A morning bath / motion picture
An African American mother is shown giving her struggling child a bath. She thrusts him, kicking and struggling, into a tub of foaming suds. 60142 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 31Oct1896; 6... More
Passaic Falls / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...
From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: A beautiful picture of the falls of the Passaic River, near Paterson, N.J. Copyright: no reg. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:19 at 30 fps. MAVIS 183875. Filmed ca. July 1896... More
Herald Square / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...
From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: Showing "Herald" building, street and elevated railroad. Copyright: no reg. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:11 at 24 fps. MAVIS 214311. Filmed May 11, 1896, in New York City.... More
American falls from above, American side /
From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: Shows glittering ice background and a group of photographers preparing to take pictures. 67877 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 12Dec1896; 67877. Camera, Willi... More
Feeding the doves / motion picture
From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: A farm yard picture, showing a young girl and her baby sister scattering grain to the doves and chickens. The fluttering birds and excited fowls give an abundance of action to ... More
A morning alarm / motion picture
From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: This shows the Fire Department leaving headquarters for an early morning fire. The scene is remarkable for its natural effect. The opening of the engine house doors, the pranci... More
Interrupted lovers / motion picture
From Maguire & Baucus catalogue: Another instance where "the course of true love never runs smooth." From Edison films catalog: The watchful father disturbs a dream of bliss, and the bucolic lover is taught a l... More
The burning stable / motion picture
From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: Shows a barn actually in flames, from which four horses and a burning wagon are rescued by firemen and stable hands. The scene is exciting, full of action from beginning to end... More
Shooting the chutes / motion picture
"A lively scene on the famous water chutes at Coney Island"--Maguire & Baucus catalogue. Copyright: no reg. Camera, William Heise. Duration: 0:23 at 30 fps. Filmed June 18-23, 1896, at Bergen Beach, Coney Islan... More
Giant coal dumper / motion picture
"Erie Railroad Series: The following subjects present novel and interesting views along the line of the Erie, such as do not always come within the observation of the general tourist. We are indebted to the cou... More
The first sleigh-ride /. 19th century, Library of Congress collection
From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: This subject taken just after the recent first fall of snow, shows two enthusiastic horsemen indulging in a "brush" with their respective horses and cutters. 3846 U.S. Copyrigh... More
Fishing smacks / motion picture
Taken at Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco, Cal., with a large fleet of fishing boats at anchor. From a single camera position, several small fishing vessels can be seen tied to the Wharf. Several men unload fis... More
Sutro Baths / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress collec...
"Another view in which the figures show larger. A springboard furnishes the bathers with much amusement; also a toboggan slide. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. "A large indoor swimming pool is shown, as well as... More
Waterfall in the Catskills /. 19th century, Library of Congress collec...
"Beautiful water effects at Haines' Falls, a most picturesque and charming mountain cataract. The wild and rugged surroundings are very impressive. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 43413 U.S. Copyright Office Co... More
S.S. "Coptic" in the harbor /. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...
From F.Z. Maguire catalogue: Shows the vessel away from the dock and slowly turning. The vessel is seen to good advantage, the four masts, smokestack and hull being faithfully reproduced. Clouds of smoke pour o... More
Cattle driven to slaughter /. 19th century, Library of Congress collec...
"A herd of long-horn cattle being driven through the Chicago stock yard gates to the slaughter house, where 280 of the animals are killed every hour of the day"--Maguire & Baucus catalogue. Part of the Erie Rai... More
Loading baggage for Klondike, no. 6 /
"This was the first ship sailing for the Klondike from Seattle during the gold rush of 1897. The picture shows the excitement and enthusiasm that attended the great Klondike exodus. Crowds of anxious gold seeke... More
Launch of surf boat - movie film screenshot
"The crew of seven dressed in cork jackets, push the boat through the surf; they clamber in and row out to the wreck. 50 ft."--Edison films catalog. "Pacific Coast Life Saving Service series: These subjects are... More
Pillow fight / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...
