Vintage Colorado Springs Postcards by Hook Photo, 1890

Presented is a collage of six vintage cabinet card photographs of Colorado Springs and its surrounding areas, dating to the 1890s. The sepia toned photographs were published by W.E. Hook View, Stationery and Book Company. The photographs capture views of glorious natural vistas for which Colorado Springs is so well known- the Three Graces at the Garden of the Gods, Ute Pass in Manitou Springs, the Narrows at Williams Canyon, Pillars of Hercules, Seven Falls, and Cheyenne Canon. 

A style of photograph first introduced in 1863 by Windsor & Bridge in London, the cabinet card is a photographic print mounted on stiff card stock. The Cabinet card got its name from its suitability of display in parlors, especially in cabinets. It was a popular medium for family portraits and landscapes and many cabinet cards were mailed to friends and family living afar or abroad. Cabinet cards reached their peak of popularity in the 1870s through the 1890s. They continued to be made into the 1900s, albeit less frequently, once traditional postcards became popular. 

Between 1877 and 1881, photographer William Edward Hook (1833-1908) traveled and captured scenic vistas throughout Montana and Wyoming, from his home base in Missoula. He then moved to the Pikes Peak area of Colorado Springs and set up his photography studio. Early cabinet cards of his are stamped on the verso with his address "W. E. View Stationary and Book Company, 27 South Tejon St., Colorado Springs, Colorado" and advertise both photography supplies and development, give a list of popular photographs, and boast over "2000 Photographic Views of Colorado scenery, Artistically Colored to Choose From."

CONDITION:

Overall, very good condition. Six sepia albumen photographs, each mounted on a stiff card. Some toning to edges. Approximately 8” x 5" each. Framed Dimensions: 22" H x 21 1/2" W x 1 1/4" D.