Lot 77

Striking boudoir cabinet card showing the construction of the Jo Ho Clemmer Block in Beatrice, Nebraska.  There is a great article from The Beatrice Daily Express on the Library of Congress website, https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn84020107/1893-09-09/ed-1/?st=text&r=0.276,0.059,0.623,0.653,0. that talks about how the building was being put up during adverse financial markets but would be completed. Mr. Clemmer was employing about thirty men to work on the building. He was also manufacturing the brick. When completed it was estimated to cost about $20,000.  
This fabulous example of a building project was captured creatively by the photographer by having the workers line the edge of the roof of the entire massive structure. On the left we see two women driving a buggy and a boy carrying possibly scrap bricks from the site. A couple of workers are in the background with a well-worn horse. On the far left side are two workers on a large pile of lumber-one is lying on the boards listening to his partner while taking a break from the backbreaking labor. The image is in very good plus condition with great tones and contrast and some spotting and wear as seen. 

 Opening bid – $15