| Approximately 1021 glass plate negatives made by Hervy Laney of Cumberland and other, mostly unidentified, western Maryland photographers (possibly Vance Laney, fl. 1895-1897 and Thomas L. Darnell, fl. 1880-1901, both of Cumberland). A preliminary selection of archival photographs made from the plates can now be circulated. Click on Collection Inventory link below for partial listing. Hervy Laney, a pharmacist by profession and photographer by avocation, is responsible for hundreds of Allegany County views that depict many facets of everyday life. Frequently appearing subjects include railroad views, logging and mining operations, parades and streetscenes. He sold many of these views as photo postcards from his Red Lion Pharmacy. His nephew, Vance Laney, ran a professional studio on Baltimore Street during 1896-1897. It is possible that the collection incorporates the work of both men. Unfortunately, only a few dozen plates can be attributed with certainty. Attribution of certain images to Thomas L. Darnell is based upon that photographer's c. 1890 stereoview series of Western Maryland railroad scenery. Numerous B&O railroad related stereoviews appear within this collection.
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