Alan Mays' photos with the keyword: Brooklyn

"A Happy New Year. Will D. Reiber." Initials on mailbag and wagon: "U.S.M. [United States Mail]." William D. Reiber (1860-1933) served as a letter carrier in Brooklyn, New York, from 1882 until his retirement in 1924 (as mentioned in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle , Aug. 7, 1924, p. 18).

For more information, see the full version of this real photo postcard (below).

The caption on this photo tells us that these fellows worked in the Electrical Department at Luna Park in 1910. But was it the original Luna Park at Coney Island ? And what location in the park did they choose for their photo? Looks like they may be sitting on a flume or water-chute, and there's a water wheel behind them, so perhaps it's some kind of water ride. Mouse over the image above for a closer view of the men.

"New York & Brooklyn Bridge Promenade. Not good if detached. C. C. Martin, Chief Eng. and Supt. 8." The Brooklyn Bridge was originally called the "New York and Brooklyn Bridge" when it opened in 1883. Charles Cyril Martin (1831-1903) served as its chief engineer and superintendent from 1883 until 1902. Pedestrians no longer have to purchase a ticket to walk across the bridge.

"The Olzen Accordion School, 75 6th Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y. Phone Nevins 8-1431." According to Victor Greene, A Passion for Polka: Old-Time Ethnic Music in America (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1992), pp. 184-85, Eric Olzen (born 1895) was a popular Swedish accordionist and composer who came to the United States and opened a music school in Brooklyn in 1926. In the 1930s, he hosted a radio show that was popular among Scandinavians in New York, published sheet music compositions such as "Koster Waltz" and "Sunbeam Polka," and played on many records. I take it that Eric Olzen is the one standing without an accordion in the middle of the third row. He's surrounded by 51 male students and 4 female students. I wish I could have attended one of the Olzen Accordion School's concerts!

Printed on the other side of this real photo postcard: "Souvenir Post Card, Seagate Photo-Studio, Coney Island, New York. Mrs. Quartner, Prop., Surf Ave., Opp. 15th Street."

"H. Sinnigen, dealer in choice groceries, teas, coffees, sugars, fruits, canned goods, &c., 1033 Gates Ave., cor. Ralph Ave., Brooklyn."

A sample cigar label printed by the Moehle Lithographic Company.