• The New Albany, 1891 — No. 2

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    Carl Johnson

    So, more from “The New Albany’s” list of things that made Albany wonderful in 1891. 6th. Rapid transit. What New York has  been clamoring for these twenty years Albany has well nigh in perfection, in the splendid equipment of the Albany railway. New York still clings to the antiquated horse cars; Albany has banished…

  • The New Albany, 1891 — No. 1

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    Carl Johnson

    In 1891, the publishers of “The New Albany” seemed to feel thecity needed a pep talk. While extolling the wonders of what then was still one of the larger cities in America, it was clear they were also looking back a bit, bemoaning the loss of industry that had moved west. Even so, Albany…

  • Celery:Wagon::[blank]:Fair

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    Carl Johnson

    What does eating celery have to do with buying wagons at the fair? And who eats celery that way? And who buys wagons at the fair?  And who describes their address as “next door but one to the post office”?   Then there’s relish. This one makes my brain hurt. Standard Wagon Company, 1891.

  • Gnadendorff Apothecary

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    Carl Johnson

    “Apothecary” is one of those words I wish would come back. This is from the 1862 Schenectady city directory. More on Dr. Gnadendorff here.

  • Troy Nickel Works

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    Carl Johnson

    A full line of accessories for your stove.

  • Very largely just now

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    Carl Johnson

    It sounds a little bit like immigrant English, but the Cotrell and Leonard families had been in Albany for some time when this ad ran in 1891 advertising that “We are selling hats and mackintoshes very largely just now.” For those who don’t know, a mackintosh is a rubberized waterproof raincoat.   “The man…

  • Blum’s Marble Works

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    Carl Johnson

    Yeah, it does.   Marble for the living and the dead, right next door to the Columbian Hotel, which means Union Street at the corner of Romeyn (which no longer exists, but was near Nott Street).

  • Brandy, dentistry, photography

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    Carl Johnson

    All of these fine establishments, offering the best in brandies, dentistry, and photography, were located in busy downtown Albany, though this ad is from the Schenectady directory from 1862.   I particularly like the offer of “Natural and life like-artificial dentures inserted on reasonable terms.” Removal, however, would be something else entirely. Caveat emptor!

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