Historic Hood River
Details
Notes
When you start to look at details of a photo you never know which way it will take you. I was hoping the sign behind these children would help identify the location, but I never expected to learn about a forgotten event from the birth of cinema.
The Reed’s Opera House is in Salem, Oregon, so it’s a reasonable bet that this image of Chinese children is from Salem, not Hood River. But the more interesting story is the subject of the poster. It is for what is commonly considered as the first feature length motion picture, the 100 minute Veriscope documentary on the Corbett-Fitzimmons fight of St. Patrick’s Day, 1897, in Carson City Nevada.
This film was made 18 years before The Birth of a Nation, 6 years before The Great Train Robbery, in an era where motion pictures were little loops viewed through the peephole of a kinetescope. I had no idea such an ambitious film was made that early in the history of cinema. I especially liked the detail that someone filmed a “reproduction” of the fight to cash in on the success of this film, which explains why the poster promises this is the only genuine film of the fight.
Charlott
They are so cute, but look at their tattered little clothes, especially the shoes. They seem happy, so guess that is what really matters.
nels
Lovely photo – children in their moment. Touching.
Arthur
I think it’s funny that Charlott and Nels comment on the children, when I look right past them to the movie posters.
Buzz
They are just different than us Arthur. Viva la difference!!
Charlott
Children are always beautiful and especially find these two interesting as they seem to happy, why wouldn’t one notice them? Mother instinct???????
L.E.
How can you look right past them?
THEY are the main feature and they are adorable.
I looked up the Reed Opera House. It is a beautiful building built as a hotel, theater and retail stores. The Sung Lung Laundry was across the street. I don’t know who took the photo, but it might be a history treasure.