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Stereoview - Collection of 13 stereoviews "Staten Island Gems" Set (incl. piece that is 1/2 of a damaged stero view)). By New York Photographer Isaac Almstaedt, Circa mid 1870's. # 12 "Wann's Glenn." Almstaedt (1851-1921) set up his studio at 462 St. Mark's place in 1873 offering both portrait and landscape photography. He also photographed sporting events on Staten Island. He produced a series of stereoviews known as "Staten Island Gems". We mostly find his portrait work and stereoview images on the market today. The popularity of CDV's were waning just as Almstaedt's photographic career began, hence these images are likely early Almstaedt views and rare images. Several photos have generic locations, "In the Woods" or "Bay by Moonlight", but the remaining images give specific Staten Island locations. "View from Pavilion Hill", "Toad Hill", "Richmond Terrace", "Glove Valley", "Cutting Ice--Silver Lake", and "View from St. Mark's Hotel", plus several variations of the same location. Photographer Isaac Almstaedt (1851-1921) captured the beauty of the world around him. A native of Staten Island, Almstaedt turned his artistic eye to the Island's picturesque surroundings, creating hundreds of memorable landscape photographs. His artistic abilities were equally evident in his portrait photography, and individuals as well known as Cornelius Vanderbilt and Buffalo Bill Cody posed for his camera. From 1886 to 1915, Almstaedt was the official photographer of the Staten Island Cricket and Baseball Club. In his later years, he also created artistic wooden sculptures in his studio in Tompkinsville. He was equally noted for his involvement in the local community. Along with his parents, Abraham and Rachael, he was active in Staten Island's first Jewish congregation, and in 1891 he presided at the laying of the cornerstone for B'nai Jeshurun, Staten Island's first synagogue. In the 1890s, he served as President of the New Brighton Board of Health, working to address the many public health concerns of his day. At the age of 22, everything came crashing down. The large Wall Street firm where he worked failed. Isaac was let go without benefits, unemployment or recourse. The financial sector was falling apart. It was the Panic of 1873...But Isaac refused to bring despair to New Brighton. The young man, who one journalist would later call a "supergenius," decided to try a "change of business." This decision would alter the course of his life and, years later, inspire others.

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Physical Location

Arc.MS.56, Box 23, Folder 1