Lantern slides – images or photographs laid on glass and projected by “magic” lantern viewing devices – have their origins in the 17th century and for hundreds of years brought history, geography, and culture to life before radio, television, movies, overhead projectors, and computers. (Information taken from MagicLanternSociety.org.)
Included in our varied collection of antique lantern slides is this set of 16 slides of Mount Washington (originally called Agiocochook by some regional Native Americans). Mount Washington is the crown jewel of the Presidential Range in the White Mountains of New Hampshire; at over 6,200 ft., it is the tallest peak in the northeastern United States and a beloved destination for tourists, naturalists, and adventurous hikers.
Mount Washington’s sheer grade and volatile surrounding weather conditions make a journey by foot to its summit quite difficult. After experiencing the trek firsthand, farmer and engineer Sylvester Marsh designed a cog railway that began climbing the mountain itself in 1868, making breathtaking views of the New Hampshire wilderness accessible to many more people. In continuous operation ever since, the steam locomotion system became part of the White Mountain National Forest in 1918 and continues to be exempted from New Hampshire’s current air pollution control law.
These slides provide a glimpse into the journey by “Cog” to the top of Mount Washington at a time when the environmental impact of heavy smog and heavy foot traffic were both not yet understood. The trade-offs that come with making our national and natural treasures so easily accessible – a topic we hotly debate now – are brought to light in these beautiful images.
Slides are captioned according to their handwritten labels. If you know more details about any of these slides or the landmarks they depict, please let us know! You can email us at taaff.org@gmail.com.
 Mt. Adams & Mt. Jefferson |
 Profile House, Franconia Notch, White Mountains |
 Mt. Washington, NH |
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 Crawford’s Notch, White Mountains |
 Hotel at Top of Mt. Washington |
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 Tip-Top House and Observatory, Top of Mt. Washington
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 Jacob’s Ladder, Mt. Washington |
 Echo Lake, Franconia, White Mountains |
 The Old Wiley House, White Mountains |
 Balance Rock 1 |
 Balance Rock 2 |
 Frankenstein Trestle, White Mountains |
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