Series II: Large Format
Scope and Contents note
Series II consists of 33 glass negatives measuring either 4 x 7 or 5 x 8 inches, and one photographic print. Most images portray railroad tracks, stations, bridges and trains on the narrow gauge Brattleboro & Whitehall Rail Road which traveled through Cathan's hometown of Townshend, Vermont. The railroad, a 36 mile stretch of track, began in Brattleboro, Vermont and ended in South Londonderry, Vermont; the railroad's name reflects the original intent of extending the line to Whitehall, New York. Identified images include those of the Williamsville and Jamaica Railroad Stations as well as a railroad bridge at Salmon Hole.
The Cathan family photographs are mainly unidentified; there are two photographs of a Cathan child with his or her African-American nurse. Also included in this series are views of unidentified landscapes and buildings.