City - Chicago, IL - A.B. Ward and Andy 1900 - Side by Side

by Mike Savad

Title

City - Chicago, IL - A.B. Ward and Andy 1900 - Side by Side

Artist

Mike Savad

Medium

Photograph - Hand Colored Photo

Description

Colorized photo from 1900
Original Title: 12th St. Bascule Bridge
Photographer: Detroit Publishing
Location: Roosevelt Road Bridge, Chicago IL

The A.B. Ward is seen crossing the Chicago Terminal Transfer Railroad Bridge over the Chicago River around 1900, between 12th and Taylor Streets. This view offers a fascinating snapshot of bustling marine traffic on the river in the early 20th century.

Built in 1866 by the Miller Brothers, Chicago's pioneering shipbuilders, the A.B. Ward was operated by the Y&L Coal Company, specializing in fueling vessels along the river. Here, she tows a crane barge used to lift buckets of coal and deposit them into waiting bunkers.

Nearby is the Andy, built by E.A. Heath for the Graham & Morton Transportation Company of Benton Harbor, Michigan. Used initially for harbor work, the Andy later shuttled tank barges for the Texas Company's refinery in Lockport. Tragically, she was crushed by ice at the refinery in 1911.

In the distance, the I.M. Weston, built by Scottish shipbuilder Duncan Robertson, can be seen. Originally from Grand Haven, Michigan, she was repurposed by the Drainage Canal Amusement Company for river excursions from 12th Street, offering passengers scenic tours of the canal.

Coloring notes:
I've made this location before, there is a sewer tour, as referenced above you can see it in the background, that yellow and red ship mid level in the background. I made it awhile ago and my techniques changed a bit over the years, so these won't match in color, this one will have a lot more detail.

As for the tug colors, I learned that they use dark colors so the coal smoke doesn't stain it, but also, colors like red or brown seals the wood better. While I could have chosen all black for either tug, I wanted a bit of pop in there, so I gave it a pinstripe. I think these images were taken about 10-15 mins apart. As the same people are in the scene (the guy in blue overalls I think belongs to the train the photographer came in, as they had their own train. The positioning is slightly different, as is the focus. I think the second shot of the sewer tour, was the impromptu shot, as this image has a lot more detail in it. And its not like the camera is small, I think he broke it down and then set it all back up again as he saw the ship coming.

Uploaded

October 27th, 2024

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