Wood Engraving, "Quite a Common Scene, it is Said, on the Railways in the West," 1858
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Artifact Overview
While close clearances -- tight spaces between railroad cars and trackside structures -- did exist, this 1858 illustration from Harper's Weekly exaggerated the dangers faced by passengers who stuck their heads through windows. More likely threats from an open window included sparks, cinders and smoke from the steam locomotive pulling the train -- all of which could irritate eyes and damage clothing.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Print (Visual work)
Subject Date
1858
Creator Notes
Artwork by W.J. Hennessy. Published in Harper's Weekly magazine, September 26, 1858.
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
82.129.1335
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Cardboard
Technique
Wood engraving (Process)
Color
Black-and-white (Colors)
Dimensions
Height: 5.375 in (cartoon only)
Width: 7.25 in (cartoon only)
Height: 11.125 in (entire backing)
Width: 14.125 in (entire backing)
Inscriptions
Text under cartoon:
QUITE A COMMON SCENE, IT IS SAID, ON THE RAILWAYS IN THE WEST.
Description typed beneath cartoon on separate slip of paper:
Cartoon portraying the danger incurred by a passenger in putting his head or arm out of an open window of a railroad car.
Wood engraving. Published by Harper's Weekly.
Date: September 25, 1858
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