Description: Early Albumen Photo of Watermelon Day. Rocky Ford, Colorado. C 1890's G.W. Swink. Watermelon Day is the pioneer of Colorados numerous autumn festivals. Thisunique celebration was started in 1878 by the Hon. G. W. Swink, about 25 peoplebeing present. In 1879 the crowd doubled, but was not so large but that a graindoor of a Santa Fe box car provided all the table space necessary. Up to 1882the melon feast was served in the old Swink store room. In 1883 a table 12 feetlong was built in the grove. A display of agricultural and horticultural productswas made in the same grove. Up to 1886 the ladies of Rocky Ford supplieddinners to all comers. About that date the crowd had so increased that Mr.Swink was compelled to call in help to cut the melons. The first excursion trainwas run in 1887, which brought such numbers that the free lunches had to beabandoned, but Reckers bakery served an excellent 15-cent meal. The numberof excursion trains and the size of the crowds steadily increased up to 1892 whenthe Arkansas Valley Fair was started. The Fair and Watermelon Day has severalyears been honored with the presence of the Governor and other distinguishedcitizens. The attendance has grown from 25 to 12,000, and the tableaccommodations from a car door to a table 500 feet in length. The Santa Fe nowruns excursion trains from various parts of the state and Watermelon Day isalmost universally accepted as a general holiday in the Arkansas valley. Size of actual photo is 3-1/4"3-1/4" +backing Also look at the numerous other photos I have available. Many of Oregon and Washington mountains. Real photo postcards, Rppc, and large format photographs. Black and white, sepia, and hand Tinted. Please look closely at photos for condition. Shipping is $3.95, each additional RPPC in same purchase will be included free and comibined into one package. Please feel free to ask if you have any questions.
Price: 39.95 USD
Location: Wilsonville, Oregon
End Time: 2024-11-26T01:29:04.000Z
Shipping Cost: 3.95 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Antique: Yes
Photo Type: Gelatin Silver
Size: 5 x 7 in
Color: Color
Framing: Unframed
Region of Origin: US
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Subject: Family, Farming, Tourism
Modified Item: No
Vintage: Yes
Size Type/Largest Dimension: Medium (Up to 10")
Type: Photograph
Listed By: Dealer or Reseller
Year of Production: 1890
Original/Reprint: Original Print
Theme: Americana, Cities & Towns, Community Life, History, Railroadiana, Social History, Transportation, Travel, Travel & Transportation
Time Period Manufactured: 1850-1899
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
