Historic Hood River
Cart Before the Horse
7-17-2020
Notes
This W.F. Laraway image has a comic theme. These gentlemen have figured out how to get the cart before the horse. The horse does not look too pleased but I suspect it was good advertising for the Crown Piano Company.
This image is from Glenwood, Iowa, where Laraway lived prior to moving to Hood River.
Gladys
So much to see in this photo. First noticed what looks like all the litter in the street. All the awnings and buntings, No doubt this is for some sort of parade. Nice cross section of clothing. What a sweet looking little girl in her “Sunday best.” Look at the numerous styles of hats and caps.
Crown Pianos was a Chicago based company owned by a George P. Bent. Crown Pianos are still made by Adler Company, in Louisville, Kentucky.
L.E.
Looks like a parade. The men are looking down the street as if waiting to see when to go. But, what tells the horse to go? And there are signs on the porch of the building as if that is perhaps the Piano Store.
Backward letters on the sign on the right. Jewelry store sign up high and a barefoot boy. No dog. I am surprised the street is dirt.
kmb
Agree, lots to see and wonder about in this fascinating, almost surreal photo. I am wondering if the porch with columns is part of the permanent building structure or something decorative only erected as part of the festivities. Looks like there are quite a few people standing on the porch watching the parade.
ArthurB
Glenwood Iowa has a sort of a “village square” n the middle of town. I've visited it (via Google maps). Comparing it to some of the other images from this collection, I can match several of the buildings (though not this one).
L.E.
Wasn't Laraway a jeweler? I wonder if that sign pertains to his business..
ArthurB
Yes, Laraway was a jeweler. That was probably his shop next to the piano store.