H.E. Cole’s Album

While boxing photo albums to bring back to the History Center, we came across a small nondescript album by H.E. Cole, the same man who founded the Sauk County Historical Society! The album contains photos of the Baraboo area from the late 1800s/early 1900s, including several natural scenes, but also more personal images of his daily life. 

Historians use different methods to date photographs like these. If people are in the photo, their style of dress can give clues to a particular time period. High necklines were common in women's and men’s dress during the late 1800s/early 1900s, even in casual and more fancy occasions. Scripted handwriting, like in the writing added to each photo shown here, was also common during this time period, often written by ink-dipped pen. In addition, the color tone of the photograph can help date images. The Pewitt’s Nest photo to the left isn’t in color or black and white, but in “sepia tone.” Sepia tone images were popular from the late 1800s to the 1920s, when newer photo processing techniques became more popular. 

As a new resident of Sauk County, I was drawn to this album by photos of a place I had visited on previous trips to Wisconsin…the now very popular Pewitt’s Nest. The photo below shows an old timbered dam that used to be in the narrow glen, and gives us a glimpse of the functional use of the site prior to it becoming a popular swimming spot.  I understand you can still see the slots where these old timbers once sat. 

The album also provides a peek into the personal life of H.E. Cole, with what appear to be pictures of his friends all dressed to the nines, or dressed in their best, and enjoying their time together. Perhaps for a dinner party?

If you’re interested in seeing the album in person, please email curator@saukcountyhistory.org to schedule a time, or come by the History Center during our open hours Wednesday through Friday from 12-4 pm.