#urbanvs.rural

[caninesofthewest-blog]

“Woman with two dogs,” 1910-1919.

In a beautiful winter landscape stands a woman and two dogs in the midst of walking down the snowy lane way of a ranch directly next to a river. The dog standing closest to the woman is a German shorthaired pointer while the furthest dog appears to be of mixed breeding. The location of the photograph and identity of the woman are unknown but the archival collection originated in Utah. The woman was likely visiting a neighbor and bringing the dogs for company or protection, as the concept of needing to actively exercise dogs through planned walks is a modern concept.

This item resides at the Mountain West Digital Library.

[caninesofthewest-blog]

“Man with dog,” undated.

Taken in Hoot Owl Canyon, Utah, this photograph shows an unidentified man standing next to his two dogs sitting on a rock shelf. Based on the type and quality of the photograph, it is assumed to have been created between 1900 and 1910. Both dogs in the image appear to be panting quite heavily, meaning it was hot and dry dessert conditions likely with a lack of natural water sources. Dogs under such conditions would suffer from dehydration quickly but given the time period consideration for canine welfare was often an afterthought and this likely occurred regularly on long excursions.

This item resides at the Mountain West Digital Library.

[caninesofthewest-blog]

“Turney, Texas,” 1905.

The photographer of this image managed to capture the corner of the busy business district in the town of Turney, Texas, around the turn of the century. The first building on the right appears to be a general or supply store in the process of providing wooden crates for a customer. The building also hosts an advertisement for shoes. Multiple wagons and horses can be seen waiting out front, along with a single dog visible as he ascends the stairs of the store with his owner. Unfortunately, the image quality does not allow minute details to be discerned but the image accurately captures a bustling urban landscape in the American old West.

This item resides at the East Texas Digital Archives & Collections.

[caninesofthewest-blog]

“John Noblitt store,” undated.

In this iconic depiction of the American old West, two stern faced men are captured standing on the front porch with an older dog lying at the entrance of the John Noblitt store in Cherokee County, Texas. The store looks to be in disrepair as there are a few broken window panes in the front of the building but it is open for business regardless. An advertisement for “Owl Cigars” for 5₵ can be seen on the front of the store. General stores (along with the railway) were instrumental in establishing and maintaining newly settled towns in the American old West, providing a singular location to purchase household necessities.

This item resides at the East Texas Digital Archives & Collections.