1953
by [Unknown Photographer]
Holden, Massachusetts: N.p., 1953. Two of the photographs loose in the album, otherwise near fine. Among the 93 photographs, the albums contain three duplicate prints, and seven images of an unrelated school ceremony.. Possibly unique photo albums. Small oblong octavos, comb-bound. A collection of seven original "Super Pak Snaps" photo albums, each measuring 5 1/2 x 3 3/4 inches, containing a total of 93 black and white, deckle-edged black and white snapshots, bound directly to the plastic comb. An ink-stamped text, found in two of the albums, identifies the contents as "Tornado Damage / Holden, Mass. / June 9, 1953". (A third album lists Worcester, Mass.) The images document the damage of what was one of the deadliest tornados in US history; 94 died, over a thousand were injured, and at least 4000 buildings were destroyed. Though apparently amateur snapshots, the photographs provide an overall typology of destruction and disaster; insurance claim adjustor meets Ed Ruscha.
(Inventory #: 23168)