Tending Plants in a Large Greenhouse - c. 1905

Possibly at the University of Idaho in Moscow, this turn-of-the-last-century greenhouse scene shows several men tending plants, and a few others who appear to be observing their work. The original for this view is a glass negative from an unidentified photographer associated with the University.

We're confident the photo was taken in Idaho or eastern Washington, and we know that the first greenhouses at U of I were built in 1896, only a few years after the school opened. In any event, this photo gives us a good look at greenhouse technology of that time. As you can see, not all that much has changed. Plastic has often replaced glass, but the needs for light, heat, and ventilation still drive greenhouse design.

-- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.