Robert Joki Stereoscopic Collection of Saratoga Springs NY

Saratoga Springs Public Library

United States Hotel courtyard with fountain, Saratoga Springs, NY - Image Source

Collection Facts

Extent:

450

Dates of Original:

19th century

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Historical Context

The Robert Joki Stereoview collection at the Saratoga Springs Public Library illustrates the rich upbringing of Saratoga Springs, NY, from the tapping of the natural spring system, the development of Broadway in the 19th century, and the ravaging fires that shaped Saratoga's cityscape.

Through a simple trick of the mind, stereoview presents two offset photographs with use of a stereogram to create 3D depth from 2D images. Stereoviews were increasingly popular in the mid-1800s and captured anything from mundane life to beautiful environments lost with time.

With 1,435 stereoscopic images in the collection, the Saratoga Springs Public Library holds the largest public collection of stereoviews of Saratoga Springs in the world and was acquired by the Friends of the Library in 2013 from the late Robert Joki.

Scope of Collection

A history buff and avid collector, Robert Joki collected stereoscopic images of scenes from Saratoga's past. These images bring to life the grand hotels, the elaborate mineral spring pavilions, and amusements that entertained the worldly guests of Spa City.

This online collection contains stereoscopic images from The Robert Joki Collection (one side of the stereoview card), highlighting important landmarks in the Spa City.

The Robert Joki Stereoview collection is open to the public in the Saratoga Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.