Category Archives: Powers

Original Power’s Cameragraph Catalog

This original Power’s Cameragraph catalog, published in 1916, is in the collection at the Hoboken Historical Museum.

According to the website’s “Scope and Content” description—as quoted:

“Power’s Cameragraph. Nicholas Power Company, 50 Gold Street, New York. Copyright 1916. Priced catalog of 35mm projectors and stereopticons [lantern slides] with tipped-in revised price list dated February 15, 1918. Booklet, 6-3/4″ x 8-3/4″ high, 52 pp, photo illustrated.”


Click to view full catalog.View the entire Power’s Cameragraph Catalog here.
Click on “MULTIMEDIA LINKS: CLICK HERE to view the PDF” and you’ll see the pages in high resolution. You can also order any page for reference or framing.


The Hoboken Historical Museum further explains:

“This copy belonged to Julius Durstewitz, Director of Hoboken Playgrounds (under the Parks department) for the City of Hoboken in this era. It was apparently used for the purchase of a “Cameragraph No. 6A, Complete Equipment” as shown and described on pages 10-11 where this outfit is marked with pencil (along with the 1918 revised price list is tipped-in.) The original equipment plus elements of its later modification are in the Museum collections as objects catalog 2005.078.1200.

“Apparently kept by Durstewitz with the set which included a lamp with an integral stereopticon (lantern slide projector) and the cameragraph, a 35mm film silent film projector. Stand and accessories are part of this portable outfit. It was used used for many years in Playground Department activities for children including, but not stated, at 109 Jefferson St. Probable date of purchase 1918 and end date probably in the late 1930s and certainly by the mid 1940s when Durstewitz retired.”


attachment pg 10 rotated revised price list Feb. 15 1918

Parts list with prices. View entire catalog here.
Click on “MULTIMEDIA LINKS: CLICK HERE to view the PDF” and you’ll see the pages in high resolution. You can also order any page for reference or framing.


My projector is the Power’s Cameragraph Model 6, produced in 1909, with the portable table as shown on Page 22 of the catalog. This was called a “breadboard” because the walnut slab of wood upon which the project and lamp housing are mounted resembles a kitchen cutting board.

This 1909 Power’s Model 6  was discovered in a chicken coup on a farm by the projectionist’s grandchildren, who told me it was used between 1909 and 1916 as an original itinerant projector. I fully restored the projector and updated it with a high-intensity halogen lamp. It is now reprising its original role as a “portable moving picture machine” which travels with me from venue to venue, entertaining audiences with hand-cranked silent cinema entertainment.

The End

 

Carla Laemmle, 104, Attends Restored Phantom Screening

Carla-Laemmle--Joe-Rinaudo

Carla Laemmle, 104, attends screening of 1925 Phantom of the Opera, in which she was the prima ballerina. Film was restored by Joe Rinaudo, seen here with Ms. Laemmle.
Watch the documentary below:


Documentary: Premiere Screening of Restored Phantom of the Opera

This fascinating documentary by Michael J. Cahill / 35mm Films takes you to the grand ballroom  at the Nethercutt, where you witness the behind-the-scenes threading, cranking, and projecting of the Restored 1925 Phantom of the Opera. You also see the changing of glass lantern slides for reel changes and intermission.

Carla Laemmle in audience and on screen

Carla LaemmleThis premiere screening of the restored film was attended by Ms. Carla Laemmle, niece of Carl Laemmle, owner of Universal Studios at the time. Most fascinating is that Ms. Laemmle was not only in the audience, she was in  the film, featured as the prima ballerina.

Ms. Laemmle, 104 years of age when this documentary was filmed, gave an insightful interview to Joe Rinaudo, recalling special moments on the set and working with Lon Chaney.

Of special note is that the film was projected on a Powers Cameragraph, manufactured in 1909 — the same year Carla Laemmle was born.

Ms. Laemmle attended the screening on October 26, 2013 of the restored Phantom of the Opera, the film she danced in nearly ninety years prior.  She passed away seven months later. Continue reading Carla Laemmle, 104, Attends Restored Phantom Screening