In the 1880’s: souvenir pictures

Before the Park Board owned Minnehaha Falls, it was in private hands.  Here, an un-recorded photographer took this family’s portrait on some sort of built platform structure on the south side of the Minnehaha gorge.

A series of photographers had the concession of selling tourists their photos in front of Minnesota's most famous view.
A series of photographers had the concession of selling tourists their photos in front of Minnesota’s most famous view.

There was a well-used pathway behind the Falls.
There was a well-used pathway behind the Falls. One wonders if Grandmama would allow that girl to try the route.  As soon as the Park Board took ownership of the Falls, they fenced this route off.

The photographer’s concession was rented by many of the notable early Minneapolis photographers.  The rental payment was a significant piece of annual income for those who owned Minnehaha Falls.


 

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