The CD contains the following 20 Short Films:
They range in length from less that 30 seconds to over 4
Mins
Buffalo Police on Parade
From Edison films catalog: A street scene showing parade of the entire Buffalo
Police Department, 16 men abreast, with military band.
Buffalo Fire Department in action /Thomas A. Edison, Inc. ; producer,
James White. 1897
From F.Z. Maguire & Co. catalogue: Another of those
stirring fire scenes which have proved so popular. There are ten pieces of
apparatus in the picture. Every piece fully manned is under full headway,
and is shown almost head-on to the beholder. Several of the engines and wagons
are drawn by three horses abreast. Fireman appear putting on their coats,
etc., while the engines and trucks rush by. Many of the engine horses in
the picture are white and the speed at which they break into the scene and
pass full size under the very eye of the observer is startling. The engines
are fired up and there are dust, steam and smoke effects all through the
film. This picture is very full and complete
Fireboat New Yorker Answering an Alarm Edison Manufacturing Co.,
1903
From Edison films catalog: This picture gives a good idea of how soon one
of the New York fireboats can be gotten under way after they receive an alarm
of fire. The men are seen running on board the boat, taking their respective
places, casting off the lines, etc. The boat is on its way to the fire in
almost an instant.
Burning of the Standard Oil Company's tanks Bayonne NJ
From Edison films catalog: This picture shows a street
scene at Constable Hook, Bayonne, N.J. In the background rise immense volumes
of dense black smoke from the burning oil, reaching high in the heavens.
Outlined against this dense oil smoke is seen some of a lighter color. This
is from the fire engines and from the houses of the unfortunate residents,
whom we see fleeing before the destructive march of this element of fire.
Some of them are bringing out what remains of their homes, and they have
pressed into service all manner of vehicles, men in some cases taking the
place of horses. Some have saved so little that they can readily carry out
all that remains of their goods.
Montreal Fire Department on runners / Thomas A. Edison,
Inc.
From Edison films catalog: First comes the Chief's sleigh with old-fashioned
side runners, containing the Chief and his driver. Next comes a chemical
apparatus mounted on a stout double runner sled, which is followed closely
by hose apparatus mounted on double runner sleds. Next comes a water tower
mounted on a set of double runners and drawn by four beautiful horses. This
is followed very closely by an engine drawn by a four-horse string team.
Next comes a hook and ladder mounted on a double set of runners and drawn
by a four-horse string team. This is followed by another engine on double
runners and drawn by a four-horse string team, and a second hose carriage,
and a Protective Insurance outfit bring up in the rear. The different apparatus,
with their puffing horses, make a very exciting appearance as they pass the
camera. It being a very cold day, the breath leaves the horses nostrils in
great white puffs as they gallop through the snow-clad streets.
The burning stable / Thomas A. Edison, Inc. ; producer, James
White.
From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: Shows a barn actually in flames, from
which four horses and a burning wagon are rescued by firemen and stable hands.
The scene is exciting, full of action from beginning to end, and all its
details are clearly and sharply defined. Thick volumes of smoke pouring from
the doors and windows of the stable add greatly to the realistic effect.--From
Edison films catalog: A burning wagon is dragged from the barn by the firemen,
and four horses are rescued from the flames by the stablement. Thick volumes
of smoke pour from doors and windows
Police patrol wagon / Thomas A. Edison, Inc. ; producer, James
White.
From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: A scene in which a number of men engage
in a rough-and-tumble street fight. The police appear, the patrol wagon dashes
up and the combatants are arrested and driven off to the police station.
A realistic picture; sharp, clear and sure to excite interest wherever
exhibited.--From Edison films catalog: It dashes up just in time to gather
in the crowd of rowdies that are fighting. The policemen hustle the toughs
off to the station house.
A morning alarm / Thomas A. Edison ; producer, James White
From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: This shows the Fire Department leaving
headquarters for an early morning fire. The scene is remarkable for its natural
effect. The opening of the engine house doors, the prancing of the horses,
and even the startled expression upon the faces of the spectators, are all
clearly depicted.
From Edison films catalog: Shows a Newark fire company just leaving the engine
house. The doors open, the horses prance, and the spectators hurry to get
a good look at the start.
New York Harbor Police boat Patrol capturing pirates / Thomas A.
Edison, Inc
This was probably filmed in the southern part of the Upper New York Bay looking
towards the Narrows, with Fort Lafayette partly visible in the far background.
The subject is a simulated capture by the police gunboat "Patrol" of three
"pirates" in a rowboat. Puffs of smoke appear as the gunboat fires several
rounds from the bow cannon, which can be clearly seen later in a side view
of the boat [Frame: 3642]. The "Patrol" was a steel, twin screw, 135 foot,
118 ton police boat, built in 1893 at Sparrow's Point, Maryland.
