6/27/14

TESTING the water


This photo comes from Betty Schnabel's mother's photo album. I have no information about any of the people in this boat, nor where it was taken. The album contains a lot of photos of a lake and a large log structure next to it. I would imagine it was somewhere in Washington state because of the Bigelow (Louise Bigelow Schnabel) family history, but can't be sure.


Click on image to see it larger.

I love this shot with the women in their hats and long skirts. Not the ideal boating outfits, especially should they fall in. And I wonder if those on the other side are also testing the waters. The young girl in the plaid appears to be looking at the woman closest to her until you look at her eyes. She seems to be interested in either the photographer or someone in that direction.



This is my submission for this week's Sepia Saturday.

33 comments:

  1. There is something that appeals to me when I see photos of ladies of times gone past in formal clothing but shoes removed, paddling. Good to see them having fun but remaining "proper"

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    1. And aren't we glad we don't have to cinched in to have fun these days.

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  2. Great photos! Can't imagine going to the lake dressed up like that!

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  3. A great photo. The plaid dress that girl is wearing seems quite unusual and at odds with the clothing style of the others.

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  4. I like the way you focused in on the young girl. Wonder what ever happened to her.

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    1. Perhaps I'll find other shots of her in the album.

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  5. You’re right! What a different picture, quite literally, when you zoom in like that.

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  6. I like old photographs like this one . . . the long white dresses & skirts in summer with those wonderful hats. So very charming.

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    1. Makes me want to time travel to experience a day like this.

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  7. I love the details you pick out to discuss. Gives so much life to the scene.

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  8. A charming photo with a rare glimpse of women doing something recreational. But that is a very small boat for 6 maybe 7 people. The narrow stern has no tiller and I can't see a sail. There are no oar locks and in this era there wouldn't be a motor. That leaves paddle power. Maybe they are up the creek waiting for a tow back to the dock.

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    1. See the next days post for some answers.

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  9. The Bigelows were early settlers in Washington. Very political and forward thinking.

    The girl in the plaid looks a little like Margaret Hamilton who played the witch who tormented Dorothy.

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    1. I featured their home in Seattle a few weeks ago.

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  10. Anonymous6/28/2014

    Do you think the man has got his back turned so he is not looking at the ladies bare flesh? which means the others on his side of the boat may have been more 'proper'

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  11. The edge of the boat does not look a comfortable place to sit. The boat must be grounded for her to sit like that.

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  12. It's a wonder the boat didn't tip over -- not that she's that heavy because certainly there are lots of people holding that boat in place. Still it looks rather precarious.

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    1. Fun to think of it rocking and then…oh oh.

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  13. Anonymous6/29/2014

    How absolutely perfect, just sitting and doing nothing but dream and chat, making the most of companionship without the distraction of mobiles. A lovely photo.

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    1. Watching the minnows go by between your toes.

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  14. That seems like an unusual arrangement of the people. I wonder why most are facing away from the camera.

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    1. Good question. Doesn't seem to be for balance.

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  15. This photo does leave us with some unanswered questions, making it all the better to keep looking at. I love the hats and dresses too and the girl in the plain does look a bit out of place.

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  16. What a charming photograph. The notion of going boating in those costumes and hats on a hot day is something else. And I like the mystery of who they are, what's going on and why the young girl is watching so intently. Thanks for sharing. All the best, Bonny

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    1. Yes, an interesting story could be written about this and the two photos I posted the next day. A mystery begins.

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  17. The women in your photo look to be from the same era as the prompt photo. Similar clothing, hats, etc.
    Nancy
    Ladies of the Grove

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