"A comic subject, clear, bright and characteristic. Shows four girls in their night dresses, engaged in an animated pillow fight. During the action the pillows become torn, and the feathers fly over their heads... More
Fast mail, Northern Pacific R. R. /
"Here is a twelve car train dashing along at a high rate of speed. It is seen first in the distance and approaches and passes by the camera. As it takes less than 30 seconds to show this 50 foot strip on a Proj... More
The sea lions' home - movie film screenshot
"The famous Seal Rocks at Golden Gate Park are here shown. Sea lions in their wild state are lying on the rocks and swimming and diving in the water. 50 ft."--Edison films catalog. "Pacific Coast Life Saving Se... More
Sheep run, Chicago stockyards /
"A large flock of sheep being driven over the runs from the cars to the slaughter beds. The sheep, pressed by the driver and frightened by the surroundings and confusion, move very fast"--Maguire & Baucus catal... More
S.S. "Williamette" leaving for Klondike /
"Shows the steamer backing out from the docks of the Northern Pacific R.R. Co. at Seattle Wash., with its immense load of passengers waving adieux to relatives and friends"--F.Z. Maguire & Co. catalog. 60556 U.... More
Seminary girls / motion picture
"A number of young ladies, in their night robes, are having a frolic, and are interrupted by a teacher. One girl makes herself very conspicuous by crawling under a bed. 50 foot strip"--Edison films catalog. 248... More
Racing at Sheepshead Bay /. 19th century, Library of Congress collecti...
"The finish and weighing out of a running race with nine starters. Won by famous Clifford, Sloane up. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 43414 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 31July1897; 43414. ... More
Cupid and Psyche / - vaudeville film
"An original dance by the Leander Sisters, performed at the Sutro Baths, San Francisco, Cal. One is dressed as Cupid, with the accompanying wings, bow and arrow; the other represents Psyche. The dance is full o... More
Horses loading for Klondike, no. 9 /
"The wharf is crowded with live stock, and the huge derrick slowly drops the large box or sling into the bunch. Into this cradle a horse is led, and is slowly hoisted and swung over to the deck of the steamer. ... More
Corner Madison and State Streets, Chicago /
"The busiest corner in Chicago. Cable cars and street traffic of all descriptions. Hundreds of shoppers. Fine perspective view looking north toward the Masonic Temple. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. "Erie Rail... More
Buffalo stockyards / motion picture
"A long line of horses, mules and ponies are led, driven and ridden into the yards, where they are sold and distributed"--Edison films catalog. 43408 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 31July189... More
Buffalo Fire Department in action /
"Another of those stirring fire scenes which have proved so popular. There are ten pieces of apparatus in the picture. Every piece fully manned is under full headway, and is shown almost head-on to the beholder... More
First Avenue, Seattle, Washington, no. 8 /
"Taken during the Klondike excitement. The streets are crowded with miners buying outfits and supplies. Mule trains, trolley cars and hurrying pedestrians give life and bustle to the scene. 50 feet."--Edison fi... More
Surf at Monterey / motion picture
"The water breaks over the rocks, and is dashed into silvery spray, high into the air. Exceptionally fine water effects. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog, no. 105. "Southern Pacific Company Series: The Southern P... More
Free-for-all race at Charter Oak Park /
"Shows a part of the enormous crowd and the start and finish of the free-for-all pacing race, in which the fastest harness horse in the world, John R. Gentry (2:00-1/2), the coming Star Pointer and Frank Agan c... More
Lurline Baths / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...