From a contemporary Edison film company catalog: NEW YORK HARBOR POLICE BOAT
"PATROL" CAPTURING PIRATES. The "Patrol" is seen chasing a row-boat containing
river pirates. The pirates are pulling at the oars with all their strength,
but a few shots from the Police Boat weaken their nerves and they give up.
When the "Patrol" comes up near them, it lowers a dory and a number of policemen
make the capture. As the pirates are landed on the Police Boat a fierce fight
takes place between them and the police, but the latter overcome the offenders
and land them safely on the boat.
N.Y. Fire Department returning / American Mutoscope and Biograph
Company.
Shot at an unidentified location in New York City, the film shows several
pieces of horse-drawn fire vehicles in motion: two hook-and-ladders [Frame:
0114, 0905]; two steam pumpers [0373, 1111]; a rescue wagon [0549]. Note
the kids hanging on the back of some of the vehicles.
Parade of "exempt" firemen / American Mutoscope and Biograph
Company.
The film shows a large group of people watching the approach of a color guard
followed by a number of elderly marching firemen [Frame: 1734] pulling antique
fire equipment [2486]. In the background is the white marble Washington Arch
[0116], designed by Stanford White and completed in 1895 to commemorate the
first inauguration of George Washington.
New York police parade, June 1st, 1899 / Thomas A. Edison,
Inc.
The film shows members of "New York's Finest" parading at a crowded Union
Square. There are members of the Bicycle Squad [Frame: 0396], mounted horses
[0612], and two regimental marching bands [2518, 3456]. At the time of filming,
the New York City Police Department was still recovering from the corruption
scandals of the early 1890's that had severely tarnished the reputation of
the department. A State Senate appointed group known as the Lexow Committee
investigated the department and issued a scathing report that detailed serious
criminal activity within the department. In 1895, public opinion was so low
that the annual parade wasn't held. That same year, Theodore Roosevelt was
appointed president of the Police Board, and he is credited with initiating
strict and effective reform measures that helped restore the public's confidence
in the police.--From a contemporary Edison Company catalog: NEW YORK POLICE
PARADE. Unbuilding [code for telegraphic orders]. An excellent view of "The
Finest," on their annual parade and inspection, June 1, 1899. The head of
the column is just turning into 14th Street from Broadway, the Morton House
forming part of the background. Crowds line both sides of the cable car tracks,
falling back as the band heading the first division swings around Dead Man's
Curve and passes the camera. Chief Devery makes a fine showing, as also do
his men, with their white gloves and helmets, shining buttons and spick and
span appearance in general.
Move on / Thomas A. Edison, Inc.
Filmed in New York's Lower East Side, the scene is a street where several
pushcart vendors have gathered to sell their goods. In the foreground are
fruit and vegetable carts. An elevated railroad track crosses over the street
in the background. As the film progresses, two policemen can be seen heading
up the street toward the camera and ordering all of the vendors to move.
One of the policemen approaches the camera waving his nightstick, and the
cart in the foreground begins moving. The film ends with a closeup of the
policeman scolding the vendor.
From a contemporary Edison film company catalog: MOVE ON. In certain sections
of New York City large numbers of Jewish and Italian push-cart vendors congregate
so closely along the sidewalks that they interfere with traffic. Policemen
keep them moving. The picture shows how the frightened peddlers hurry away
when a bluecoat appears. Some of the carts are piled high with fruits of
all kinds, and it is interesting and amusing to see the expressions of combined
fear and anxiety on the faces of the men as they hurry away; the fear of
being arrested if they stand, and of losing some of their wares if the carts
strike an obstruction in the street. Very fine photographically.
Albany, N.Y., fire department / Thomas A. Edison, Inc.
A sidewalk crowd on a main street of Albany, N.Y., watches as fourteen pieces
of horse-drawn fire equipment quickly pass by.
Cleveland fire department / American Mutoscope & Biograph
Company.
The subject is the activities of a fire department that can be seen coming
out of the fire engine house located across the street from the camera position.
The action must have been a drill or rehearsal as the street is lined with
people awaiting the arrival of the three pumpers, the two hook-and-ladder
wagons, and the four personnel wagons that made up the contingent of fire
equipment.
Procession of floats / Thomas A. Edison, Inc. ; producer, James
White
From Edison films catalog: Taken at San Francisco, Cal., at the Golden Jubilee.
In the foreground are seen crowds of people, all being very close to the
camera. The first float is drawn by four white horses and is at least twenty
feet long. It carries a full load of little school girls, who sit along its
full length facing the sides of the street. This is followed by a corps of
firemen, and they in turn by a unique float drawn by six mules. Particular
attention is drawn to the actions of a small boy who stands very close to
the camera and who partially obstructs the view. He was requested by the
photographer to leave his position, and the startled look and hasty disappearance
lends a humorous incident. Sharp and clear.
