This lot contains world class carte-de-visite views of a wagon train on the streets of Independence, Missouri, lined up and then ready to head out. For all the lore of wagon trains heading west, I can think of only one photographic representation other than these two, which I am proud to offer. Both are backmarked “W.L. & M.R. Parker, Photographic and Fine Art Gallery, S.E. Cor. of the Square, Independence, Mo.” Both are absolute tens on a scale of one to ten for clarity, tone, and content. You will have to search high and low for anything comparible, and you will likely not find it.

In one view, the wagons are forming up at the far end of the street. The city square is visible at right. A few stray wagons and carts are at left and right foreground. People are visible on the sidewalk at left, which shows store signs projecting out from brick buildings. In the background members of the wagon train, women and men, are gathered around their wagons making last minute preparations. Canvas covers are drawn tight. On one wagon a man stands on its side with hand on hip and the other resting on the wagon cover. Beyond them is a long bank of brick buildings and other stores, and a cross street that seems filled with horses and other vehicles, likely local residents since no wagon covers show.

In the second view the wagons, eight in number, have pulled around to face the camera en echelon. A group of men stand around in the street at left front. Women and children, and a few men, appear on the wagon seats. Other youngsters are perched on top of the horses drawing the wagons. In one case a concerned father steadies the horse. Another young man has his own mount at right. At lower left a few local loungers sit on the curb awaiting developments. A solitary dog takes advantage of the pause to curl up in the street in the right foreground and get some rest before the long trek. <br
I include with these two remarkable views a third interesting image that came with them, this one taken by Winans, also of Independence. In this studio view a quartet of musicians playing flute, violin, guitar and (rather homemade) bass are posed in playing postures. Two top hats are on the floor (waiting for tips?) as well as what is likely sheet music and a music book. The bass player has a rather cowboy look, with high boots, broad-brim hat and long hair. The guitar player looks a little forlorn. The violinist wears the paisley dressing gown popular in the 1860s and hair looking like he just got out of bed. The flute player is trying very hard. These guys must have been the smash hit of Independence. With some luck they may have been able to catch a ride out of town with the wagon train.

If you are of a certain generation, you grew up with TV shows and movies about wagon trains and settlers heading west. These cards show something of the reality and are extremely scarce for it. I am reluctant to let them go. Dont be reluctant to bid.<br


This can be shipped/mailed by US Mail for $12.00. Insurance is $1.50 per $100 value. USPS signature service is $3.00 -- NO SHIPMENTS OUTSIDE USA --