Collecting is an illness of a form, but, is it curable we have to ask ourselves?
What starts out innocently enough contains the seed of what can grow into habits that need constant attention. In this case, postcards or photographica - all that encompasses images.
Rodney Stokes, perhaps not a well-known name, plied his trade prior to J.W. Bald who is, presently, better known. Bald, in fact, took over Stokes’ business on King Street in Midland in 1898.
The exterior view was a more difficult prospect than the studio view where lighting could be controlled.
Both cabinet photos are of early Midland residents, the Dobsons and the Levines. Moses and his brother Michael Levine owned a store in Midland. The Dobsons were one of Midland’s pioneering families.
The view of Midland looking east toward Dollartown is astonishing in detail. The second view is of the original Midland GTR Station. Both cards are in fine original condition with little fading having likely been in storage for years.
Rodney O. Stokes was one of Midland’s pioneer photographers, recording a diverse and growing community at the turn of the 20th Century.
René Hackstetter Jan 26, 2022.
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