When the "Oliver" Whistle Blows

When the "Oliver" Whistle Blows

A long line of men, most dressed in suits and bowler hats, are exiting the Oliver Typewriter factory. Several are walking south between the Chicago and Northwestwern railroad tracks ignoring the large Watch Out For Cars sign. Some of the men have crossed at Church street possibly to join the large group waiting to go to Harvard on the next train. Some have stayed on the east side platform to ride the train to Crystal Lake. There are tracks coming down from the Oliver factory and tracks that cross them from either the lumber company or the Woodstock Typewriter factory.

On the left side of the photo the backs of buildings that front on East Judd street and North Benton street are visible. The depot was replaced in 1912 with the one still used today.

The photographer is unknown. The handwriting on the negative does not match any known local photographer.

The postcard photo is dark and was probably printed before 1907 since there is room left on the front for messages. This postcard was dated 1908 and was sent to Howard Stone in Norway.

Don Gaul 1996

c1907