Two oblong Quarto albums (each ca. 18,5x28,5 cm). 45 (1 blank) and 25 cardstock leaves. With 486 mounted gelatin silver photographs from ca. 7x11 cm (2 ¾ x 4 ½ in) to 3,5x7 cm (1 ½ in x 2 ¾ ).  All photos with typewritten captions on paper leaves attached or loosely inserted at the beginning of each album, often identifying people, locations, and indicating dates. Several photos with additional pencil captions on the mounts. Both albums with the leaves numbered in pencil by the compiler in the upper corners. One album with over 30 period newspaper clippings mounted at the rear. First album: Period dark green cloth album fastened with a string; front board with a gilt-lettered title “Photographs.” Second album: Period black cloth album. Both bindings very mildly rubbed on extremities, a few images mildly faded or with mild silvering, second album with mild staining of several photos, but overall very good albums of interesting photos.

Historically significant albums with 486 vernacular photographs of Nebraska, most likely from the family of Hall County’s pioneer farmer Charles How and illustrating the rural life of early farmers in Hastings (founded in 1872) and nearby areas (Doniphan, Stanton, Grand Island, Hanson, etc.). “Mr. Howe (ca. 1835-1915) served in the civil war and after the close of hostilities located on the homestead in this county [Hall County] where he lived a quiet industrious life until about four years ago [ca. 1911], when he retired from active work and… [passed the homestead down to his son, Walter].” (Grand Island Daily Independent. 31 August 1915, p. 2.)

The albums feature private photos of the How family and thoroughly identified images of other pioneer Nebraska farmers: Stonehockers, Binfields, Schaffers, Sasses, Martins, Tompkins, Lammers, Rainforths, etc. The farmers are portrayed next to their properties (houses, pastures, barns, farms, etc.), amidst livestock (pigs, chickens, turkeys, sheep, horses, and cows), operating the machinery (manure spreader, horse-drawn cultivator, thrashing machine, tractors, etc.), and engaged in various agricultural activities (wood sawing, wheat & hat stacking, kaffir thrashing, corn shelling, etc.).

Over 25 views of Hastings show the Burlington Depot (constructed in 1902), A. Jones real estate office, L. A. Kinney & Co wholesale house, Pizer clothing store, Woolworth & Co 5 and 10 cent store, A. H. Brooke’s drug store, a Presbyterian church, and other buildings & streets (including Second Street and Hastings Avenue). Several photos depict the Boelus Dam (built in the mid-1910s) in Boelus, cemeteries in Rosedale & Doniphan, a high school in Grand Island, and one of the earliest bank buildings in Hansen.

The albums also contain lively images capturing significant moments in Hastings, including Jimmy Ward’s “Shooting Star” biplane during an aviation meet (Jimmy Ward was a pioneer aviator who made one of the earliest attempts at transcontinental flight), one of the earliest regional auto shows with decorated cars and drivers in attire, festive circus days with elephant and horse processions, and the 1918 Armistice Day parade featuring dancers and a poignant scene with a stuffed toy of the defeated enemy.

Other interesting photos include the views of Wild Cat Mountains, Chimney Rock, Yellow Stone Park, Missouri Valley in Iowa, a train wreck & soap weed in Colorado, “bad lands” in Kansas, etc. Overall, historically interesting albums illustrating the rural and urban life of Nebraska’s pioneer farmers.