Photo of the Day: Train

I received this image in an auction win. Unfortunately I do not have any background information about the photo.

I am assuming the photo was taken around the late 1960s or early 70s.

In my opinion, the train looks like a road side attraction. If you look closely, you can see 3 children. One is just tall enough to see out the window. I actually noticed the waving hand before spotting the child.

What do you think?

Until next time…peace.

Rebecca

Vintage Photo: Detroit 1957

This image is a digitalized copy of an old slide. The original photographer left some data on the back.

Written in pencil:

  • Two freighters heading into Lake St. Clair
  • SK (I am not sure what these markings mean. I am assuming it was a way for the photographer to determine the batch of photos.)
  • Detroit
  • 7-27-1957

Of course, I would love more information on this photo. Are the children with the photographer? Were they just spending a day on the shore? Where was the freighters heading? Was this a normal day for the ships?

I am never satisfied. I want to know the whole story.

Tell me, what do you think?

Belle Isle Fountain

The photo is actually a digitalized version of a slide. The original photographer left some information on the back. I love when people add little notes.

The photo is dated 7-27-1957 with the notes Belle Isle Fountain, Detroit.

I am a Michigander. I cannot believe I have never seen this fountain in person. I did a little research on the Belle Isle Fountain which is actually called the James Scott Memorial Fountain. The fountain was constructed in 1925.

Yes, I added the fountain to my ever growing bucket list of things to see in Michigan.

Have you seen the James Scott Memorial Fountain in person? Tell me your thoughts.

Until next time…peace.

Sightseeing

I believe this photo is from the early 1950s. My guess is based on the type of negative. The image shows a couple boarding a boat. In the background, I view a larger ship, which leads me to believe they are on a large body of water. Perhaps, one of the Great Lakes, a bay, or the ocean. Of course, I have no way to fact check this guess.

The only clue is the life preserver, which reads Harbor Sightseer. But even that bit of information did not provide further details of the location.

There is a gentleman at the bottom of the ramp. He is dressed all in white with a coordinating hat. I am assuming he is taking tickets for the tour.

What do you see?

The Locks

I recently received a box full of old photographs. I admit, I thought Christmas came early. One of the photos was this image of a ship passing through the Locks.

The photo had pencil markings. “Watching the Locks from Sault Ste Marie, Canada.” I have seen the Soo Locks from the Michigan side but never on the Canadian side. I guess I will add that to my bucket list.

There’s no date on the photo. My best guess is the 1940s. But I could be wrong with the date. I couldn’t see a name on the ship. I know that would help identify the year.

Let me know what you see when you look at the image.

Vintage Photo: 16 Mile Hike at Maleas, Greece

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

 

 

Here Comes the Train

I admit, my knowledge of trains is minimal. I cleaned up this old negative to the best of my abilities. The negative was covered with a substance. I am assuming something was spilled on it at one time.

When I see old trains, I immediately think about train robbers, heists, and heading out to the West coast for a new life. I am pretty sure this train is from the 1940’s or 1950’s. The rest of the negatives and photos from this estate had those dates.

If anyone has any knowledge of trains, I would love to learn more.

Until next time…peace

Erie Canal Near Rochester

Working on photos provides me with a glimpse of the past. I am able to see a point in time. I love everyday photos from average people who may be on vacation or just out for the day. I absolutely love this old boat. The details from the photo read, “Erie Canal, near Rochester, NY, 1960″. So if anyone has any further information. I would love to hear from you.

I wish I knew more about the wooden barge. I am assuming the boat took passengers down the Erie Canal for tours. After research, I found day tripping is extremely popular around the area. (Yes, that’s now on my bucket list). I found a couple books with images from the past that I may need to add to my collection. But until then, I will just admire the photo.

Until next time…peace

Vintage Photo: Old Airplane

I keep slowly working through my box of negatives. Despite my research, I cannot tell what type of plane is in this photo. For me the photo contains little information, I am sure other people with aircraft knowledge can immediately identify the plane. The signs in the background are basic: “scrap container”, “keep this area clear”, etc. So, I could not gather any further clues.

If I were to guess, I would say the gentleman in the photo is an investor, banker, or even the owner of the plane.

Feel free to search my other old transportation photos, just view my website. 

Until next time….peace

Borrowed Time

While visiting a small retail store, I overheard two ladies chatting relatively loudly about their lives in the aisle. The ladies began with the normal idle conversation, bidding each other hello with all the niceties that go along with idle chatting. The one silver-haired lady couldn’t believe that almost two years had passed since their last encounter.

The other woman who was probably in her early 50’s began to unfold her story. At this point, I didn’t want to look too obvious. So, I slowly moved to the next aisle. I can’t help myself, I love listening to stories. I know eavesdropping is rude. But in my defense, they were not using hush voices and I was legitimately shopping.

The younger woman began to explain, she had to have a lung removed due to cancer. The ordeal came as a surprise. But, “you’ve never smoked,” the older woman said with surprise.

“Smoking is only one cause, who knows why these things happen” she continued to explain. She went on to tell the rest of her story. Apparently, a short time after the lung ordeal, she started experiencing bad headaches. Even though, she had gone through a variety of testing, no evidence of anything was detected. Finally, she demanded further extensive testing. She gave a fancy name for the test but I cannot pronounce the word or even begin to spell it out.

Well, the advanced testing revealed a brain tumor. The test was conducted in the morning, by the after she was admitted to the hospital for surgery. At this point, the lady actually laughed over the situation. She continued to explain, the doctor couldn’t believe she actually drove herself to the consultation.

After the brain surgery, radiation began. The medical experts gave her only six months to live. Once again, the woman just laughed. “Well, that was almost two years.” She giggled like a young child discovering something new. “I am living on borrowed time then again we are all living on borrowed time.”

She furthered explained that all her life she did everything right. She never smoked, rarely drank, paid her bills on time, and continuously saved money. She was invited to go on a trip to Hawaii to visit family members. Even though she had a place to stay upon arrival, her first reaction was no. But then she decided to put the plane ticket on her credit card and just go. At the end of the conversation, she revealed she was happy she made the trip. “There’s nothing more spectacular than sitting on a glorious beach and enjoying a Hawaiian sunset.”

In my opinion, we get so caught up in the “right” way to live that we forget to enjoy life. Media tells us what to buy, what to eat, and how to live our lives in the correct manner. I am not suggesting you become irresponsible and not pay any of your bills. But I do think you should take the time to enjoy the simple things in life. Go for a walk, visits friends and family on a regular basis, attend local parades, festivals, and other interesting events. Along the way, take a moment and enjoy a spectacular sunset. Soon, the borrowed time will be over.

 

Until next time…peace