New Views of Solitude

Recently, four images of Solitude preserved on glass plates negatives were donated to the Heinz History Center.

Though not clear who took these pictures or when, one thought is the photographer might have been Nichola Tesla who stayed at Solitude from the late fall of 1888 through the following spring.

Particularly noteworthy is the first shot, which shows Solitude’s western facade as seen from the Murtland Street side of the estate. This is the first and only known perspective of the mansion from that point of view. Its broad lawn allows an uninterrupted view.

This next photograh was taken from the Lang Avenue side of the estate, with the mansion partially obsured by foliage on the trees.

This view was also taken from the west side on the Pennsylania Railroad tracks that ran along the estate’s northern edge.

Notice in particular the telegraph pole, cut stone wall, and terraced embankment, topped by a bunting draped fence line.

Finally, here is a portrait of the estate’s arbor and terrace, situated on the southwest side of the mansion.