This exceptional albumen photograph illustrates the style of grain elevator construction used by Fremont's Seely, Son and Company in the 1880s. Painted lettering on the elevator shaft indicates this firm deals in "Grain, Coal, and Livestock" but the letters "R.K." are unidentified to date. The frame structure with freshly painted wooden siding boasts twin grain elevator shafts connected by an enclosed walkway. The right shaft is crowned with a wooden standard and metallic sphere which along with the partially hidden lettering suggests the left portion of the building is a recent addition. Exposed wooden eave brackets seem to be a Seely trademark. Wooden steps lead to the second floor of the brick engine house and wooden wagon ramps create the entrance and exit to the inside grain deposit. Crude hitching rails for horses also may be seen near the steps. The wagon load of corn is pulled by a four horse team and its driver sits on the spring seat. The 'x' mark is perhaps a one time attemp to identify the individual but he is presently unknown. A massive corn crib with wooden louvers and a large wooden windmill may be seen on the right side of the scene. A locomotive engine puffs steam and smoke to the left of the view and a horseback rider is posed for the event along with various male workers.
Seely, Son and Company constructed eight elevators in 1882, twenty-six in 1883, and eleven in 1884, or so boasts the Fremont Herald for Thursday, December 31, 1885. It also states that these architects and contractors erected thirty-six elevators since the 1st of March, 1885. Patents for his elevator system were obtained by M.F. Seely November 13, 1883.
