The detail in this crystal clear antique 5" x7" photograph is marvelous, from the boater hat and suspenders of the young man, to the bowler and pocket watch chain of the elder, to their faces and poses and then this pole they stand proudly to either side of, which one assumes they've just completed the work on as line workers. I believe this is an early telephone pole, with wire and insulators running the length of it and two early wooden transformer boxes above their heads. I've been playing a lot of attention to to old occupational photos lately--proud portraits of diverse people at work pointing to various skills and accomplishments, and so often poignantly portraying the connections between and among co-workers. I really love the dynamic and contrasts between these two--the elder certainly having witnessed quite a progression of technology from telegraph to telephone, and the younger just making his start.

Photo: 5" x 7". Mounted on black board: 8 x 10 1/16. Very good condition, very sharp and clear. With Gloversville, NY handwritten on reverse.