SOURCE: B.B. Wilson
A tin 'water dipper' seems prominently displayed in the first photo. The shared drinking vessel’s days were numbed. In 1907, Bostonian Lawrence Luellen invented a disposable paper cup. At first named the Health Kup - promoted as a life-saving drinking technology that could help prevent the transmission of communicable disease.
The cup was renamed in 1919 when Luellen gained permission to use the name ‘Dixie
Cup’ from Dixie Doll Company’s Alfred Schindler, a New York doll maker Luellen
shared manufacturing space with.
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Changing Social Norms
In 1900, it was commonplace for male friends or work companions to demonstrate their comradery by holding hands in photos.
"These photos showcase an evolution in the way men relate to one another — and the way in which certain forms and expressions of male intimacy have disappeared over the last century. We cannot view these photographs through the prism of our modern culture."SOURCE: Artofmanliness.com
SOURCE: B.B. Wilson
SOURCE: Charles G. Walline
Two negatives were owned by Ben B. Wilson (1889-1972). It is unknown who the original photographer was. Ben lived at 301 Forest Ave. In retirement, he collected photos and jotted notes about people in his collection. We’re grateful for his invaluable habit.
One photo was likely taken by Charles G. Walline (1874-1943), who lived at 107 Payne Street. (now 607 Battery Place).
Walline captured several views at Chattanooga High School’s 1897-1904 location; the D. C. McMillian House on Gilmer (now 8th) Street. It’s likely all of these photos were taken at or near the school. See more photos here.
A fourth view, amongst grape vines, was part of a collection purchased at a North Georgia estate sale by Charlie Coulter in the 1970s.
Was the photographer the same person, or perhaps friends practicing their photography hobby? We’ll never know.
SOURCE: Charlie Coulter Donation
Joe R. Hyde Sr., Joe R. Hyde Jr., J.R. ‘Pitt’ Hyde III
