Old Buildings: Great Character

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I love old buildings, they have such great character.  Being the history nerd that I am, I would love to know who lived in the house which is located on a farm.  Was the house big inside? Was there a family? But until I know the facts, I can only guess at these abandoned places in Michigan. I know farmers by land to plant crops. If old houses or other buildings are on they land, they usually go to ruin.

The buildings seem full of despair; they were once grand homes or barns.  Now, they are falling apart in deterioration.

Abandoned barn in Gratiot County, Michigan
Abandoned barn in Gratiot County, Michigan

Vintage Military Photos

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Sorting through old black and white negatives is time consuming.  But when come across certain images, the whole process is extremely rewarding. I thought I would share a few of the military photos that I have been making into digital prints.  The negatives are old and wore; the prints are as best as I can do with what I have to work with.

Military

I honestly cannot tell you if they are going to see or coming in this photo.  There are more negatives from this estate sale.  I am hoping to come across more photos of the ship and the scene.

On a Train?

I absolutely love this photo.  I have no way of known what is actually being said between the couple.  But I would like to think, he just asked her to marry him.

Nurses

These two women are in a lot of the photos.  I am not 100% sure, but I think they are nurses. They look like they were with a group who were on a leave.  The two woman appear in various photos that also have landscape photos in the negatives.

Working on a Plane

These three gentleman look like they were working on a plane.  Or perhaps, they are just talking.

If there is anyone who can see any details in these photos, that may help in the research.  I would love input.  I am curious as usual.

The Face of the Lady in the Black Coat

Posted on by Rebecca C.

For the last couple of weeks, I have been working on this particular set of photos that I purchased from an estate sale last summer. The photo work is time consuming because the images are being taking off from old slides which means I have to scan each one. Then, apply any corrections or repairs to the digital image.

I have not been able to identify any particular landmark or state (or even which country) these photos were original snapped.  So far, the photos have shown a warm climate with palm trees and beaches.  Many of these photos also had a woman in a black coat.  The lady always had her back turned or the photo was completely blurred. So, I could not really see who was in these photos….until today.  Thankfully, the lady in the black coat and traveling companion had their photo snapped by a sign.

The sign gave me more information than any of all the previous photos so far.  The ladies had their picture taking at the Castillo de San Marcos which is a U.S. National Monument on the shore of Matanzas Bay in St. Augustine, Florida.  The sign reads:

U.S. Department of the Interior-National Park Service

Castillo de San Marcos

National Monument

The Spanish fort, begun in 1672, stood firm against English attacks and helped Spain to hold Florida for many years. During the American Revolution it was a British stronghold.

 Later it become a U.S. Military prison.

Open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – Admission 25¢

Children Under 12 Free

The fort definitely has a long standing history; I love the fact that admission was a quarter. I have been to fort here in Michigan; the cost is definitely more than a quarter.  I am not saying the forts or monuments are not worth the costs, I am just pointing out the difference in pricing.

If I were to make assumptions about this photo, I would guess the photo was taking in the late 1960’s to early 70’s.  I base this opinion on the fact that I took the photo from a slide. The women were most likely traveling with their husbands or as part of tour group.  I am hoping as I make my way through the rest of these slides, I can find more details.  The sets I am currently working on have more of the fort (I am assuming) plus other tourist type photos.  Who knows perhaps someday, someone will recognize one these ladies and be able to tell me their story.

 

Hotel Federal?

Posted on by Rebecca C.

How did you spend your Sunday?  I spent most of mine working on some photos and catching up on some content writing for a couple of clients. At least I am a head of the deadlines. I think one of the reasons why I like working on this particular batch of photos is the area looks so warm.  I mean don’t get me wrong, we actually had a nice day here for winter in Michigan.

But the 28˚F is nothing like these recent photos from slides which feature palm trees, flamingos and sandy beaches.  I even had a dream last night I was standing in the ocean allowing the water wash over my sandals.  Perhaps I have been starring at these photos too much later.

Anyways, I thought I would share the one with the businesses in the background.  Perhaps someone will recognize the spot.  The hotel reads Home, Hotel Federal.  I could not find any verifiable information on the hotel.  The two stores that I could make out in the background are the Sweet & Blossum Florist and Coin Laundry.  Neither of these stores provide significant amount of detail for research.  But, I will keep digging to see what information I can find.

