Included is a Baumgartner Studio original photograph of Canyon Bridge, aka Chittenden Bridge in Yellowstone National Park c. 1908. This photograph is of the rapids and original bridge which was designed and built by Hiram Chittenden, noted as a renowned historian of Yellowstone National Park and also was an Army Corps of Engineer officer in the park from 1891-1892 and 1899-1906 during which time he was in exclusive charge of the road work and general improvements, including the iconic basalt Roosevelt Arch at the northern entrance. The original bridge was the subject of many photographs and paintings before it was replaced in 1962. Notable is that the bridge was constructed in three days!
Alfred Baumgartner was a noted photographer in Billings, Montana, had a studio which opened in 1906 and closed just a few years later. Little is known of his work except that he was certainly a true Western Photographer – had a “cowgirl” in his employ at the studio and most of his surviving works are in studio portraits of local Billings, Montana residents, and Art Photo style portraits of Native American Crow who lived on the expansive Crow Indian Reservation south of Billings, that were taken and copyrighted in 1906 by Alfred Baumgartner. Rear of the item has an original Baumgartner Studio label.
The photograph is in overall good condition with minor damage to the lower right corner, period gilt trimmed frame has scratches from wear consistent for its age, rear paper covering is weathered also consistent with handling for its age. Visible art measures 18"L x 10.75"W, frame measures 19.75"L x 12.5"W approximately