J. FOX’S CRACKERS . . .

Was stenciled on the side of the deliver wagon shown in this wonderful visual narrative of mid-19th century “from factory” possibly the brick building in the background to “clientele”. A little history first. Joseph Fox began manufacturing his crackers in the cellar of his house after receiving an education in the Lansingburgh public schools and at Lansingburgh Academy. According to an account of his life, he became so successful that he constructed a factory on the corner of Second Ave. and 16th St. I have studied this professionally restored sixth plate masterpiece closely and I believe that there is a side street on the north side of the large building in question. Beyond that readers, I have been stymied to make a positive identification of the actual location where this scene was taken. Although the horses seem blurred, that really wasn?t the truth. The daguerreian used a portrait lens to capture the view and there was a soft spot in the center. Look at the sharpness of the hooves of the animals and how clearly focused the sunburned driver, who wore leather gloves as he gripped those reins, and the remainder of the mud splattered vehicle were. Yes, the man was chomping down hard on his favorite seegar while posing. I believe that the unknown daguerreian made his exposure circa 1850. The contrast in this gritty landscape was spectacular! The depth almost permits anyone who might be interested to climb aboard and ride along the cracker route! Please see the other two scans.