The following photo is by J. B. Readman. The cartouche on the back reads “J. B. Readman Photographer Broadway & Suqua Sts., Mauch Chunk, PA.”

Obviously, the photograph is of grapevines. On closer observation, the vines are being grown in a greenhouse. In addition, the greenhouse left side is slanted – probably at around a 45 degree angle – from the bottom to the top with the right side being, roughly, a 90 degree angle, top to bottom. Notice how the grapes are trellised to fit this shape.

I remember seeing a several large greenhouses in old stereoviews of Mauch Chunk from roughly this same period – one at the home of Asa Packer and possibly two at the home of John Leisenring. After reviewing these old stereoviews and one other photograph, I believe that this photo was taken in the greenhouse of Asa Packer as the perceived contour in the Readman photograph matches very closely what appears to be the contour of the Packer greenhouse. In addition, the spacing of the windows in the bottom left of the Readman photograph appear to closely match those of the Packer greenhouse.

Any comments or thoughts would be most welcomed!