Military Plaza [Stereoview]
Name/Title
Military Plaza [Stereoview]Description
Orange mount includes "F. HARDESTY. PHOTO." printed in black on left and "SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS" printed in black on the right. Frank Hardesty's San Antonio, TX, imprint on recto. Stamped on verso: "Setereoscopic Views, / of / San Antonio, Texas / F. Hardesty Photographer" Below that there is a chart that lists a variety of other locations that stereoscopes had been made by this company. Below the chart, stamped it reads: "All from Original Negatives and Guaranteed the Finest / ever Made in the South. Also A Large Variety of Miscellaneous Views / of San Antonio, and Vicinity." Below that reads, "Parties wishing Special Views made anywhere will please address:- / F. Hardesty / 32 North Flores Street. (near Military Plaza,) / San Antonio, Texas."Context
Military importance of the Plaza declined in Republic of Texas Era (1836-1845), but the place came to be one of the liveliest spots in Texas. A busy market, it teemed with noisy vendors of vegetables, fresh eggs, chili peppers, and live chickens. Oxcarts and wagons stood bulging with hay, hides, and wood. Strolling guitarists, tourists, and girls selling songbirds mingled with pickpockets and other characters. Frequently cock fights were held. View of plaza with signs for "ELI COLE"; "J. SAWALSKY / DRY GOODS & GROCERIES"; "L. S. BRACKETT / HARNESS / SADDLES"; "ED KOTULA"; and "A. HEUSINGER / PLOWS & AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS / HARDWARE / STOVES & TINWARE".Category
Texas in Focus: Early Photographs from the Lew Anvil Texas Collection