Group of people at Mesa train station.

Datec. 1900

MediumPaper

Dimensions7 x 5 in. (17.8 x 12.7 cm)

ClassificationsDocumentary Artifact

Catalog number1999.14.1237

Description(Duplicate of catalog item No.1999.14.1093.)

One of two copies of same photo in collection of Tempe History Museum. This black and white photograph was taken at Mesa's original railroad depot (which is visble in the left third of this photo). The back end of a passenger car occupies the right third of the photo. The car rests on railroad tracks that are visible from the lower-middle right of the photo and which extend across the photo, disappearing out of frame in the lower left corner. The tracks run parallel to the depot's low boardwalk platform. The depot's roof protrudes well into the photo, and helps to provide a protected shade area beyond the edge of the depot's wooden walls. A window and a doorway are visible on the depot building (another window is visible through the former mentioned window. A tall, slightly leaning utility pole is visible near the center background of the photo. (The structural details that identify this building as Mesa's original railroad depot were found in Railroads of Arizona, Volume II, by David Myrick. The depot is pictured on page 521 and is identified as Mesa’s original railroad depot, built in 1895.)

Thirty five people are visible in the photo, including women, men, and children. Most of the people are standing on the ground between the depot and the railroad car. Four girls and a boy stand on the platform at the back of the train car. Most of the people in the photo are facing the camera. Two men in the photo have bicycles. Most of the people in the photo appear to be light-complected (likely Anglo-European ancestry). At least two of the men near the center background - including one with a bicycle - appear to be more dark-complected (likely of Mexican or Native American ancestry). None of the people in the photo are identified.

It is likely a warm or hot day in terms of weather. All of the women and girls are wearing light-colored clothing, with the exception of some women wearing dark skirts. All of the adults in the photo are wearing hats (women and men both), and most of these hats have wide brims. Many of the children in the photo are not wearing hats - noteably the young girls. It is not clear whether or not this group has just dissembarked from the train, or is getting ready to board. It is not known if this group represents a Tempe excursion to Mesa, although this seems likely.

The exact date of the photo is unknown, but likely was taken between 1895 and 1905 (basically, during the first decade of this depot's service).

Status

Not on view