Brazos Past does some 'spring cleaning'
By Terri Jo Ryan
Special to the Tribune-Herald
One of the joys (and pains) of writing a newspaper column about local history is finding so many nifty photographs and knowing that, alas, they all cannot make it into print because of space limitations.
But, after I have spent so many hours chasing facts and pursuing images or graphics, I am most reluctant to part with the “leftovers” — so much so, in fact, that I tend to hang onto them and they pile up.
In the spirit of making a “clean sweep” for spring, Brazos Past presents some of its dusty treasures.
To contribute story tips or images to Brazos Past, you can contact me at the email address or phone number below.
tjryan@wacotrib.com
757-5746
A Baylor University photographer in 1934 captured this image of Fred A. Gildersleeve at work, and used it in the campus yearbook, The Round Up. Gildersleeve (1881-1958) was the official photographer for the Baylor University football team for several decades. He moved to Waco in 1905 and was known as the “Matthew Brady of Waco” as he chronicled the area’s history for 53 years.
The Texas Collection at Baylor University photo
Three women gaze in wonder at the installation of air conditioning in the Amicable Life Insurance Company building, during the summer of 1954. About eight years later, the iconic neon ALICO sign was erected.
The Texas Collection at Baylor University photo
“Faithful Protection,” the Amicable’s trademark for many years, was painted in oil by an artist named Fritz Gunther and displayed in the corporate offices in Waco.
The Texas Collection at Baylor University photo
A steam laundry that operated for almost half a century was founded in 1878 by George A. Arnold and Edward Haydon at the end of South First Street. They advertised the place as “Bath House, Dyers and Scourers.” (Photo from A History of Early Waco With Allusions to Six Shooter Junction, William H. Curry)
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