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Click on image to see it larger.
This is a very large framed photo measuring, with frame, 23" x 17.5". Wood is nailed to the back as it often was when old photos were framed. There is no glass. Obviously I didn't put this one on the scanner. I dragged this out front and propped it against my garage door to take a quick shot.
No information is given other than a signature near the lower left corner. Any idea what this says? I've tried a variety of letter combinations and have come up zip, nada, zero. Perhaps someone else will recognize it.
As to what the subject matter is, well that's another question. One person said Mormon's, but I think the young people are all too similar in age so unlikely these girls are the bride of the old gentleman. Than again, who knows.
I'm thinking school photo or Sunday School photo. Teacher in the center with what I guess would be his adoring flock.
Thanks to the photography methods of the time they look dead in the eyes. It's hard to see personality coming through. You really have to study each face and try to imagine them the split second after the shot was taken and they relaxed. Think of them out of context with the group. A lot of lives here. A lot of stories.
Perhaps hidden behind the wood on the back is the answer, but I'm not taking it apart to find out.
Another great vintage photo from Bert's collection.
Update: Received the following comment today from AnyJazz of Lost Gallery who has cleared up the name of the photographer. Thank you!
From an old city directory of Omaha, Nebraska:GEORGE HEYN, proprietor of the Grand Central photograph gallery, was born in Germany in 1856. He came to America in 1871, learned the profession of a photographer in the East and was employed at it some years. He came to Nebraska in February, 1879, located in Omaha and was engaged in conducting a photograph gallery for E. L. Eaton until November 1, 1880, when he purchased the business and has been engaged conducting it under the above style since. He employes three men.
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Great old photo! Thanks to Bert for sharing with you!
ReplyDeleteI am thinking confirmation class and a pastor in the middle or an eighth grade graduation..but to me they look older than eighth grade..maybe highschool? :)
I wonder if I'll ever find another family kneeling? Will this be in the only one in the category?
ReplyDeleteI hope someday that someone comes along and recognizes the photographer's signature. It's such a large photo. So many interesting stories there.
ReplyDeleteFrom an old city directory of Omaha, Nebraska:
ReplyDeleteGEORGE HEYN, proprietor of the Grand Central photograph gallery, was born in Germany in 1856. He came to America in 1871, learned the profession of a photographer in the East and was employed at it some years. He came to Nebraska in February, 1879, located in Omaha and was engaged in conducting a photograph gallery for E. L. Eaton until November 1, 1880, when he purchased the business and has been engaged conducting it under the above style since. He employes three men.
Maybe this is your photographer.
Thank you! You know, I didn't even look at the first letter as an "H". I failed this inkblot test.
ReplyDelete