The Joys of a Grandmother

Ok, I have really no idea if the lady in the photo is actually a grandmother. I do a lot of guessing with my old photos. The child does seem extremely interested in the book.

I remember days of listening to my grandfather’s stories. I also vaguely remember my grandmother. I do remember sitting on their old sofa. There were always picture books of animals on the bookshelf. I can remember looking at them. (So my love of wildlife started at an early age.)

When you look at this photo, what do you see? Do you have any stories about your grandparents that you would like to share?

 

Right Place, Right Time

I always say nature photography is a game of chance. You must be in the right place at the right time. I know the photos of Bald Eagles are not perfect. But I could have watched them all day long. The majestic birds were actually in the middle of a field. Since I lost all my equipment in the fire. I only had what was available. (A camera that was gifted to me, which I am extremely grateful for. I would not have taken the pictures without it.)

Anyways, the pair, feasting on a dead carcass, were not disturbed by constant camera clicking. Of course, I did not stay long. I was afraid of scaring them away from their meal.

Until next time…peace

2020 Reflections

First, I want to thank everyone, old and new followers, for reading my blog. I plan to continue with my nature and vintage pictures. My absence from this blog is due to my house fire right before Christmas. In one single evening, I lost everything, my photos, my writings, my mementos, and my beloved pets. I cannot even begin to describe the heartache from this event.

But I am here. I am grateful. I have a roof over my head (I moved back home with my dad). I have food and clothing. I still have my car and my job. I am actually luckier than many right now. I set out each day with the hope that everything will get easier.

The overwhelming event has given me insight. When everything falls apart, you realize who is there to stand by you. From my neighbors dropping off food to my cousin who set up a GoFund Me page, I appreciate all the generosity.

Of course, I already searching for old photos, slides, and negatives to use.

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?

Cap’n Macs

I would definitely classify this image as a tourist photo. The gentleman is posing in front of Cap’n Macs Bar & Restaurant. I researched the establishment, but I did not find any information on the bar’s location. The bar has probably been closed for decades. I am guessing the photo was taken in the late 1940s.

Besides being a bar and restaurant, Cap’n Macs had cold beer, live bait, groceries, pier fishing, and trailer space. Offering a little bit of everything, the business provided the perfect combination of goods for tourists. I view Palm Trees in the background, which informs me the place was located in a warmer climate.

I would love to know the history behind Cap’n Macs. If anyone has any information, please share.

 

Cabinet Card Photo: Couple

From my research, the cabinet card with lettering helps narrow down the date to the late 1800s. Due to the guidelines for a successful photo, the couple appears to be stiff and rigid. But to get a well-developed image at this time, the subjects in the picture could not move. In fact, if you study the photo closely, the couple is not even looking toward the photographer.

I am assuming the couple was wealthy. Not too many people got their photos taken during this time frame. Besides, their clothing style suggests wealth. Of course, I do not know if my assumptions are accurate. Perhaps, the couple saved to get the photo done and simply wearing their Sunday best.

The photo was taken at the East Side Gallery in Butler, Indiana. The image was finished by Neuman’s Superior Finish, which I find fascinating.

What do you see when you look at this image?

Playing Outdoors

If I were to guess, I would say the boy in the photo is about 3 years old. He seems to be enjoying his time outdoors. From his clothing and the motor home in the background, I estimate the image was taken in the late 1940s.

I do have a couple other frames in this particular lot that show motor homes in a line. I cannot match them to this specific image. The young boy’s clothes are heavy and durable. In addition, he is wearing a hat to cover his ears, which leads me to believe the weather is cooler.

Of course, I have no way of known if the family is visiting a campground or living in a park area. I know many families would live out of motor homes to be close to work areas.

Tell me what you think.

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.

A Scenic View

Yes, this photo definitely shows signs of age from the worn negative. The scenic view shows a church and a courtyard, which I imagine is full of beautiful flowers.

Now, this negative was a single cut. But there are numerous other photos of two women in uniform on different sets of negatives.

I cannot guarantee they are from the same time frame. I am just guessing.

Anyone have an idea where the photo was taken?

The Bride & Her Bridesmaids

The bride’s smile is the one thing that I love about this image. Of course, I truly do not know if the other two women with their backs to the camera are bridesmaids. I am basing my guess on the flowers in their hair. But the bride seems to be bidding her friends goodbye as she steps toward her new adventure.

From the type of negative, I am guessing this photo was taken in the early 60s.

Tell me, what do you think when you view this photo?