Historical Photo: Then and Now Asks What

Then and Now asked what were the materials in the foreground of Saturday's historical photograph and for what were they used? 

Paul Sherry, who is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the Then and Now game, responded with the correct answer first — paving blocks.

Local historian Lou Gallo said the heaped wooden blocks in the circa 1915 photograph were used in place of cobble stones to pave streets because the wooden surface provided for a much smoother ride.

The only problem was they were treated with cresol and when wet they were like ice.

They were removed a couple of years later after numerous horse and car accidents, the historian said.

People could have all they wanted of the blocks, and they were used in potbelly stoves for heat. Some blocks paved walkways or yards, he said. 

The scene in the photograph shows what today would be the front of Kennedy's studio, he said.

We'll keep the  feature going by posting another photograph of a historic house or location on the following Saturday.

Thanks for the terrific photograph, Ted Delano.