The adventures and various works of a photographer, road tripper, former patron of the local arts, aspiring app developer, and late night coffee drinker and conversationalist.
Antique postal covers, letterheads, and business cards provide fascinating glimpses into the commerce, politics, and correspondence of earlier eras, so they make interesting collectibles for those of us who appreciate history from a more intimate perspective. Some time ago I acquired an old postal cover for an obscure business concern on Elm Street. This particular envelope bears postmarks of early October with no year, and the logo and return address of J.G. Robinson, manufacturer of decorative art needlework. Dallas has had its share of well known craft and apparel fabricators, but lurking quietly among them were many smaller, more modest outfits whose stories have been forgotten. What was the story of J.S. Robinson Needlework, and of the man behind it?
Two months ago I came across an unusual find while browsing through online auctions. That find was an antique wedding invitation, originating from my hometown of Dallas and dating to the late 19th century. A quick look at the card showed the location for the upcoming ceremony to be 334 Elm Street, an address familiar to me as the site of a well-established 1800s photography studio downtown. A second, closer look revealed the advertised bride to be the daughter of W. Wirt Williams, a name associated with nineteenth century Dallas photography and whose most well known studio was located at the 334 Elm address. I immediately recognized the wedding invitation as an item of interest as part of my ongoing early Dallas photography blog series.
