New Book Features 1800s Glass Plate Photographs

Steven C. Brisson, chief curator for Mackinac State Historic Parks, is the author of a new book, “Picturesque Mackinac - The Photographs of William H. Gardiner 1895-1916.”

Scenes of Mackinac Island dating to the late 1800s are the subject of a new book by Steven C. Brisson, chief curator at Mackinac State Historic Parks. Entitled “Picturesque Mackinac - The Photographs of William H. Gardiner 1895-1916,” the book includes more than 250 images.

The book features never-before-published images taken from Mr. Gardiner’s original glass plate negatives. Mr. Brisson prefaces the images with a brief introduction to Mr. Gardiner’s life and career as a commercial photographer and owner of a photography shop on Mackinac Island.

The book’s prints are separated into sections for cottages, hotels, woods, water, and faces of Mackinac. Photographs include island workers and residents, turn-of-the-century buildings, tourists at popular landmarks, groups visiting Grand Hotel, Detroit clubs visiting the island, and cruise ships.

The book is published by Mackinac State Historic Parks and is available in mid-December for $26.95. An autographed copy of the book can be pre-ordered with delivery the week of December 18, by calling (231) 436-4100. The book will be available in bookstores in January.