Many of us in the Library’s community are familiar with the cobblestone surfaces on some of Portland’s oldest streets. Even today, each stone is set into place individually- and they all interlock with the smallest possible gaps. The photograph just below is from a small collection of 8×10″ glass plate negatives, originating from what is now the Department of Public Works. The contemporary image at the bottom was taken on a nearby street, about 100 years later. Notice the similarities, as well as the differences in the roadbuilding equipment and the workers’ uniforms (and safety gear).
History is continually happening in our midst; another good reason to keep your camera handy!
Here in the Portland Room- the Library’s archival and special collections- we are documenting the city’s past and present.
Cross Street, looking from Fore Street toward Commercial Street, circa 1910. A closer look at this photograph reveals something of the process of this heavy work. Notice the man reading to the work crew (their own “portable radio!”). The street- and its cobblestone surface- can be seen today, near the MEMIC building.
Setting in the cobblestones on Exchange Street (facing south), between Middle Street and Fore Street, on July 30, 2009.
