photo copyright Ravenna Museum, Ravenna Michigan-click on photo for larger viewThe Ravenna Museum has received several photos over the years, some are unidentified. We will showcase the unidentified photos periodically. Feel free to comment on time frame, and if by chance you know the persons and or places, please let us know!
Here is the first, I don't think that this is a Ravenna building, it isn't now at least. It looks like it could be a church from the windows above the doors. Large columns make me think this is a building of importance, but where? Grand Rapids or Muskegon perhaps? What time frame do you think this is?
An interesting group of men in a variety of hats, which lead me to think that they might have a variety of national/ethnic origins. Some of the caps make me think of Eastern Europe, but I could be wrong. Quite a range of ages, too. They are moderately well dressed, and most do not appear to be particularly well off, but again some variety in the cut of the cloth, so to speak.
ReplyDeleteThe double wooden door has those things to prevent the door from banging shut when they are opened (I forget what they're called) so obviously they get a fair amount of use. The semi-circular window above the door and the columns on either side all make me think of city hall or public library, rather than church. Altewrnatively, if it is one of the larger towns, perhaps a working men's club, a beneficial society, even a congregational meeting house of some sort.
Are those noticeboards on either side of the doors? They might provide a further clue.
Could they all be railway employees, and this be a railway building somewhere? The chap at the for right end of the front row looks as though he's about to blow on a whistle for the train to leave on platform three, and several of the other look as though they might have on railway-style caps.
Timewise, I would guess around 1905-1915, but I'm happy to be proved wrong.
Regards, Brett
Interesting...I will see if some Muskegon locals might know something more....will post later!
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