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.