Happy Sunday, everyone!

Vintage Photos: A Moment Caught in Time

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I work a lot with old photos, negatives and slides. I am also beginning to learn the techniques to scan old 8mm and 16mm film reels. I find all of them to be fascinating as a way of capturing a moment in time.  A historical moment for families, friends and loved ones to look back upon with great memories which is why I often refer to my work as finding lost memories; a moment caught in time for future viewers. The photos go back decades.

So, where do I find my photos?  Honestly? Everywhere, I have purchased them at estate, garage and yard sales.  I have acquired some through auctions.  I have had numerous negatives just given to me.  People come across them in attics and old drawers.  They have no use for them.  So they pass them on to me which I am extremely grateful.

For those who do give me negatives or slides, I make a digital copy disc in return.  Perhaps, they have a family member who can recognize a person or place in one of the photos that I work on.  I work with old photos as a way to relax.  I know that sounds crazy, but I enjoy the process of bringing an old photo to life after numerous years of being idle.

You can check out some of my recent work at:   http://thephotogypsy.zenfolio.com/vintagecandids

A Photo From the Past

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The cold, winter Michigan days have kept me indoors.  I do not mind the snow but when the temperatures are -11˚F, I tend to retreat indoors by my fireplace.  I am happy to see the temperatures finally getting above 20˚F.  Of course the warmer temperatures will mean snow.  But I can handle snow, in fact I like to go and take photos of the fresh, fallen snow on the trees and creek bank.

So, I have been spending more time working on photos and researching the areas, I think they may be derived.  In the last set of slides that I purchased from an estate sale, I have noticed a woman in a black coat in most of the photos.  I am assuming she is traveling with companion.  I wish I knew who she was, what her story is, or why she took the trip. Perhaps, one of these times someone will recognize a person in one of my photos and I will be able to learn the story.

I do know the last batch of photos was taking in a warm climate.  I am thinking in the Florida area.  One of my friends suggested the one photo resembles Daytona Beach. The photos with businesses in the background do not have any recognizable landmarks.  One of the clearer businesses is called Sweet & Blossum Florist.

Even though, I researched the business, I still did not come up with any answers.  So, I am going to try and find a historical society in Florida just to ask if they have heard of the business.  I will let everyone know where my efforts lead.

Vintage Photo: The Kelso Funeral Home Girls Ensemble

Posted on by Rebecca C.

What can I say, I love vintage photographs.  The photos give me a glimpse at a different time, a time gone by.  I cannot honestly say if these times were better or worse.  I really think that is a matter of perspective. The photos will sometimes contain names which I am always researching.  But, most of the time the photographs just reveal lost memories.

I take these old photos, slides or negatives clean them up as best I can with the use of digital enhancement.  I try not to lose the grittiness of the old prints.  I think that is what makes them so unique and interesting.

I recently was fortunate to come across some photos from an estate sale.  I love that the person that owed this photo wrote a story on the back.  Old stories are why I love finding these treasures.  Most of the photos that I get are a mystery.  But this one had background information. This is what the story reads:

   The Kelso Funeral Home Girls Ensemble began when Dorothy and all except Allene Rayburn & Polly Anna O’Neil were in the 7th grade.  In those days most, but not all funerals in Wellington were held in churches in the town.  This group was formed by Mr.  & Mrs. Jimmie Kelso to provide music for those funerals held in his funeral home-mainly because those people could not afford to pay for someone sing.  I shall never forget the Kelson’s & Mrs. Elliot for all they did for us.  As time went on we provided music for many functions-even performed on radio in Vernon, Texas. This was in the depression and none of the families represented here could have afforded voice lessons for any of us or the money to travel as we did.  Mr.  & Mrs. Kelso & Mrs. Elliot did that out of their pockets.  All of us dearly loved them and shall never forget them. “1986”—Dear Cora Clark Holton and Polly Anna O’Neil have passed away. 

Front row:  Polly Anna O’Neil (pianist), Dorothy Holcomb, Cora Clark, Allene Rayburn (Pianist after Polly Anna O’Neil

Back Row:  Betty Lou Blanton (?), Faye Moore, Mrs. Elliot (Director), Frances Nunnelly, & Virginia Blideao.