551 Oak Street
The Victorian Queen-Anne style 'Caleb Isbester House' is only 2 or 3 years old in this image. Caleb B. Isbester (1823-1899), was a co-founder of the United States Pipe and Foundry, one of Chattanooga’s oldest manufacturing establishments. An external renovation project was completed in 2016. Today it houses the Univ. of Tennessee at Chattanooga Alumni Affairs Offices.

This photo appears to be an original entrance to the White Oak Cemetery, dedicated in November of 1895. The area was used as a park by citizens in the 1890s. A sign states 'No Dogs Allowed', yet we see a blurred image of a dog running through the gate. The landscape is difficult to match to current day views as there are now many trees - mostly Cedar. Many small Cedar trees can be seen in this photo. The cemetery was renamed Chattanooga Memorial Park in 1994.

An especially powerful photo; one wonders if she wasn’t happy about getting her photo taken, or her expression is more reflective of the tradition to not smile during the photo due to long exposure times required in early days of photography.

The very large Bible seems to underscore the importance of her faith.

Leather gloves, umbrella and handkerchief are all part of her poised appearance.

One can easily see the pins used to bind the front folds of the dress.

These gentlemen know how to relax in the late 19th century. A decorative wall hanging is inscribed ‘1897’. It is remarkable how many photos are displayed in houses at this time. Framed portraits and cards of all sizes are seen everywhere. This is likely the first generation to enjoy the new medium so accessibly and affordably. The man seated is reading a copy of the Chattanooga News, while a young man standing seems unsure of what to do with himself.

Such is the burden of youth.

The likely photographer worked at D.B. Loveman’s Department Store in downtown Chattanooga. And, there are several portraits of women and men posing with the iconic Dome Building in the background. I suspect these are co-workers who were more than happy to allow him to practice his photography skills in return for a photo print.

This well dressed young lady has made her way to Point Park (formerly known as Whiteside Park) on top of Lookout Mountain. It was completed in 1905 and is officially part of the Chickamauga-Chattanooga National Military Park.

Below we can make out Towhead Island (now enveloped by fill and paved over by Interstate 24). Smoke billows from foundries - as Chattanooga begins a prosperous but polluted reputation that would last another 60 years, and would take another 20 to clean up.