Harvard Square (with establishments and horse-drawn trolleys) 1861 - 1866

Editor: This is a fascinating photograph of Harvard Square, showing establishments and horse-drawn trolleys, and is attributed to George Kendall Warren. It really captures the hustle and bustle of the time. What can you tell me about the material realities captured here? Curator: Notice the road's surface, presumably cobblestone or packed earth. Consider the labor required to construct and maintain that infrastructure. The trolleys themselves, and the horses that power them, speak to systems of production, consumption, and even waste management of the era. Editor: That’s a good point. I never thought about the maintenance involved. What does this tell us about the social context? Curator: This image offers a glimpse into the economic activity, and how resources were mobilized. How does this shift your understanding of the image? Editor: It makes me consider the unseen labor that allowed this scene to exist. Thanks for sharing that perspective! Curator: My pleasure!