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Fifty Years On, Exterior

We have a postcard based on a photograph of Trinity Episcopal Church - when was the post card issued? csi_1902 (19K)

The evidence

Some of the evidence is found on the back which has not been reproduced.

  1. When did the US Post Office allow printers to make cards with photographs? After May 19, 1898
  2. When did the US Post Office introduce the phrase "Post Card"? After December 1901
  3. When did the US Post Office allow messages on the back, as well as addresses? After March 1907.

What other differences can you spot that would help to date these photos?

Conclusion

The answer is between 1902 and 1907. We presume that the photograph was recent. The card was probably sold in stationery stores downtown.

Noteworthy

Fifty Years On, Interior

We have two interior photos of Trinity Episcopal Church - when were they taken? csi_1890 (25K) csi_1930s (36K)

The evidence

  1. The carved and painted wood work behind the altar. In the earlier photo, the central portion is quite wide; in the earlier photo it is more narrow. This change occurred in 1891. Note that one of the later side panels was preserved in the fire of 1968, and is now mounted above the font.
  2. The organ pipes. The organ was replaced in 1931.
  3. The screen separating the choir from the approach to the Moody Chapel. When was this erected?
  4. The choir stalls. When were these installed?
  5. The lectern with eagle. When was this installed, and when moved from the right (as seen) to the left (as now)?
  6. The lighting. In the earlier photo, there are naked gas jets; the later photo has globes. When did this change take place?

What other differences can you spot that would help to date these photos?

Conclusion

The answers seem to be around 1891, and after 1931. Note that the later photo was taken during Holy Week, as the cross on the rood screen is shrouded.

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