Thursday, June 21, 2012  Another Mystery Photo -- A Steamroller
in Jerusalem Can You Suggest Why It Flies an American Flag?
"Steamroller on Jerusalem Street" is the caption The Library of
Congress provides little information about this dynamic picture
in Jerusalem.  The picture's caption reads "Steamroller on
Jerusalem Street."   The date of the picture is given
as sometime between 1898 and 1946, nearly 50 years the American
Colony photographers were active.  The steamroller is on the
left side of the picture surrounded by a crowd.  Why is it
flying an American flag (alongside what appears to be a Turkish
flag)?  As we researched, we discovered another photograph of
the same vehicle.  The second picture was taken outside of the
Jaffa Gate, beneath David's Citadel.  Here is what we deduce:﻿
Vehicle enlarged    • The first picture was taken on Mamilla
Street with the vehicle heading away from the photographer. The
photographer's back is to Jaffa Gate.   • The picture was taken
during the Turkish rule of Palest