L. W. Currey, Inc.

(Wisconsin; The Dells of the Wisconsin River) The Chicago Colortype Co. 25 VIEWS COLORED STEREOGRAPHS MADE FROM THE ORIGINAL NEGATIVES AND GUARANTEED TO BE GENUINE REPRODUCTIONS OF ALL THE MOST INTERESTING SIGHTS OF THE WORLD [box title]. N.p. [Chicago and New York: The Chicago Colortype Co.], n.d. Circa 1917-1919. 25 tinted halftone stereoscopic views, each with printed caption, on cards with rounded corners measuring 8.5x18 cm (3 5/8 x 7 inches). Enclosed in the original publisher's printed card box. The printed list of the publisher's boxed sets of 25 stereoscopic views includes several illustrating America's military forces and World War One. Although neither cards nor box identify the publisher, it is The Chicago Colortype Co. as other similar boxes have their imprint, although most do not. The Chicago Colortype Co., was a three-color photoengraving plant which began operations around 1895. The company produced approximately 250 titles including a noteworthy series of views of the Klondike in Alaska dated 1925. In addition the company produced coloring books, paper dolls and advertising items. They were one of the last producers of lithograph stereoscopic views, publishing them to at least 1927. The Dells of the Wisconsin River, a 5-mile gorge on the river in south-central Wisconsin is noted for its picturesque Cambrian sandstone rock formations and tributary canyons. "Because of the scenery provided by the dells of the Wisconsin River, Kilbourn City (now Wisconsin Dells) quickly became a popular travel destination in the Midwest. In 1856, Leroy Gates began taking tourists on boat tours of the Wisconsin Dells. These tours were given using wooden rowboats until 1873 when the first steamboat, the Modocawanda, was used. In 1875, early landscape photographer H. H. Bennett established a studio in the city and took many photos of the sandstone formations in the dells, including stereoscopic views. Prints of these photographs were distributed across the United States, further enhancing the status of Kilbourn City as a destination for sightseers" (Wikipedia). The Dells of the Wisconsin River is now a State Natural Area closed to the public to protect sensitive ecological features, but the rock formations can still be viewed by water. The stereoscopic views are fine; the box is good; several short splits along flap folds, mild edge wear and mild tanning to the cardboard. Uncommon. (#167152).

Price: $250.00