When the FRHS is closed for the season, we habitually get quite a bit of work done, without the day-to-day interruptions that come when the museum is open to the public. The past several weeks have been spent working with a substantial collection of photographic material, in preparation for re-cataloguing, using a format that conforms to the latest museum standards, with up-to-date nomenclature. This will make it considerably easier to manage and effectively search the collection – currently a time-consuming process – thereby making material more easily accessible to staff and patrons.
The collection of images held by the FRHS is extensive, dating from the dawn of photography through the 20th century … and there is some great material.
I find occupational photographs particularly interesting – done outside the studio, they depict the gritty, day-to-day reality that was experienced by the vast majority of Fall River’s population. They are uncommon, their number far outweighed by more traditional “posed” images.
This photograph shows the repair shop of the Mechanic’s Mill on Davol Street; it was taken by an unidentified photographer, c.1915; the man standing at the back wearing overalls, the only one identified, is William Squire (1850-1937), a carpenter.
Fall River – as it was.
