Archives West Finding Aid

The Barber Asphalt Paving Co. was first organized by Mr. A.L. Barber in 1883 and later expanded to include three branches in the cities of New York, Washington, D.C. and St. Louis. At the World's Colombian Exposition in Chicago, 1893, the paving company received three official ribbons declaring excellency in the field of asphalt and machinery. factory of the Barber Asphalt Paving Co. plant in Buffalo, NY in the early 20th century. Barber originally founded the company along with William Woods Averell, James Graham, along with the absorption of Edward De Smedt’s asphalt paving formula and company. Barber quickly established the company as one of the main supporters alongside Colonel Pope of the League of American Wheelmen’s Good Roads Movement, which within 20 years was also avidly encouraging road improvements and paving for automobiles. By 1905, the Barber Asphalt Paving Co. had spread across the United States.

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the construction of the second Highland Park Reservoir was constructed between 1897-1903. Pittsburgh began construction with the assistance of the drinking water system owned by the city which later became Pittsburgh Water & Sewer Authority. The Pittsburgh Zoo opened in 1898, is visible in the background of the construction.

Various views of Santiago de Cuba show the city and surrounding historical monuments. These photos were most likely taken during the first US occupation of Cuba after the Spanish-American War ended, between 1898-1903. One of the monuments is the Old Fort at El Caney which endured a battle on July 1, 1898 resulting in a Cuban-American victory. Another is San Pedro de la Roca Castle, originally built in the 1600s, it was built to ward off pirates, however during the Spanish-American war the US fleet attacked the bay fortress to gain access to Santiago de Cuba in 1898. Elements of Spanish influence on the island nation are seen in the photographs, such as the bullfighting arena and the roof of the Spanish styled cathedral.