Glimpse at an 1898 newspaper street vendor

Alabama. Department of Archives and History photo

The one-legged man with the big smile on the left in the above photo is a newspaper street vendor. This 1898 photo from the Alabama Department of Archives and History doesn’t identify the man or which newspaper he is selling. It’s likely he’s hawking the Mobile Register, but it could have been the Mobile Daily Item or another newspaper.

The man is resting the stump of his right leg on the steps of the U.S. Customs House at the southwest corner of Royal and St. Francis streets. He appears to be carrying on a lively conversation with the well-dressed older man wearing the derby. Judging from a number of photos of the Customs House, this area was a popular place for men to gather and talk.

Glennon Building

Alabama. Department of Archives and History photo

In the background is the office building of the James K. Glennon Real Estate and Insurance Company, located at 51 N. Royal St, the northwest corner of Royal at St. Francis streets. One of two wooden utility poles interrupts the view of the front edge of the Glennon building. 

Besides being a highly successful and wealthy businessman, Glennon was part owner of the Register, another reason to believe the vendor was selling that newspaper. In fact, the Register itself sat at the opposite end of the block from the Glennon building at the southwest corner of Royal and St. Michael streets.

Mobile Register