View of excavation for foundation of Main Library, Detroit Public Library. Row of horse-drawn wagons travel past tower. Sign on steam shovel: "M.E. Ryan & Son, Detroit, Mich." Printed on front: "No. 109. Taken Mch-8-15. Detroit Public Library bldg. Looking south. Cass Gilbert, architect. Irwin & Leighton, builders." Stamped on back: "Charles Ruel Messinger, commercial photographer, 1646 Woodward Ave., Detroit, Mich., phone Hemlock 2186, phone North 6298."
