Barney’s Retirement

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I recently purchased various slides and negatives from eBay. “Barney’s Retirement” is one of those photos I digitalized from a slide. I like this particular set of slides. The original owner wrote information on each one.

The photo shows the last trip of the horse drawn milk wagon in East Lansing.

The photo is dated 5-25-1957.

The sign draped over the horse tells the best story, “So sorry, I am retiring to the farm. Barney”. I hope Barney was able to live a long happy life at the farm.

The lady in the photo is identified as Mrs. Strother. The children are Karen and Karl Kaufman.

The milk wagon displays writing on the side. I can read the word “farms”. But the rest of the information is blurred.

If anyone knows the story of the horse drawn milk wagon, I would love to hear the tale.

Until next time…peace

Bridgeville Beauties: Silver-Spotted Skipper

Posted on by Rebecca C.

In my opinion, this butterfly is a Silver-Spotted Skipper. If I am wrong, please let me know. I am not the best at identifying insects.

I did enjoy watching these butterflies over the last couple of days. The pair seemed to dance mid-air before landing on the flower of their choice. I admit I think I took over 500 photos of these flying beauties.

2-4-1912

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The only piece of information I have about this photo is the date, 2-4-1912. Perhaps, the two ladies in the image are sisters. They got together with their spouses to have a meal. I notice the dishes stacked up in front of them. There’s a woodstove in the background.

What do you see when you look at this photo?

Bridgeville Beauties: A Family of Canadian Geese

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I didn’t see this little family of Canadian Geese at first. I originally was just snapping a few photos of the landscape. But the adult geese let me know I was close. I backed away, trying not to disturb them. But the adult geese quickly ushered their goslings into the water.

The family of Canadian Geese was a pleasant surprise to photograph.

A Family Posing

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I do not have any information on this photo. I wish I could see more of the car. I am assuming the people in the image are a family posing in front of a car. Perhaps, they were visiting someone and this was the parting photo.

If I were to guess, I would assume the photo was taken around the 1920s. I basing my guess on the style of clothing, the vehicle, and photograph.

Tell me what you think?

Sunday, May 28, 1911

Posted on by Rebecca C.

On the back of this photo, written in pencil, is the date, Sunday, May 28, 1911. The young people in the photo appear to be dressed up. Since, there was a special notation that the photo was taken on a Sunday, I am going to guess the photo was taken at church. Perhaps, there was a confirmation or a special Sunday gathering.

The back of the photo contains names. But I cannot guarantee I am copying them correctly. The pencil markings are faded in places. I also cannot tell you the order of the names in correlation with the children. But, to the best of my knowledge, the information reads:

  • S.M.E. Orchestion
  • Sunday, May 28, 1911
  • Alice Carlquist
  • Elsie Erickson
  • Helene Norberg
  • Eva Carlquist
  • Edna Esseer
  • E.E. Itarry Anderson
  • Laurie Carlquist
  • Gust Magnuson

I wish I could read the plaque at the right of the photo, hanging on the brick. I think the information on the plaque would provide more clues to the photo.

What do you think?

12-24-1956

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I was lucky with this image, there is a date written on the back, 12-24-1956. I am assuming the photo was taken on Christmas Eve. Everyone does seem to be wearing their best clothes, perfect for a holiday gathering.

The back of the image has further information:

  • Dahlins, Almunst & Irene (I am guessing on the last name and his first name. The handwriting on the back is unclear).
  • Jackson, Betsy and Don
  • 225 June Street, Worcester

Perhaps, the two young boys in the background are grandchildren.

What do you think?

Bridgeville Beauties: Turkey Vulture

Posted on by Rebecca C.

There’s something about these birds that I just love. I know, they are not the prettiest. But I do love to watch them. This Turkey Vulture was busy feasting on a dead carcass when I snapped this image.

He (or she) shuffled off the feasting area long enough to stare back at me. Then, slowly strolled back over to finish lunch. Now, I used a long lens to take this photo. But the Turkey Vulture was still unsure of me. So, I snapped a couple more photos and went on my way. I did not want to disturb his meal too much.

Carl & Mayme Schmidt-1942

Posted on by Rebecca C.

This image was part of an eBay lot. The seller did not provide much information. But luckily, the photo has faded writing on the back.

The information reads:

*1942

*Carl & Mayme Schmidt

I like this old photo. What do I notice? I wish I could see the picture hanging on the wall. I want the old lamp. The wooden door in the background seems fitting for an older house.

As always, I wish I had more information on the couple. Does anyone out there recognize them? I would love to know their story.

Mr. & Mrs. Herman Ecley

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I am not 100% certain that the last name is spelled correctly. I purchased the image from eBay. The picture was extremely damaged. I cleaned up the image to the best of my abilities.

The writing on the back reads:

Mr. & Mrs. Herman Ecley

Oct. 25, 1941

So what do you see when you look at this photograph?

I see:

  • The couple smiling as they hold hands.
  • There is a man standing to the right of the groom. Perhaps, he is the minister or a father.
  • Her wedding dress has a long train. I would guess the gown costs a large sum of money. Unless the wedding dress was homemade. I cannot tell from the photos.
  • The double doors in the back could be the entrance to a church. If not, the family home is large.

Did I miss anything? I would love to know this couple’s story. Did they have a happy marriage? Did they have children? Did they travel? If anyone knows, I would love to hear from you.