1946 Tornado–St. Johns, Michigan

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I pulled these images from slides. I was surprised to find them in my recent estate sale purchase. The previous owner did a lot of traveling. Most of the slides are focused on the trips. I admit, I love seeing their adventures. And, my bucket list is getting a lot of great ideas.

But these slides were focused on the aftermath of a tornado in Clinton County, Michigan.

Each slide has handwriting on them. In pencil are the date, event, and location. The tornado took place in August 1946 in St. Johns, Michigan.

A couple of the slides had extra details like Rudy’s trailer.

The broken trees were on Clinton Ave. I found this interesting. My grandfather lived on Clinton Ave. for years.

There’s no further identifying information on the next three slides.

The sign in the rubble reads, welding. Perhaps, the name on the business sign is Gary.

A lot of people showed up to help.

The next two slides are labeled, “Aunt Nellie’s house”.

I am assuming the lady with the flowered dress is Aunt Nellie.

Tornadoes leave a path of debris and destruction. I am hoping no one was hurt in this event.

I am hoping someone out there can provide more information on this tornado. I did a little research but did not find a lot of information. If I come across my slides from this event, I will definitely post them.

Until next time…peace

October 1967

Posted on by Rebecca C.

This is another image from a slide which was part of an auction lot. The couple must have spent several days in Canada. First there was photo of The Expo ’67, now I am finding photos of other tourist spots.

From my research, I believe they were at Fort Henry National Historic Site which located in Kingston, Ontario.

What do you think?

Until next time…peace

January 1969–Mexico

Posted on by Rebecca C.

These three slides were together in a small plastic bag in my recent estate lot purchase. There was a little information: January 1969–Mexico.

I wish I knew the name of the resort. I wonder if the place still exists.

I am assuming the two couples traveled together to Mexico. (Probably to escape the cold weather here in Michigan).

Taking photos of each other. I have done this…lol

As I mentioned before, the couples in the images traveled a lot. I am excited to see all their destinations.

Until next time…peace

May 1961

Posted on by Rebecca C.

I took this image from a slide which was labeled May 1961. The group are full of smiles. I do not have any further information.

I recently purchased the slide as part of an estate lot on an auction site.

The people in the slides loved to travel. I am so excited to pull the images off them.

The gentlemen in the photo appear to be in hunting apparel which makes me think they are at a cabin.

What do you think?

Until next time…peace

Exploring Old Slides: Hawaii

Posted on by Rebecca C.

The photo is a digital copy of an old slide. I purchased a large lot through an auction. I have slowly been going through them.

This slide did not have any information. However, some of the other slides mention Hawaii. I am assuming this photo was taken there. What do you think?

Do you think it looks like Hawaii? Let me know in the comments.

Until next time…peace

A Happy Group

Posted on by Rebecca C.

Happy September 1st everyone! Where did our summer go?

I am still working on the slides I purchased from an auction. I really like this slide. Everyone seems to be happy. I wonder if they were traveling together. Or perhaps, one couple was traveling to meet up with the others. I just wish I had names for the people in the image.

Have a great month!

Until next time…peace

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.

 

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