Here's what we know for sure:  the box car behind the group is owned by Merchant's Despatch Transportation Company (MDT) aka Merchant's Despatch Refrigerator Line. CCCI (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati & Indianapolis Railway) became part owners of MDT in the latter part of the 19th century. The refrigerator car is of the patented Wicke's design.  Stenciling to either side of the car's door confirms those IDs. The wagon is stacked with barrels of fresh peaches.  A man standing on the wagon is holding a large sign that reads "Peaches W. A. Ba...(the last few letters are unreadable).  A man standing near the center of the photo is holding a Price Baking Powder crate.

Here's what we think we know:   the photograph dates to circa 1895, it was taken in the Cleveland, Ohio area ( this where it was discovered), the peaches are being uploaded onto a reefer box car (peaches do quite well close to the shore of Lake Erie and were routinely shipped to the east and west by rail and water back in the day). 

Here's what we don't know:  why is the man holding the baking powder crate holding a saw, and what else is he holding? What is the man standing to his left writing on that note pad?

Overall, we think this is a pretty nice photograph, full of interesting details.  Please review the preceding condition description box and photo gallery.

The photograph will be shipped well protected. We combine shipping