Emerson & Stott until recently have been a complete void of information. But new information has come to light in only the last few months and we now have some sense of the history behind this obscure publisher of Yellowstone views. These two men were not photographers, but rather stationers and booksellers in 1875 Chicago. They issued several stereoview series with their own imprint from their store, the "West Side Library" at 239 West Madison . One was a set of Chicago views by the legendary John Carbutt, who did receive credit on the views. Another was a set of Chicago ruins (after the 1871 fire) by photographer J. Bullock.

The Yellowstone views have proved to be most interesting. The duo issued a set of at least 50 views of the park. But the identity of the photographer, until recently was unknown. Evidence in the photos themselves made it conclusive that the photos were taken in the early 1870’s. This narrowed the list of possible photographers down considerably. In the end it was determined that this set was a collection of William Henry Jackson images. But what makes them unique is that the original Jackson photos were single 8 x 10 images. What was done here is that someone (identity unknown) apparently had the photos re-photographed with a stereoview camera. This produced a set of never before stereoviewed Jackson images. These views appear in no other stereoview set anywhere. They are extremely rare and only a few are known.

No. 33. Bridge over the Yellowstone

Emerson & Stott Verso (J. Carbutt Photo - Non Yellowstone).

A close-up view of an Emerson & Stott reverse stamp.