"A large indoor swimming pool can be seen. The camera was directed toward a slide from which people can be seen entering the pool in rapid succession"--Early motion pictures. "At San Francisco. The main feature... More
Launch of life boat /. 19th century, Library of Congress collection
"Pacific Coast Life Saving Service series: These subjects are illustrative of the work performed by the Life Saving Corps of the United States Government, and show the methods in vogue at one of the most import... More
Hotel Vendome, San Jose, Cal. /
"The world famous hotel, with crowded piazzas, which forms the background, is one of the best in the State of Califonia and is the principal stop for tourists en route to the famous Lick Observatory. The pictur... More
Hotel Del Monte / motion picture
"Shows a party of tourists at this famous resort; located in Monterey, Cal., on the Southern Pacific Railroad. The magnificence of its surroundings is clearly shown. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. "Southern Pa... More
Philadelphia Express, Jersey Central Railway /
"The scene of the overhead crossing of the Pennsylvania and Jersey Central railroads at Elizabeth, N.J. While a Pennsylvania train is passing over the arch, the Philadelphia Express on the Central Railroad come... More
Stanford University, California / motion picture
"Taken at the above University, noted the world over, being the personal gift of the late Senator Leland Stanford. The view shows an immense arch in the background through which are seen coming groups of studen... More
Lick Observatory, Mt. Hamilton, Cal. /
"The background of this picture is the Lick Observatory, Mount Hamilton, Cal. This observatory, the gift of James Lick, of Pennsylvania, was constructed at a cost of $700,000, being equipped with one of the mos... More
Sutro Baths, no. 1 /. 19th century, Library of Congress collection
"One of the sights of San Francisco. A 50-foot slide is used by the bathers, who toboggan down its slippery surface in all positions. The bathers are clad in black trunks, making fine contrast with the flesh ti... More
Leander Sisters / - vaudeville film
The Leander Sisters perform a clever, characteristic dance called the "Yellow Kid." Stage is in the Sutro Baths, San Francisco, Cal., and the audience is composed largely of bathers. One sister appears to be dr... More
Coptic S.S. "Coptic" sailing away /, Egypt
From F.Z. Maguire catalogue: Shows the vessel after she has been fully turned and on her way across the Pacific. The boat shows large and clear with smoke coming from the stack. In the foreground is a constantl... More
Fisherman's Wharf / motion picture
"Shows the wharf at San Francisco, Cal., with a large fleet of fishing boats at anchor. The crews are engaged in mending nets, arranging lines, etc., all of which lend action to the view. The figures are clear ... More
Capsize of lifeboat / motion picture
"Daily practise [sic] of life boat crew, showing boat being upset purposely by the men. As these boats are self-righting and self-bailing, the scene is particularly interesting. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. ... More
Launching, no. 2 / motion picture
"The camera was changed after the former subject had been photographed [i.e., Launch of Japanese man-of-war "Chitosa"] and the ship [Chitose] is seen nearly head-on, bow first, still floating backward into the ... More
Union Iron Works / motion picture
"Here was built the peerless battleship "Oregon." The scene is taken at lunch hour, and shows a great throng of employees leaving the shop. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog, no. 94, March 1900, p. 21. "Southern P... More
Cattle leaving the corral /. 19th century, Library of Congress collect...
Taken at Hacienda de Soledad, Sabinas Mexico, and shows a herd of 900 cattle being driven out of the corral, after having been branded. This immense herd, driven by Mexican cowboys, comes through the gates head... More
Parade of marines, U.S. cruiser "Brooklyn" /
"First comes the famous Marine Band of the "Brooklyn," with the mascot goat alongside the bass drum. The 300 Marines follow in rapid marching order, a sixteen file front in each company. 150 feet"--Edison films... More
Freight train / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...
"The long train is just coming out of the tunnel. An engine and a header, nineteen freight cars, a caboose and a pusher engine creep slowly round the curve and up the steep grade. Fine smoke effects. Magnificen... More
Shooting captured insurgents / motion picture
"A file of Spanish soldiers line up the Cubans against a blank wall and fire a volley. The flash of rifles and drifting smoke make a very striking picture. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 46696 U.S. Copyright O... More
After launching / motion picture
"Taken near the Union Works, San Francisco, Cal., immediately after the launching of the Japanese Man-of-war "Chitose." The scene opens with the pleasure yacht "Unadilla" passing in the immediate foreground, he... More
Sunset Limited, Southern Pacific Ry. /
"Taken at Fingal, Cal., where the world-renowned "Sunset Limited" trains pass each other. One runs on a side track, and the other dashes by at a high rate of speed. Switch is then turned, and the train passes o... More
Going through the tunnel /. 19th century, Library of Congress collecti...
