View across Campus Martius, showing pedestrians in front of Opera House and Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. Signs for Michell's. Handwritten on mat back: "Detroit Opera House before the fire. Photo taken by Victor C. Gnau, Oct. 6, 1897, before the fire." Handwritten on duplicate mat back: "The day before the fire. Taken Wednesday Oct. 6, 1897 at 12.30 noon."
