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Old 09-22-2020, 10:11 PM   #8
joefromchicago
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Quote:
Originally Posted by asrivkin View Post
There's a Twitter account that claims it's from 1912. Some sites claim it's Harrison Park, but there are other pictures from Wiedenmayer's Park that have some features in common so I think it's pretty clearly from Wiednemayer's Park.
I believe you are correct. As far as I can figure, Harrison Park was situated in an industrial area with the Passaic River beyond the left field fence and part of the Otis Elevator factory beyond the right field fence. The photo you posted, however, is more rustic. That fits with Wiedenmeyer's Park, which was located in what was then the outskirts of Newark. The 1908-09 Sanborn map shows a dye works behind the third base bleachers (that's probably the factory clearly shown in the second photo) but nothing of much interest beyond the outfield walls. The buildings past the left field wall are probably the paint sheds shown on the Sanborn map. The site is now occupied by a FedEx facility and a concrete company.

Another interesting thing about that photo is that there appears to be a rudimentary attempt at providing a hitter's background by painting the center field fence a dark gray or black.
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