Although I am not buying Robeson knives anymore, the history of the company and anything pertaining to it, still gets my attention in a great way.
This card was not cheap. I have never paid this kind of money for a postcard before, unless it was one of those scarce Red Pig multi-colored ones. (I still do not have all of those)
The interesting thing about this card is it looks as though the photo was made before Robeson constructed the four story addition up the street to the left of what is shown on the card.
That building was built in, I believe, 1903, the same year that Millard F. Robeson died.
They moved to Perry, New York in 1899 or 1900, so I think the photo is circa 1900 or so.
I suspect that wall of stacked timbers and those large 8 x8's on the ground to the left suggests a construction site, though.
The stamp has been removed and the postmark is a bit distorted. If I had to state a date, I'd say it says 1909, which is not consistent with the photo. I suppose the card could predate its mailing date. Maybe it says, 1903, but it's hard to tell.
I do think that's a very fine looking draft horse harnessed to that wagon.
And, I have to wonder if the gentleman in the coat and bowler hat might be Millard Robeson or one of his sons, Irving S, George W. or Robert.
We'll never know.
And check out the clothing on the lady walking down the sidewalk toward downtown Perry.
That wooden sign was still hanging on that brick building when it was destroyed. I often wonder if anyone thought to salvage that. It's a crying shame if they did not.
I'd love to see it. I'd love to touch it, just once.
Wonder what it would be worth today?
Anyway, here is what I believe to be the second earliest photograph of The Robeson Cutlery Company in Perry, New York, that I have ever seen.
The earliest shows no possible construction to the left. (see below)
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Charlie Noyes
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