"On the way to Santa Monica, Cal., the train approaches, runs through and emerges from a tunnel. Train passes in opposite direction. Camera is at front end of train, giving a very novel view. 100 feet"--Edison ... More
Native daughters / motion picture
"Taken at San Francisco, Cal., at the Golden Jubilee. In the foreground is shown an immense concourse of people, including ladies and children, while the background is formed by very high buildings, from the wi... More
Mount Tamalpais R.R. motion picture
The following is a scene-by-scene description of the film: The first segment of the film was probably shot from the back of a passenger car being pushed up the grade by a locomotive (as was standard practice). ... More
Statue of Liberty / motion picture
A three-quarter front view of the Statue of Liberty. The statue was erected twelve years earlier, in 1886. 52060 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 3Sept1898; 52060. Camera, J. Stuart Blackton, ... More
Wash day in Mexico /. 19th century, Library of Congress collection
"Mexican International R. R. Series: the interesting views catalogued below were photographed by our artists, while enjoying the special privileges extended to Mr. Edison's party. Under a broad and intelligent ... More
Ella Lola, a la Trilby - movie film screenshot
A young, dark-haired woman performs a dance inspired by George du Maurier's character Trilby, in an early modern dance style reminiscent of Isadora Duncan. She dances barefoot without stockings and is dressed i... More
South Spring Street, Los Angeles, Cal. /
"Various equipages pass, including a tally-ho and six white horses. A peculiar, open-end trolley car comes along; bicycle riders and pedestrians. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog, no 105. "Southern Pacific Compan... More
Parade of Chinese / motion picture
"Taken at San Francisco, Cal., at the Golden Jubilee. This picture shows a procession of the resident Chinese of San Francisco, carrying banners, flags, etc. They are followed by an immense float drawn by four ... More
Procession of floats / motion picture
"Taken at San Francisco, Cal., at the Golden Jubilee. In the foreground are seen crowds of people, all being very close to the camera. The first float is drawn by four white horses and is at least twenty feet l... More
Troops embarking at San Francisco /
Shows troops of the First Regiment, California Volunteers, boarding the Pacific Mail steamer City of Peking to serve in the Philippine theater of the Spanish-American War. The film was shot at the Pacific Mail ... More
Sleighing scene / motion picture
"A view taken on the West Side Drive in Central Park. Shows a continuous stream of handsome rigs and turnouts passing in both directions. Pedestrians watch the gay carnival. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 7346... More
Cuban ambush / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...
"From the upper windows of a ruined mill the Cubans fire at a scouting party of Spaniards, who return the volley. Fine smoke effects. 50 feet"--Edison films catalog. 46695 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thoma... More
Tenderloin at night / motion picture
A man walks into a bar in the Tenderloin, where he is greeted enthusiastically by the patrons. The bartender brings a round of drinks for everyone. While one of the women distracts the newcomer, one of the men ... More
Bicycle trick riding, no. 2 - movie film screenshot
Opens with a man riding a bicycle in a backwards circle, on a stage with a painted backdrop of a city street. He dismounts, then remounts the cycle and rides in a forwards circle, pausing and balancing for a mo... More
Skirmish of Rough Riders /. 19th century, Library of Congress collecti...
