Posted By:
ramramHey Jimmy -
I think you actually have an American photograph. Had it been made in Bonn, Germany, then the photographer's stamp would all contain German words (not "cabinet", etc.). Plus, I don't think a small team could ever afford to take a base ball trip to Germany in 1870 nor could they afford to haul that much lumber (look at all those bats!). My guess is that there is small town in the US with the name of Bonn or else it is a town that has disappeared or changed its name. It could have even had the name change at the time of one of the World Wars as that name would not be very popular in this country at that time. The town was likely populated by many German immigrants. Pennsylvania would be the first to come to mind. I know they had a Lincoln BBC from there. Wright's book shows some player's names from 1867 but the only one that matches is "Lawrence". I doubt they would have that much turnover by 1870 unless it was a school team. Regardless, my bet would be that Bonn was in the US (but not necessarily where this team was from as they may have traveled there for the photo...but likely were from near Bonn).