Street Parade 1886 - 1888

Henry Hamilton Bennett created this stereograph, titled "Street Parade," capturing a moment from the St. Paul Ice Carnival in the late 1880s. Bennett’s work gives us insight into the cultural practices and social dynamics of the time. This photograph speaks to the construction of community identity and the role of public spectacle in solidifying social bonds. While seemingly celebratory, these types of events often served to reinforce existing social hierarchies. The composition of the photograph, with spectators lined up along the street, invites us to consider who is included and who is excluded from this vision of community. Bennett’s choice to document this event underscores the cultural significance of such gatherings. The image encapsulates a specific moment in time and prompts reflection on the ways in which communities construct and represent themselves through public displays of unity and celebration. The image is tinged with the potential for exclusion.