Floride

1890 · 59940 — Key West FL: Hunt Photographer 211 Duval St. ca. 1890. Oblong 8vo. One albumen photo sized 4.25 x 6.5 in. mounted on printed 5.25 x 8.5 in. boudoir-sized studio board w/ photographer’s imprint in lower margin of board manuscript pencil title on verso minor chipping & slight tears to upper fore-edge of image still a VG- photo w/ bright strong contrast. A scarce 19th-century albumen boudoir photograph capturing the historic fish market in Key West Florida which at the time held a monopoly on the sponge trade in the United States. Beginning with sponges introduced before the Civil War eventually 1200 spongers on hook boats caught up to 2000 tons of sponges a year. At the time turtling or turtle fishing was a significant industry and the Charter Fishing Boat presence was still quite small and would eventually grow during the Progressive Era drawing ever greater numbers of tourists. Hunt fl. 1880-1900 in Key West Florida operated a photography studio at 211 Duval for over a decade and was originally from Indiana. Hunt, Photographer, 211 Duval St., unknown