Chelsea Piers, New York City, in 1912

Chelsea Piers, New York City, in 1912

While researching the New York City waterfront and its piers, I found this incredibly detailed photograph of Chelsea Piers. The photograph was identified as having been taken between 1910 and 1920, but I was pretty sure I could narrow the date down to the exact year. In this essay I'll share some history and explain how I determined the photo was taken in 1912.

Researching Robert: Gladys Gamble Parks Sailed on the RMS Scythia

Gladys Gamble grew up in a Hull household where the family had to stretch their income to make ends meet, including a strict food budget during the war. I can imagine Gladys' appetite on the Scythia while sitting in the airy and spacious dining room with long, communal tables set with white linen and silver, eating her way through multiple courses of abundant, high-quality British cuisine. While first-class passengers were served French culinary traditions, second-class passengers were pleased to have the choice of Yarmouth bloaters (smoked herring), grilled ox kidneys, roast muffin, and plum pudding.

Cobh, Irish Free State

Before Gladys Parks could get familiar with the sounds and rhythm of her ship, the RMS Scythia, and prior to traveling in the rougher seas of the Atlantic Ocean, the liner had one port call, Cobh (pronounced "cove"), located in the Irish Free State.

A Horse and Buggy Doctor

Despite having a doctor's office in Inman, above his drug store, Dr. John S. Graves was known for traveling the countryside outside of town in his horse and buggy to care for his patients at their homes.

No One Ever Forgets Their First Car

"Cars are not just cars. They are memories, and these memories last a lifetime. Memories of one’s first car are often vivid, powerful, and emotional. They are etched in our memories forever.” - Michelle Peck, Executive Director of The Garage Automotive Museum, Salina, Kansas