Posted 6 years ago
TreasureTex
(222 items)
FANTASTIC........
Look at the man on the left, he is operating a manual well pump (fountain) for his friends or family.
See the fountain? They didn't have electric running water at that time, right?
I enlarged the right side of the photo to show details like the horse looking over the fence from the large barnyard.
It's great how everyone in the photo including the animals were watching the functional fountain.
I just noticed that it looks like a lady and kids might be inside the front door glass, looking out and that the house is a brick house.
I purchased this photo and frame together without anyone mentioning the detail in the photo.
What a SPLENDID old home, even without the fountain and its operation -- do you happen to have any idea of where it might have stood, or if it still exists?
That is what I was hoping to learn if I posted it. I have looked up historic homes and contacted some people but with no luck. I feel like it just makes me look stupid when I ask questions, sometimes. I purchased it on Ebay and questioned some history loving people from that area in (Whitewater, Wisconsin, United States) with no luck and no answer. The seller told me that it came from a local estate sale.
BTW ... On the right side of the photo, using magnification I was able to see that those men are also watching the guy pump the hand pump well. There is a huge horse barn on the right side and horses are looking over the fence too.
I love the big statue on the porch, quite like one of the seasons. Too bad such homes have disappeared completely !~
PhilDMorris
The statue is actually on top of the fountain and it's the reason for the photo. All of the people in the picture are watching as a man manually pumps water to the fountain and you can see water shooting out of the top of the statue. Back in those days, there was no electric water pumps so you had to pump it from a well manually.
Thank you Treasure, I really did not notice that, how wonderful. Also the frame is Trench Art, that would date it probably around 1910. Very special photo !~
Bobby
I have only heard of them referred to as Black Forest but that does not sound correct does it?
I thought perhaps the water was gravity-fed to the fountain, but the terrain looks totally flat so that's out.
It must have been quite extravagant to have the fountain and to have to hand pump the water to it. I wonder if there was some type pressurized holding tank to, at least, let it run for a little while without constantly hand-pumping? Maybe a windmill?
I hope you can find out more.
It's a very interesting picture with lots of questions!
Nice photo-- love the house!
The frame is neither trench art (war residue) nor tramp art (re-purposed wood from crates, cigar boxes, etc...).
The frame is actually a fairly common production frame from the late 19th century and not a "one off" creation. The frame would date from the same time as the image: 1870s- 90s. They look great in rooms with Eastlake furniture.
scott
1870-1890 is that right? Wow thank you for the heads up Scottvez.
I'd think the 1870-90 date would be good for the house anyway (or even a little earlier) no matter the frame. JUST IMAGINE -- as splendid as it (and the fountain, and the carriage, and the people) all is -- what *fabulous* stuff that house was likely also full of...? ;-) :-)
Glad to help out tex!
scott
New clear photos added.
really nice homes often had artesian wells in those days and sometimes, they had natural pressure in them - allowing for natural fountains. maybe that's what it is? i bet someone who knows fashion history well can date this within 5 yrs just by the hats. the woman on the wagon has a very interesting hat on.