Vintage Photo: Family Posing on Steps

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The photo features a family standing on the steps in front of a house. Generally, I would like to think the photo was taken for a special occasion, a holiday or a wedding. But often family photos were taken on a day of a funeral.

I do not have any information about this family. My guess…well I am assuming the two men and the women standing in the background are all brothers and sisters. They do resemble one another. Of course, the other woman standing in the front row is holding the one man’s hand. Considering the era of the photo, I would guess they are man and wife.

By the style of clothing, I would date the photo around the late 1940s.

Let me know what you think.

Until next time…peace

Vintage Photos: Fishing Adventure

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Unfortunately, I do not have much information on these photos. I did purchase them in a lot at an estate sale in St. Johns, Michigan. These four men look to be having a fun-filled day at the lake.

I love the wooden boat. The superior craftsmanship makes the boat unique to me. The four men seem to be enjoying themselves as they head out on to the lake. I wish I knew what lake. I am assuming the lake is inland not one of the Great Lakes. I don’t know if they would take a wooden boat out on one of the Great Lakes. Of course, I am only guessing, I really do not know if they were fishing here in Michigan.

Posing with the daily catch, the men seem to be completely satisfied with the results. From the men’s attire, I am guessing these photos are from the late 1950s or early 1960s. If someone can give me a better timeline, I would love your input.

 

Back at the campfire, enjoying their meal. They appear to be cooking the fish with a can of beans. The tin can is sitting right by the fire. On the ground by the man squatting down, there is a small container of seasoning. I personally do not eat much meat, but the meal he is preparing does look tasty.

Another thing I like about the camp set up, everything on the table is reusable. There is no plastic or disposable items except for the tin can. I can see regular mugs, a thermos, and plates. As a person who loves nature, I feel we should all participate in this type of camping today.

Well, I would like to know your input on these photos. Tell me what you see.

Until next time…peace

Vintage Photo: Hiking

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I have zero information about this photo.

Here are my observations:

  • Obviously, they are in a mountainous area, but I have no idea about the location.
  • Their form of dress is almost identical. But I cannot completely tell if the two are both women or not. Perhaps, the outfits were fashionable at the time or a part of a uniform.
  •  I love their walking sticks. From my point of view, the walking aids look homemade.
  • I still think they are walking in the snow. Even though the two people have removed their coats or other forms of outerwear, the weather must be warm. Or perhaps, they are walking into the direction of the sun.

Tell me what you think? What do you see when you view the photo? Any ideas?

Until next time…peace

Vintage Photo: 16 Mile Hike at Maleas, Greece

Posted on by Rebecca C.

With the stay-at-home order extended here in Michigan until May 15th, I have lots of time to sort through old photos and clippings. Now, this photo was found in my grandfather’s stuff. On the back in his handwriting reads, “Flossie’s friends.” Flossie, a surgical nurse, born in 1899 was his older sister.

The back of the photo provides further information in handwriting that I do not recognize.

“Coming back from a 16-mile walk to the top of the mountain at Maleas, Greece. November 1st, 1928.”

After a quick Internet search, I realize the photo refers to Cape Maleas, Greece which is absolutely beautiful. I have officially added the site to my bucket list.

What do I notice and wonder about the photo?

  • Other than the guns, I do not view any other types of provisions.
  • The man with the cap is smoking a cigarette which was normal for this era.
  • Who is taking the photo? Perhaps, the provisions and hiking gear is with that person.
  • They seem to be in good spirits after hiking 16 miles.
  • What are their names?
  • How did they know my Great Aunt Flossie?

Tell me what you think?

Until next time…peace

 

 

Happy Earth Day!

Posted on by Rebecca C.

This year most of us will celebrate Earth Day at home. Since Mother Nature is gracing mid-Michigan with snow right now. I know I will be indoors most of the day.

A Common Grackle

But, I still plan to feed the birds, plant flowers when the weather is right, and do what I can to help the planet Earth.

What is your Earth Day pledge?

3 Men in the Military

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The man on the left shows up in a lot of these negatives that I am digitalizing right now. I am assuming the photos originally belonged to him.

Like the other photos, I do not have any background information. I can tell the images are from an Army base. But I do not know any other data.

If you happen to notice something familiar, please share your findings in the comments.

Until next time…peace

A Man and His Plane

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Ok…so I have no way of knowing if the plane actually belongs to the man in the photo. I am just assuming. Again, I have no details of this print. I would love to know who he was. Did he build the plane? Did he own the aircraft? Or is he just an average citizen posing by the plane? I truly doubt I will ever know his story.

I did some research on the white star with a circle in the middle. But I could not find an exact match. So if anyone out there has more information on airplanes, I would love to know the details.

Until next time…peace

Party Time

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I recently purchased a box of mixed slides and negatives. I took this image off a slide. I cannot find any others to match the people in the photo.

New Year’s Eve Celebration?

At first, I was guessing the gathering was on New Year’s Eve. But the party may be part of a Christmas celebration.

Here are some of my views after examining the photo:

  • The party-goers have festive hats. The tissue hats could be for Christmas or New Year’s Eve.
  • Everyone is dressed up. The clothing attire could be part of the celebration or normal for this time. I think the slide is from the late 1950s.
  • On the far left, you can see cards hanging along the wall. From the pieces I can view, the cards look to be from Christmas.
  • The napkins have small Poinsettias or other types of red flowers.
  • The food being served looks simple. Perhaps, the main meal is over, and desserts are out. Or, the party theme was snacks and sweets.

What I love about this photo?

I believe the napkins are cloth. The table setting is all washable and reusable. In fact, the cups and dishware all match. I think we depend on too many throwable items these days. I am guilty of this practice also. But I am trying to do better.

Tell me what you notice about the photo. Did I miss anything?

Until next time..peace

The Women of 818

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Old photos are always a wonder to me. I do not have any information about these three women. I can tell they are at house 818. But beyond that, I do not know their story.

I do see a resemblance in their facial features. I am guessing they are related. I wonder if the woman on the right actually lives at 818. She is the only one without a coat. Perhaps, they were getting a quick photo before the other two women left.

Until next time…peace

Lost Memories: A Man in Uniform

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The photo, A Man in Uniform, is from a recently purchased group of negatives. The seller did not have any background information on the box of negatives. As I slowly digitalize them, I can tell many are old military photos. My knowledge of the military is slim. I have heard wonderful stories. Actually, many tales are from family members. I even volunteer with a group that sends care packages to military personnel stationed overseas. But, beyond the basics, I am clueless. 

So what do I notice about the man in the photo?

  • I believe he is in the Army. (Please do not yell at me if I got it wrong.)
  • I am assuming from the tents, he was stationed overseas.
  • Judging from the amount of dirt on his boots, the terrain is wet. Perhaps, they just had a rainfall.
  • I think the structure at the end of the tents is a mess hall or medical building.
  • The first four letters of his last name are: SMAL
  • Every tent has a trash can on the outside.

Did I miss anything? What do you see?

I would love to learn his story. Was the photo taken during wartime? Did he come home safely? Did he marry? Have children and grandchildren? I will probably never know.

Until next time…peace