"Shielded by a thick bit of timber at a turn of the road stands a company of mounted men, awaiting the order to advance. In the foreground, left as the flotsam of battle, is a dead horse from the shelter of whi... More
Tourists going round Yellowstone Park /
"The following pictures were taken by our artists at various points on the Northern Pacific Railway...Rapidly one after the other coach after coach passes before the camera. First comes a big one, six horses, c... More
U.S. Infantry supported by Rough Riders at El Caney /
"Up the road comes a detachment of infantry, firing, advancing, kneeling and firing, again and again. The advance of the foot soldiers is followed by a troop of Rough Riders, riding like demons, yelling and fir... More
Capture of trenches at Candaba /
"The Filipinos execute a flank movement and re-occupy the trenches, cutting off the advance guard of Americans. The rebel flag waves over the ditch and they defend their position bravely. A fierce charge by our... More
Cripple Creek bar-room scene /. 19th century, Library of Congress coll...
"Shows tap room of the "Miners Arms," stout lady at the bar, and three men playing stud horse. Old toper with a silk hat asleep by the stove. Rough miner enters, bar maid serves him with Red Eye Whiskey and he ... More
104th Street curve, New York, elevated railway /
"Taken from the front platform of a special train run backward over the celebrated S curve. Not only are the passing trains and crowded platforms of great interest, but the view of up-town New York is an excell... More
2nd Special Service Battalion, Canadian Infantry--parade /
"This picture shows the Canadian troops departing from Quebec for the war in the Transvaal. The scene opens with the soldiers clad in campaign uniform, marching under the triumphal arch, cheered by thousands of... More
New Brooklyn to New York via Brooklyn Bridge, no. 2 /
"This is a new negative showing the entire trip from Brooklyn to New York, in which the immense towers stand out clear and distinct against the sky. The best picture of the Brooklyn Bridge yet secured. 150 feet... More
Love and war / motion picture. 19th century, Library of Congress colle...
"An illustrated song telling the story of a hero who leaves for the war as a private, is promoted to the rank of captain for bravery in service, meets the girl of his choice, who is a Red Cross nurse on the fie... More
Filipinos retreat from trenches /
"An incident of the Battle of the Trenches at Candabar [sic]. The enemy threw up a high earth embankment during the night, and are defending it with great stubbornness. The pits are crowded with Filipinos, who ... More
Troops at evacuation of Havana /
"The troops are turning into the Prado from a side street, where stands a triumphal arch erected by the Cubans, but which Gen. Brooke, the Military Governor of Cuba, would not permit to be finished, as he allow... More
The Astor tramp / motion picture
"A side-splitting subject, showing the mistaken tramp's arrival at the Wm. Waldorf Astor mansion and being discovered comfortably asleep in bed by the lady of the house. Length 100 feet, complete with words of ... More
U.S. troops and Red Cross in the trenches before Caloocan /
"Our troops have driven the Filipinos out of the trenches, and, after firing one or two volleys, press on in pursuit. The enemy returns the fire and the forward rush is marked by a trail of dead and wounded. Fo... More
Advance of Kansas Volunteers at Caloocan /
"From the thick underbrush where the Filipinos are massed comes volley after volley. They are making one of those determined stands that marks Caloocan as the bloodiest battle of the Filipino rebellion. Suddenl... More
New Brooklyn to New York via Brooklyn Bridge, no. 1
"The film was photographed from a single-camera position from the front of a railroad train as it crossed the bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan"--Early motion pictures. 61217 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Th... More
Admiral Dewey taking leave of Washington committee on the U.S. cruiser...
"Showing the gallant Admiral standing directly in front of the camera, life size, his head bare, graciously bidding his guests adieu. This was exhibited at Eden Musee and Koster and Bial's, New York, to 18,000 ... More
Panoramic view of the Champs Elysees /
"The camera was mounted on a moving vehicle on a main street of Paris, France. The Arc de Triomphe can be seen in the distance. The vehicle carryingthe camera makes an abrupt turn and proceeds down a street hea... More
Scene from the elevator ascending Eiffel Tower / - Exposition Universe...
"A marvelously clear picture taken from the top of the elevator of the Eiffel Tower during going up and coming down of the car. This wonderful tower is 1,000 feet in height, and the picture produces a most sens... More
Panorama of the Paris Exposition, from the Seine / - Exposition Univer...