Exploded gas tanks, U.S. Mint, Emporium and Spreckels Bld'g / Thomas
A. Edison, Inc.
This film is a spectacular pan of the downtown area of San Francisco as seen
from south of Market Street. The location among low ruins was ideal to view
the tall ruined buildings along and north of Market Street. Since the facade
of St. Patrick's Church is not visible in the pan, the film is probably later
than May 9, the date the facade was demolished. The camera, placed on the
east side of 4th Street near Natoma Street, one and two-thirds blocks south
of Market Street, pans a full 240 degrees, from southwest to southeast.
The following is a scene-by-scene description of the film: [Frame: 0280]
The pan begins in the southwest, viewing two 550,000 cubic foot, 45' diameter
frames of gas tanks of the San Francisco Gas and Electric Company at 5th
and Folsom streets. [1155] The 1873 U.S. Mint is visible in the distance
at 5th and Mission streets, a classical facade with two large smokestacks
at the rear. The building is now a museum. [1060] The dome of the ruined
City Hall is seen in the background at left, behind the ruined wall. [1682]
The camera views the impressive ruins of the Emporium department store facing
Market Street. A couple in the foreground walk up 4th Street. [1750] The
Flood Building is seen behind the Emporium across Market Street at Powell
Street. [2082] We look up 4th Street to see the St. Francis Hotel, at Powell
and Geary streets. Its adjacent unfinished north wing was under construction
before the disaster. [2195] The frame of the Butler Building (now I. Magnin's
department store) at Stockton and Geary streets is seen. It also was under
construction at the time of the earthquake and fire. [2270] The Fairmont
Hotel on Nob Hill, almost ready to open at the time of the disaster, is the
square building seen in the distance. The tower of the unfinished (pre-disaster)
Whittell Building, on Geary Street near Stockton Street, is at center right.
[2480] The tower of the Shreve Building (pioneer silverware firm) at Post
Street and Grant Avenue is behind the ruins at left. The smokestack of a
San Francisco Gas and Electric Company substation is at right. [2705] At
center is the handsome domed tower of the Spreckels Building, renamed the
Call Building when it became the main office of the San Francisco Call newspaper.
The view is due north. The Aronson Building is just visible above the nearby
wall, which hides the ruined Palace Hotel. [4000] Ruins are seen along 2nd
and 3rd streets to the northeast. The Wells Fargo Building with its heavy
cornice is at left center at Mission and 2nd streets. At right, a block closer
to the camera position, are hotels on 3rd Street. [3360] A view diagonally
across Howard Street to 3rd Street shows dramatic hotel and apartment house
ruins.
White Wings on review / Thomas A. Edison, Inc.
Filmed on an unidentified street in New York City, probably Fifth
Avenue. Rows of men wearing the white uniforms of New York City street sweepers
(known as White Wings) march by the camera. Each row has a police
escort. The parade of uniformed men continues until several hundred
pass. Immediately following the marching men come approximately a hundred
horse-drawn two-wheel carts of the kind used for hauling garbage [Frame:
3394]. One four wheeled cart is seen near the end of the film. In 1895, under
the reform administration of Mayor William L. Strong, New York City's Department
of Street Cleaning was headed by Colonel George Waring. It was he who garbed
his workers in the white duck suits (earning them the name "White Wings")
seen in the film. He is also recognized as a brilliant sanitary engineer
who marshalled the two thousand man force to clean four hundred and fifty
miles of streets each day. According to Jacob Riis, "his broom saved more
lives in the crowded tenements than a squad of doctors." By 1903, the date
of the filming, a new city administration was in power and Waring had been
replaced.--From a contemporary Edison film company catalog: WHITE WINGS ON
REVIEW. A fine picture of the celebrated "White Wings" or street- cleaning
department of one district of Greater New York, showing over 350 men in line,
and over 100 carts that are used to carry the refuse away to the dumping
wharf, marching through the streets of New York.
Mounted police charge / Thomas A. Edison, Inc. ; producer, James
White.
From Maguire & Baucus catalogues: A troop of mounted police, in full
dress uniform, are seen approaching the audience at full gallop; when within
but a few yards of the camera they suddenly halt and each horse and rider
appears full life size.
Annual parade, New York fire department / Thomas A. Edison,
Inc.
Dignitaries are shown as they alight from a horse-drawn brougham and enter
the speaker's bleachers. Next, personnel of the New York Fire Department
walk by the camera. One of every piece of fire-fighting equipment then used
by the department passes.
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