Cohoes, New York
This image is a modern recreation of a carte de visite of Harmony Mills in Cohoes, New York, part of my ongoing Antiquity Project. Captured yesterday morning, I have digitally transformed it into a scene that could have been photographed in the late 1800s. The horses were added in post-production to complete the historical setting, while the rest remains largely unaltered, aside from atmospheric enhancements for dramatic effect.
The original image and the intermediate effect image are in the comments. |
What is a Carte de Visite?
A carte de visite (CDV) was a small photographic print, typically mounted on a card, that became widely popular in the mid-to-late 19th century. Introduced in France by André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri in 1854, CDVs were commonly used as portraits exchanged among friends and family, or collected in albums as keepsakes. Their affordability and standardized size allowed photographers to produce multiple copies efficiently, helping them establish a sustainable business. The widespread appeal of CDVs turned photography into a more accessible and profitable profession, enabling studios to thrive in an era when having one’s portrait taken was a luxury. They are still quite common at antique dealers.
The History of Harmony Mills
Harmony Mills, a defining landmark of Cohoes, New York, was once the largest textile mill complex in the United States. Constructed between the 1830s and the late 19th century, it became a powerhouse of industrial production, primarily manufacturing cotton textiles. The mills took advantage of the powerful Cohoes Falls on the Mohawk River, using hydropower to drive their machinery. At their peak, the mills employed thousands of workers, many of whom were immigrants drawn to Cohoes for economic opportunity.
By the early 20th century, the decline of the textile industry led to the gradual closure of the mills, and the buildings fell into disuse. However, they remain a striking example of industrial architecture, with their brick facades and iconic clock towers still dominating the city’s skyline. Today, Harmony Mills has been repurposed into modern loft apartments, preserving its historic character while serving as a reminder of Cohoes' industrial heritage.
A carte de visite (CDV) was a small photographic print, typically mounted on a card, that became widely popular in the mid-to-late 19th century. Introduced in France by André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri in 1854, CDVs were commonly used as portraits exchanged among friends and family, or collected in albums as keepsakes. Their affordability and standardized size allowed photographers to produce multiple copies efficiently, helping them establish a sustainable business. The widespread appeal of CDVs turned photography into a more accessible and profitable profession, enabling studios to thrive in an era when having one’s portrait taken was a luxury. They are still quite common at antique dealers.
The History of Harmony Mills
Harmony Mills, a defining landmark of Cohoes, New York, was once the largest textile mill complex in the United States. Constructed between the 1830s and the late 19th century, it became a powerhouse of industrial production, primarily manufacturing cotton textiles. The mills took advantage of the powerful Cohoes Falls on the Mohawk River, using hydropower to drive their machinery. At their peak, the mills employed thousands of workers, many of whom were immigrants drawn to Cohoes for economic opportunity.
By the early 20th century, the decline of the textile industry led to the gradual closure of the mills, and the buildings fell into disuse. However, they remain a striking example of industrial architecture, with their brick facades and iconic clock towers still dominating the city’s skyline. Today, Harmony Mills has been repurposed into modern loft apartments, preserving its historic character while serving as a reminder of Cohoes' industrial heritage.
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www.bulmerphotography.com
www.johnbulmermedia.com
www.noreasterfilms.com
All Rights Reserved