From Edison films catalog: This panoramic scene is taken from a Seine steamboat and gives a rapid view of the banks of the river. The launch steams under six bridges and past the Street of Nations. The United S... More
Capture of Boer battery / - Victorian era public domain image
"By the Gordon Highlanders. In the foreground are two Creusot guns, manned by the Dutch burghers. Smoke effects are due. The Highlanders are seen in the distance, approaching rapidly, easily distinguished by th... More
Why Jones discharged his clerks /
"Great hit. Two delinquent clerks are seated in a broker's office engaged in a game of cards. The boss suddenly appears walking through the corridor. The cards are thrown down in great haste and when the employ... More
A storm at sea /. 19th century, Library of Congress collection
"While our photographers were crossing the Atlantic Ocean a most wonderful and sensational picture was secured, showing a storm at sea. The picture was secured by lashing the camera to the after bridge of the K... More
Grandma and the bad boys - movie film screenshot
"The scene opens in the kitchen which is strewn with cooking utensils, indicating that grandma is busy preparing the Christmas pastry. Two bad boys of the red headed, freckled face type, enter. The mischievous ... More
Why Mrs. Jones got a divorce / - Public domain portrait print
"The scene opens by showing a pretty cook mixing bread in the kitchen. Jones comes in unexpectedly from a trip and carries a dress suit case. He inquires for his wife and is told by the cook that she is absent.... More
Eiffel Tower from Trocadero Palace / - Exposition Universelle Internat...
"The single camera position is from the top of a building identified as the Trocadero Palace; the camera is pointed toward the Eiffel Tower. The film shows only up to the first arch of the Eiffel Tower"--Early ... More
Champs Elysees / motion picture
"Near the main entrance. Hundreds of carriages and characteristic Parisian buses are passing. 75 feet"--Edison films catalog. D16384 U.S. Copyright Office Copyright: Thomas A. Edison; 9Aug1900; D16384. Duration... More
Panorama of gorge railway /. 19th century, Library of Congress collect...
"One of the most interesting places in the vicinity of Niagara Falls is the Whirlpool Rapids, where the immense volume of water which passes from the Falls, speeds along through its rocky and tortuous passage t... More
Palace of Electricity / motion picture - Exposition Universelle Intern...
The camera pans around the Exposition grounds, providing views of the Champs-de-Mars, including a close view of the Palace of Electricity, a partial view of the Eiffle Tower, and views of many visitors to the E... More
English lancers charging / motion picture
From Edison films catalog: The stubborn resistance of the Boers is shown by the activity and persistency with which they fire the two large field pieces immediately in the foreground. It seems, indeed, a hopele... More
Red Cross ambulance on battlefield /
From Edison films catalog: Near the center of this scene we see the regimental surgeon directing the movements of the Ambulance Corps. Tenderly they pick up the unfortunates and place them in the ambulance. The... More
Panorama of the moving boardwalk / - Exposition Universelle Internatio...
"This picture was taken from the stationary platform, showing the rapidly moving board walk on the outer edge, which has a speed of five miles per hour; also shows the middle platform moving two and a-half mile... More
Scene in the Swiss village at Paris Exposition / - Exposition Universe...
"The picture opens with a crowd of Swiss boys and girls dressed in native costumes, marching down the street in this very unique and picturesque village. Each happy and smiling face is clearly shown as they pas... More
![Charge of Boer cavalry [no. 2] /](https://cache.getarchive.net/Prod/thumb/cdn4/L3RodW1ibmFpbC8xOTAwLzAxLzAxL2NoYXJnZS1vZi1ib2VyLWNhdmFscnktbm8tMi0yMDAuZ2lm/40/40/webp "Charge of Boer cavalry [no. 2] /")
Charge of Boer cavalry [no. 2] /
"In the distance is seen a number of grey objects rapidly approaching, which, upon drawing closer, are recognized as a company of Boer cavalry. As they draw nearer, you can see that they are straining every ner... More