Taytay Rizal History

𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐀 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐄𝐋 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐕𝐎𝐑𝐈𝐍 𝐘 𝐃𝐄 𝐋𝐀 𝐕𝐈𝐀 𝐐𝐮𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐄 𝐀 𝐋𝐀 𝐂𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐀, 𝐄𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐎𝐍𝐎 (𝟏𝟖𝟖𝟕)

This 1887 image provides a view of the Polvorín (gunpowder warehouse) and the railroad leading to the Cantera (quarry) in Angono, Rizal, a key industrial area during the Spanish colonial period. The photograph highlights the role of the railroad in transporting materials and resources between the quarry and other parts of the region.

The Polvorín served as a vital facility for storing gunpowder and explosives, which were essential for blasting rocks in the Cantera. The quarry was a significant source of construction materials, particularly stone, which was used in infrastructure projects in Manila and nearby areas.

The railroad depicted in the image was crucial for the efficient transportation of quarried stone and other materials. It allowed for quicker and more organized movement of resources from the quarry to various construction sites. The presence of the railroad indicates the growing industrialization of Angono and its importance in the supply chain supporting Manila’s development.

Unlike traditional roads, the railroad system streamlined the transportation process, reflecting the advances in infrastructure that were becoming more common during the late 19th century. The image captures a moment in the industrial growth of the Philippines, emphasizing the integration of modern transportation systems like the railroad into the economic landscape.

This scene illustrates the importance of both the Polvorín and the railroad in the resource-driven economy of the period, contributing to the development of Manila while showcasing the industriousness of the region. The image offers a snapshot of the evolving infrastructure and the vital role of Angono in supporting the Spanish colonial economy.

SOURCE: BIBLIOTECA DIGITAL HISPÁNICA

Although this page have not extensively used pictures from the Tewell collection, I have directly emailed John whenever I considered using his pictures. He has always been supportive of promoting our history in his own way by always giving permission to use his collection without any fee despite the financial challeges he suffered in the last years of his life. This page honors the man who has helped tremendously in providing a glimpse of our past through his collection. Rest in Peace John.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines expresses its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of collector and heritage advocate John Tewell who passed away last Tuesday, 11 February 2025.

A retired American pilot, he enthusiastically collected photographs of the Philippines which illustrated life in the country from the 19th to 21st centuries. Aside from curating images from various repositories in his Flickr account, he also collected physical prints of historic photographs which he shared freely.

Images in his collection have been featured in the permanent and special exhibitions of NHCP Museums, as well as various audiovisual presentations and documentaries. He said in a television program, "It is my belief that I don't really own the pictures. They belong to the people of the Philippines, their heritage."

Tewell will forever be remembered by a grateful Filipino nation, whenever his photographs are seen in our history museums and beyond.