Sunday, August 21, 2011

Sentimental Sunday - Women with Hats!


Hi, all!  I have been on vacation for the past week and unable to post - I know, I know, I should have set up my posts ahead of time to automatically post while I was away, but I am not that organized!  I love looking at the hats women used to wear so I am starting a new tag, "Women with Hats."  This is a cabinet photo I was thrilled to snag of a beautiful young woman.  It was taken by Ely of Oshkosh, Wisconsin and there is nothing to identify the subject.  Look at her stylish outfit, with the bustle, the leather gloves and the feather in her hat.  Isn't she lovely?  I am still learning to date photos and my gut tells me this one is from the 1880's.

**Update:  Photographer Information - Cook, Ely, photographer, No. 2 Elm street. His business amounts to $5,000 per annum, established in 1876. He was born in England, near Boston, June 21, 1847. His parents emigrated to America in 1852 and located at Ripon, Wis. Mr. Ely was about fifteen years of age when he began learning his trade in Ripon, with a Mr. William Lockwood, where he remained about four years; then went to Peru, Ill., and worked for W. E. Bowman in the photographic business about two years. Then he went to Racine, Wis., and began business in company with Mr. William Lockwood, his former instructor, where he continued until 1876 at which time he sold his interests and moved to Oshkosh, Wis., where he has since remained, and has built up a splendid business and secured a good reputation as an artist of the first water. He enlisted in Co. B, 41st W. V. I. He was married in Ripon, Wis., in 1870, to Miss Lucy J. Snyder, of the latter place. They have four daughters- Mary L., Dora, Grace and Florence.

Sunday, August 7, 2011

Sentimental Sunday - A Trip to the Library?

One of the most exciting things that happened to me as a young girl was when I got my first library card.  I have loved to read books since about the first grade and have been a voracious reader ever since.  Going to the library in my home town of Mt. Vernon, IL was always such an exciting, awe-inspiring, experience.  There was something about exploring all the rows and rows of books and finding exciting new stories about people and places.  I could hardly wait to rush home and curl up in my favorite place and start reading.  Nowadays, I just go online, pick out new books and download them to my eReader - takes some of the excitement out of it .

This picture I purchased of a beautiful young woman holding several books brought back memories of weekend trips to the library.  Her beautiful dress, or outercoat is something I have not seen in any of the hundreds of pictures I have perused to try and date this picture.   I tried to find an era where hats like this were worn without success, although I intend to keep trying.  The photographer was Copelin of Chicago, N.W. Corner of Madson and State Streets and there are no identifying names for her anywhere on the picture.  However, I have decided this Cabinet photo was most likely taken between 1882 - 1888 by using this Cabinet Card dating timetable.  The front of this is a matte finish and the back a glossy yellow finish.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Those Places Thursday - Hamilton Beach 1899


Here is a photo with a woman reading a magazine or newspaper, note the straw boater hat on the ground to her right.  On the back it says, " Hamilton Beach, Sunday, June 1899."  The woman is not identified, the picture is somewhat blurred, and I have no idea where Hamilton Beach is.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Wedding Wednesday - Wedded Bliss or Maybe Not?




Here's a happy couple from Three Rivers, Massachusetts from probably the early 1900's.  Well, he looks like he's maybe okay with the marriage, she just looks kind of stunned or bored or mad.  I just love the faces in these old photos.  This cabinet card photo was taken by P. J. Petryka, Four Corners.

Monday, August 1, 2011

Military Monday - Mystery Man from Iowa



Here is a photograph of an unknown subject taken by Brown, in Marshalltown, Iowa.  He appears to be wearing a uniform of some sort - note the medal on his chest, the ornate belt and shoulder decorations as well as the sword.  Also, on the far left side is some type of helmet.  I have no experience with military insignia; if anyone can shed any light on this man's uniform or the other items I would appreciate comments as it could help date the photograph.  This cabinet card is in excellent condition.
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