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About Vintage Reproductions
We are pleased to begin offering these spectacular high-resolution reproductions of original postcards and bird's eye maps from the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. All reproductions have been professionally enhanced with most imperfections repaired and printed on high quality matte paper. Reproductions are also available in our Katy Depot gallery at 101 East Main Street, Denison, Texas. (Wholesale inquires invited.)
VINTAGE postcards
MAIN STREET, DENISON, TEXAS
“The highly anticipated Rialto Theatre (far right) was opened on August 4, 1920, and cost an estimated $150,000 upon completion. The impressive three-story structure featured a ground floor arcade and entrance with upper floors containing keystones, brackets, and an elegant concrete balustrade. The first feature film shown at the grand opening was Out of the Storm and played before a standing-room-only audience. The most notable event for the theatre occurred August 25, 1948, when the motion picture Red River held its world premiere at the theatre. The Rialto served as Denison’s longest-running movie house until the last film was shown on August 31, 1977. The theatre passed through several owners in the ensuing years, serving as a cinema and live-music venue. While the building has undergone some changes, most notably to the ground floor, it has recently been restored to its original splendor, and its neon marquee once again lights up downtown.”
- Postcard History Series by Brian Hander
BIRD'S EYE VIEW OF DENISON, TEXAS
“This is one of the only postcards made of the 600 block of West Main Street, dating to the early 1900’s. It shows just a portion of the sparsely developed block. At far left is an early-day bakery at 601 West Main, and at right is a store advertising sashes, doors, and blinds. This block would later be home to Watson’s Drive-In and Ashburn’s Ice Cream.”
- Postcard History Series by Brian Hander
MAIN STREET LOOKING EAST FROM MYRICK
This postcard is looking East in the 500 block of West Main Street from Myrick Avenue. The spelling of “Myrick” with a “y” is different than the way it is spelled today using an “i” - Mirick. Interestingly the earliest mention of the street name was published in the Sunday Gazette newspaper using both spellings. On the right side of this street would be where the current Main Street Mall is located and on the left side, Gray’s Jewelers and Pop Around the Corner. Notice the advertising for Coca-Cola and the W.H. Halton building for coffins, caskets and moulding.
Rusk Avenue, looking North, Denison
“This 1912 view of Rusk Avenue shows the Ford Building (right) and the Madden Building (left). Madden’s Department Store began in 1896, with J.W. Madden as proprietor. The business served as an important Denison establishment for decades. St. Patrick Catholic Church (center right) is seen prior to the fire and the subsequent rebuilding of the church in 1911-1913.”
- Postcard History Series by Brian Hander
main street, denison, texas
“In the early 1900’s, many amenities were added to Main Street to enhance the aesthetic appeal of downtown. Streetcars frequented the urban core, bringing patrons from all points of the city. New electric and gas lamps were installed to light the street at night, and parking spaces were occupied by automobiles rather than horses and buggies.”
- Postcard History Series by Brian Hander
Main street looking east, denison, texas
"The Ford Building (left, with turret) is more easily seen in this image, which displays the structure’s elegant design. The building, erected in 1891 at 231 West Main Street, was one of the largest structures in Denison’s young business district. Draughon’s College occupied much of the Ford Building beginning in the late 1890’s. It also served as home of Citizen’s National Bank before its demolition in 1559-1960.” - Postcard History Series by Brian Hander
Union depot Denison, texas
“Denison’s new Union Passenger Station, located at 101 East Main Street, was constructed between 1909 and 1911 at an astounding cost of $250,000. The Beaux-Arts Revival building features a two- and three-story brick facade, complimented by red granite and terra-cotta trim. The center facade rises to a height of three stories and is flanked by two-story wings. The main entrance, featuring a massive Roman-arch entry with multiple doors and windows, is flanked by oversized pilasters, which help to support the massive entablature and cornice. The main part of the building contained a restaurant, drugstore, and other businesses, as well as room for departing passengers. The smaller part of the building (left) was used as offices for the railroad. At its peak, the station hosted 52 arriving and departing passenger trains every 24 hours.”
- Postcard History Series by Brian Hander
The restored depot facility remains, now housing the Red River Railroad Museum, art galleries and other businesses. The site also serves as a popular wedding and event venue.
bird's eye view of denison, texas
“Another view of Denison’s many homes is offered in this postcard, looking northeast from the roof of the Educational Institute. An earlier version of the Baptist Church building can be seen at center left; the house at far left is still standing to this day. It is easy to see the proximity of the housing and business districts; some homes were built directly across the alley from Main Street businesses.”
- Postcard History Series by Brian Hander
VINTAGE BIRD'S EYE MAPS
The panoramic map was a popular cartographic form used to depict U.S. and Canadian cities and towns during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Known also as bird's-eye views, perspective maps, and aero views, panoramic maps are non-photographic representations of cities portrayed as if viewed from above at an oblique angle. Although not generally drawn to scale, they show street patterns, individual buildings, and major landscape features in perspective.
DENISON, TEXAS 1873
Bird's-eye perspective map of Denison, Texas published in 1876 by artist, by J.W. Pearce.
DENISON, TEXAS 1876
Bird's-eye perspective map of Denison, Texas published in 1876 by artist, D.D. Morse.
DENISON, TEXAS 1886
Bird's-eye perspective map of Denison, Texas published in 1876 by artist, by Henry Wellge (1850-1917).
DENISON, TEXAS 1891
Amazing work drawn by by Thaddeus Mortimer Fowler (1842-1922) from Morrisville, PA. The detail of this map simply has to be seen. Unbelievable renderings are included of some of the major buildings and landmarks in Denison, Texas at the time. This image was originally published by T. M. Fowler and James B. Moyer.
SHERMAN, TEXAS 1891
Another amazing bird's eye view map of Sherman, Texas drawn by by Thaddeus Mortimer Fowler (1842-1922) from Morrisville, PA. This map was originally published in 1891 by T.M. Fowler and James B. Moyer.
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