John makes a bike – courtesy of the NB Provincial Archives
Toronto. The cover of issue 24-1 features John Morrison Taylor on the bike he built in Fredericton, New Brunswick. It was the first hand made bike made in Fredericton.
John was the brother of G T Taylor who photographed John on his bike. The picture is a one of a number from the article, “Fredericton Marks Its 150th Anniversary [1848-1998]” by Wesley Waye. The photos are all courtesy of the NB Provincial Archives, G.T. Taylor Collection. And the article addresses the Anniversary of New Brunswick’s capital city.
Wesley begins the article, “A lot has happened along the Saint John River in 150 years and the proper tribute begins with a journey through the archives, museums and libraries of the city, and through trunks full of memories in search of the threads of community that connected the people to their surroundings. In such a search every bit of heritage, lovingly preserved, owes much to the visual impact of photographs which have outlasted their subjects and their makers.
“Although always a thriving capital city, Fredericton’s population remained small throughout its first 100 years of incorporation. There was usually no more than two or three active photographic studios in business at any one time, as compared to the 23 professional photographers currently [c1998] listed in Fredericton’s Yellow Pages.
“The photographers who have graced this riverside settlement, however, have left us a visual lesson of “what life was like…”. A visit to the New Brunswick Provincial Archives, makes one aware of how well the story of Fredericton had been documented with photography.
“The highlight is the George Thomas Taylor Collection, from Fredericton’s first established photographer. His detailed work includes aerial panoramics from atop the church spires, action on the pioneer streets and the stillness of a land untamed.
“George Thomas Taylor, born September 6, 1838, was recognized for his exceptional artistic ability at an early age. He supplemented his schooling with diligent home studies, showing particular interest in the “science” of photography. In 1860 at the age of 22, he had developed a thorough knowledge of the collodion (or wet) process and was building his own rudimentary cameras by hand.
“His first studio began at the corner of Queen and Carleton Streets, where the Royal Bank now stands, launching a career and passion that would last roughly half a century.” …
To read all of this article and others in issue 24-1, members referred to the relevant pdf file on the free members-only DVD/thumb drive. See above or at right to become a member. Questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.
