Rogers’ Photographic Advertising Album Halifax 1871

Rogers’ Photographic Advertising Album Halifax 1871, Rogers, Joseph C. Published by Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia, 1970. Facsimile edition of original book issued in 1871. 8vo up to 9½” tall. 108 pages. White blank card covers, spiral bound. Card pages with full original size photograph on one side and advertisement on facing page. Album is in pristine condition. Unclipped glossy dustjacket has ruffling head and tail of spine and otherwise fine.

Halifax photographer Joseph S. Rogers, recouped his production costs by charging each establishment for inclusion. Fifty-six Halifax businesses are represented, along with a small selection of public buildings and landscape views taken between 1864 and 1871, capturing the city at the beginning of Confederation and at the height of commercial prosperity brought by the American Civil War. Collectively, the images create the impression of a small provincial capital that was modern, progressive, and second-to-none in the advantages offered to its citizens and to prospective outside business interests. The title page of Rogers’ Album, states clearly that “Hotel Proprietors and Steamboat Captains are requested to place this Album on their Parlor and Saloon Tables for public inspection” — and warns equally clearly that “All persons are requested not to WRITE ON or otherwise MUTILATE this Book.”      002612 $16