Hundred (or more) years ago - once more

Once more, I will make a comparison between some postcards from about 100 years ago, concentrating on the area where I live.

For some possible visitors from the near neighbourhood to my blog I have indicated where the photos have been taken (and where I live - the empty circle): 1) Rue des Moines. On the left, we can see a school building, still in operation. One modern building has been added on the right side. The old photo seems according to the stamp to be from 1905.2) Rue Truffaut. All buildings seem to be the same. 3) Rue Brochant. No new buildings to be seen. Only the trees have grown, but have less leaves today. It will hopefully be “repaired” in a few weeks.4) Rue Brochant. A bit further down the street, compared to the previous one. Trees have been added. 5) Place Charles Fillion (Place des Batignolles) with a view towards Rue des Moines. One modern building added on the right. Unfortunately the church, Sainte Marie des Batignolles, is covered by tarpaulins. Being “refreshed” at the moment. The photo is taken just in front of the entrance to “my” park, Square des Batignolles. 6) End of Rue des Batignolles (Place du Docteur Félix Lobligeois) with a view towards Rue Legendre. Only minor changes. The photo seems according to the stamp to be from 1907. Once more the church (this time the front side) is hidden by tarpaulins. If you are interested, I have already made some similar comparisons: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

100 years ago

For (at least my own) fun, I have again made a comparison between what the streets in my quarter looked like some 100 years ago and today. A few weeks ago I already compared a view from my street; this time I have found some postcards from the two closest crossing streets. The first view has actually been taken on the same street corner as the one I previously presented; only the direction is different.

I guess we can all agree that not very much has changed except that the streets today are fuller with parked cars and that shops, restaurants, cafés have changed activities and owners. Actually, most of these buildings were probably already some fifty years old when the postcards were made.

From the third view we can see that the blind wall has been cleaned and repainted, but perhaps also lost some charm. Anyhow, the brand DUFAYEL (a department store) which you can see on the postcard has disappeared since.

On the first comparative “slide”, please note on my photo (you need good eyes) the shoes hanging in the air. This now wide spread fashion had its Paris start here. On the accompanying postcard, a certain Georgette has written “Mille gros baisers” and I transmit this message to you, wishing you all a nice weekend!

(Time for a short break again; visitors around. See you on Monday!)