By Marian Matyn
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcyFuocu3-7cC9gyOS2_5eoDB1_asEiQsqNmb5LVbs2dr7Za8ITemOdKFfGMaKOVLelQe3oLNFUCYivr-Ymd5-932zne-b1F03xF8pqzR2Qxo-HnJBfRr8LNf1VhOrphrVzTJiMaH/s1600/72res_Kalamazoo_Views.jpg) |
Here's what a stereograph looks like. |
We recently received a collection of miscellaneous Michigan photographs, stereographs and postcards at the Clarke. One of the stereographs is of a circus parade. It is an image that was part of a group of images entitled Kalamazoo Views. Stereographs were actually two images taken from almost the same angle so when viewed through lenses the image achieved a near 3-D effect. The Clarke has a collection of 7 boxes of stereographs documenting Michigan history.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil6CfSRY0hQYkAJvqCMDKrNlis1X0mbMtIWD-R_AdfxsQM86rvWMBY1t6HluKFW-dcZbz9PpGnNhSYC8zmXtxo1ORae_czaNDkVQ2E4XUZ1Rxo0CIV-zin48fVFrFGG9b8bcANaTI8/s1600/72res_Kalamazoo_Views_2.jpg) |
Here is a closeup of one image. |
The photographer of the circus parade was Schuyler C. (Colfax) Baldwin of Kalamazoo. The floats lead the parade and 7 elephants are at the rear. There may have been more who didn't make it into the photograph, I don't know, nor do I know which street the parade was on or the date. Large crowds are in evidence, some looking out from nearby windows or balconies. Baldwin lived 1823-1900 and photography began in 1843 so it was taken sometime between 1843 and 1900. My guess is that this is late 19th century. Enjoy the view.