Keene is the only city and the seat of Cheshire County, New Hampshire with a population of 23, 409 at the 2010 census. In 1735 Colonial Governor Jonathan Belcher granted lots in the township of “Upper Ashuelot” to 63 settlers who paid five pounds each. When the boundary between the Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire colonies was fixed in 1741, Upper Ashuelot became part of New Hampshire and was renamed in 1753.
Situated on an ancient lakebed surrounded by hills, the valley with fertile meadows was excellent for farming. The Ashuelot River was used to provide waterpower for sawmills, gristmills and tanneries. After the railroad was constructed to the town in 1848, numerous other industries were established. Keane was incorporated as a city in 1874 and by 1880 had a population of 6,784. New England manufacturing declined in the 20th century, however, particularly during the Great Depression. Keane is today a center for insurance, education, and tourism. The city retains a considerable inventory of fine Victorian architecture from its mill town era.
This uncredited DB captures an early view of the "Business Section, part of Main Street" in Keene with the "Keene National Bank" and a "Woolworths 5 & 10" among other commerce. The only transportation on the street is horse drawn wagons and nary a "Horseless Carraige"
The card is in good condition with intact corners and edges and with a clean and clear image and reverse.