Mamie's Fall c. 1875

Editor: Here we have John K. Hillers' "Mamie's Fall," a petite stereograph from the late 19th century. The water looks so silky smooth. What story do you think this image is trying to tell, and why use this stereograph format? Curator: Well, imagine slipping into that scene—the cool spray on your face! Hillers invites us to reflect on nature’s quiet power, that constant flow of water carving its path. As for the stereograph? It gave folks a taste of 3D, a peek into places they might only dream of seeing. It’s like a postcard from a dream. Editor: A postcard from a dream. I like that! Curator: Me too! It reminds me we can find wonder in even the smallest of waterfalls. Editor: I'll definitely look at other stereographs differently now.