1908, but it could be 1907, as the obelisk was dedicated that September, which meant it was finished by then. It could also be after that, as I found a photo of Niagra Square from 1913 that still showed the trolley lines.
If you can, look for a picture of the bank in color - pink granite is not something you see everyday!
Ah Buffalo! Went to college there (UB) I guess now a long time ago....
In 1908 Buffalo was still an economic might that started with the Erie Canal ending in the rust belt '70s.
Some great architecture, a lot of Frank Lloyd Wright examples. A few years ago, we visited, only a shell and some people left behind remain. Some good bones to rebuild if there is a reason to.
That's a great photograph. I'd never have guessed it in a million years.
And apparently no one's getting brownies today since they haven't guessed why I chose this photo for today. But kudos to rbj for getting the location first from the obvious clue I was certain most would overlook, and special thanks to RIYank for all the detailed info.
As for why... well, if the NY Jets bother you as much as they do me, then you know the deal. I can't stand rooting for such an inept team, but they do inspire creative ways to vent. ¡Adiós!
[10] Bet the Jets would love to have a QB like the Iggles have in Mark Sanchez.
It's interesting that the major cities along Lake Erie used to be important, but only Cleveland has somewhat recovered. Even Toledo has a world class art museum, with free admission.
[11] I would not have gotten that from Cleveland the way most people talk about it around here. You'd think the place was on the brink of war. Detroit would represent the aftermath of that war...
If you'll allow me to rant for a moment, Sanchez is what he's always been: a slightly above-average QB who can take you to the playoffs when given the right personnel, but is prone to mistakes when under pressure. He doesn't make players look a whole lot better, but he doesn't make them look worse than they are either. That was fine the first couple of years he was in NY when he had a talent-laden defense and leadership on offense to smooth out his issues, but as the organization started playing to manage the cap as opposed to restocking their roster with consistent talent (on BOTH sides of the ball), the diminishing, vanishing or absolute lack of such talent on either side eroded Sanchez' confidence and led to embarrassments of many flavors. It's no surprise that he's thriving in Philly with the latest "offensive genius" Chip Kelly driving the bus, but he's still subject to an inconsistent defense; that will likely catch up to them the deeper into the playoffs (IF) they go. Sanchez has to strike gold quick or he'll have the same experience there that he had here; diminishing returns and being stuck on a team competing only on one side of the ball. Perhaps less likely there than here, but still likely.
I'm sure Jets fans would love to have anything other than what they have now, but the real problem is at the very top (which is exactly why neither Bill nor Peyton nor a dozen other highly rated candidates wanted any parts of them). Not even a HoF GM, coach or QB can win in that organization as long as it remains a bullet point or conversation piece in someone's portfolio.
Chyll, I think I may be older than you and I have been a Jet fan since the sixties. I used to buy standing room at Shea for $5 and watch Joe Namath. I will always root for them and hope for better. The right coach and a good plan will do wonders. If I can still believe it so can anyone.
Cool photo. Wouldn't have gotten it without going close-up and seeing the "Take Yellow Cars to Niagara Falls" sign.
We left Kenmore-Tanawanda when I was only 7, but I was already in love with O.J. thanks to my dad's luxury box connection at Rich Stadium through American Airlines.