This stereoview presents a view down a set of railroad tracks running through a masonry-lined cut, leading to a stone-arched tunnel entrance flanked by two tall ventilation or chimney shafts built of quarried stone and brick. Two men in hats stand near the tracks close to the tunnel mouth, one appears to be carrying a pail, and a small wooden shed with a shed roof stands to the left of the cut. The tracks continue through a second, more distant arch visible within the tunnel, and construction-related timber staging is visible atop the tunnel structure.
The printed verso label identifies this as No. 5587 from the "Sing Sing Prison Views" series, published by E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. at their American and Foreign Stereoscopic Emporium, 501 Broadway, New York, placing the image within a documented Anthony series depicting the prison and its Hudson River Railroad tunnel.
Photographer/publisher: E. & H.T. Anthony & Co.
Period/date: circa 1865
Dimensions: 175 x 85 mm
Condition: Good; the mount shows overall yellowing and light surface soiling, with minor edge and corner wear to the card stock. The albumen prints are stable with a faint sepia tone throughout and light foxing in the sky area; a small pencil inscription number is visible in the lower image margin.
Reverse: Printed label reading: "SING SING PRISON VIEWS. No 5587. TUNNEL ON HUDSON RIVER R.R., LOOKING NORTH. The Prison is built of white marble, was commenced 1825, is 6 stories high, 480 ft. long, 44 ft. wide, and contains 1200 cells. Gaylord J. Clark, James K. Bates, David V. Forrest. Inspector of State Prisons, 1865. Stephen H. Johnson, Agent. PUBLISHED BY E. & H. T. ANTHONY & CO., American and Foreign Stereoscopic Emporium, 501 Broadway, New-York." A faint pencil inscription, possibly a name, appears in the upper right corner of the mount.
Keywords: USA, Sing Sing Prison, railroad tunnel, stereoview, E. & H.T. Anthony
Photographer Biography:
E. & H.T. Anthony & Co. was among the largest and most prolific American publishers of stereoscopic photography in the second half of the nineteenth century.
The firm opened its American and Foreign Stereoscopic Emporium at 501 Broadway, New York, in 1860.
By the early 1870s Anthony had issued more than 11,000 numbered stereoview titles covering American cities, landscapes, railroads, and institutions.
The company was also the leading American supplier of photographic equipment and materials during this period.
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