Geneva, Hobart College c. 1895

William H. Rau made this photograph of Geneva, Hobart College, at the turn of the 20th century. It pictures a well-established educational institution in a small American town, during a period when photography was becoming increasingly important in representing civic life. Rau’s photographic work offers an interesting insight into institutional self-representation at this time. Consider how photography was used to promote colleges and universities to prospective students and donors. This image may have been employed to communicate the traditional, ivy-covered facade of Hobart College. The image emphasizes the college's historical roots, using visual cues to suggest stability, longevity, and prestige. What is particularly interesting about this image, however, is the unpaved street. This choice is somewhat at odds with the college's message of stability. Examining the institutional archives of Hobart College, along with period newspapers, and publications, can deepen our understanding of the complex social and economic forces at play in this image. The meaning of such photographs is always contingent on the specific social and institutional context of their creation and use.