The brainchild of a German immigrant, New York’s Crystal Palace was built in the early 1850s as an exhibition hall. Inspired by London’s famous Crystal Palace in Hyde Park, entrepreneur and promoter Christian E. Detmold had a dream to erect a similar venue in the United States, whereContinue Reading
Long before the days of email attachments, fax machines, Federal Express, DHL, and even wire transfers there existed Hussey’s Instant Special Message Post. The brainchild of George Tuttle Hussey, his business provided same day delivery serviceContinue Reading
In the early 1830s New Jersey, there was a picturesque and grandiose town established, situated in Monmouth County. Located thirteen miles south of Freehold, and six miles west of Sea Girt, the settlement was known as the town of Allaire.Continue Reading
Born in Lobenstein Germany on April 2, 1820, Henry Miller emigrated to the United States on July 1st 1845. Upon his initial arrival in New York City, Miller immediately located to Philadelphia. Upon his arrival in Philadelphia, Miller took a job as a scale-maker, and pursued this vocation until 1849. Continue Reading
Prior to the passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act of June 30th 1906, there existed many merchants and purveyors who foisted various toxic preparations and other snake oils on the American public. Charles G. Lennon was one of them…Continue Reading
Of the earliest pioneers in the invention of practical photograpic arts, the Meade Brothers hold a prominent role with its introduction in the United States. In the early days of photography, the process was known as daguerreotyping…Continue Reading
Born in Appomattox Virginia in 1834, Charles John Raine arrived in Lynchburg Virginia sometime in the mid-1850s. Shortly after his arrival, he formed a partnership with Robert Henry Glass, and the two men opened a clothing store…Continue Reading
The Kittanning Bridge Company was formed in 1838 by an act of the Pennsylvania State Legislature. Its purpose was to construct a bridge across the Allegheny River and connect the towns of Kittanning with West Kittanning PA…Continue Reading
The Elephantine Colossus was built on Coney Island in 1885. Prior to the the Statue of Liberty, it was the first man-made landmark seen by immigrants as they steamed into New York harbor…Continue Reading
In 1867 German Immigrant Charles Feltman invented the American Hot Dog. Before there was Nathan’s there was Feltman’s. History has a way of only remembering its victors, and in the case of Coney Island hot dogs…Continue Reading
During the 19th century Philadelphia was the umbrella and parasol capital of the United States. Unlike the inexpensive contraptions we take for granted today, during the 19th century the manufacture of these devices required skilled labor capable of crafting intricate components …Continue Reading
The year is 1867, the place is the civilian trading post named Fort Union, Dakota Territory. A matte of muted green native grasses stands knee high along river’s banks. On the terraces above the water can be seen Indian teepees and campfires, spaced along the river’s edge …Continue Reading
