[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. 7 photographs documenting the Savannah Fire of 1889 by J.N. Wilson.

7 photographs, each approx. 7 1/2 x 4 3/8 in., on 8 1/2 by 5 1/8 inch cardstock mounts. One example bears J. N. Wilson's blindstamp on mount recto. Most bear captions written in the negative.

Provenance: Descended directly in the family of WEQ Baker, a former confederate soldier and a lifelong resident of Savannah, Georgia (consignor relates).

Images include: A view of numerous onlookers gathered in groups, with ruins of the city in the background and a strange human-shaped figure in a tree with a wooden ladder leading up to it. Captioned, "Sth Broad & Whitaker Sts, Looking Nth East." -- A view of ruins and damage as seen from "Hull & Bull Sts." featuring what appears to be an African American man leading against a fence post to the right foreground of the image. -- A view from an elevated surface of ruins including "Hogans Store - Barnard & Broughton Sts." -- A view of what remains of the "In. Pres. Church & Sunday School." -- A view of the destroyed "Odd Fellows Hall," featuring an African American subject holding a basket and wearing a hat, looking at the camera directly in front of the old hall on Telfair Square. -- And 2 others.

On the morning of 6 March 1889, a fire ignited at Hogan's Dry Goods store, located in the 100 block of Savannah's W. Broughton Street. The fire burned from Broughton on the north to Hull Street on the south, and from west of Barnard Street to Bull Street on the east, damaging an estimated 1.5 million dollars' worth of property in 1889.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

All photographs with significant toning, spotting, soiling, and wear to edges and corners of some prints and most mounts.

Freeman's I Hindman strives to describe historic materials in a manner that is respectful to all communities, providing descriptive contexts for objects where possible. The nature of historical ephemera is such that some material may represent positions, language, values, and stereotypes that are not consistent with the current values and practices at Freeman's I Hindman.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email [email protected] for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Katie Horstman

VP, Head of Department, American Historical Ephemera and Early Photography

[email protected]513.666.4958

Ms. Horstman has spent over a decade specializing in historic photography and Americana at auction. During her tenure, she has overseen several notable single owner auctions, including property from the inventory of celebrated Americana and antique arms expert Norm Flayderman. During her time with the firm, she has maintained an active membership in the Daguerreian Society. Ms. Horstman holds an MA in Art History from the University of Cincinnati and a BA in Art History from The Ohio State University.

American Historical Ephemera and Photography

[EARLY PHOTOGRAPHY]. 7 photographs documenting the Savannah Fire of 1889 by J.N. Wilson.

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup