Judging TIME

Isn’t life really all about the details? Memories would mean nothing without the details of the moments, moments in time.

And details are what draw me to photos. Often it’s the details I can’t see, but suspect might be there. In the case of these two images I had no idea what I had. I just thought they were guys, probably military, hiking across a field. They’re small photos so it wasn’t until I scanned them that I said, “Whoa!”

Click on either image to see it larger.

This weeks Sepia Saturday is about time, which I think in the case of these fellows was pretty important. For them time management was the difference between more time and the end of time.

A clock is not needed to judge the importance of time.

SENIOR MOMENTS going up in smoke and the empty chair

I always find it sad to see an elderly person smoking. Actually I find it sad to see anybody smoking, but an old woman is just about the worst. They have the puckered lip wrinkles from long years of dragging on the damn coffin nail with their lipstick seeking higher ground through the wrinkles.

Now, although I don't see a cig between this woman's fingers I'm guessing there might be one. The fellow in the back seated on the ground does have a cig dangling from his lips.


Click on image to see it larger.

So what of the empty chair? Is this where the photographer had been seated? Or was this someone who disliked the smoke wafting from the woman and just decided to leave? It is odd that the chair is facing the lens and not the direction all of the people are facing. Perhaps the photographer had an imaginary friend seated in the chair. Perhaps the photographer was smoking something other than cigarettes.

For something completely different...
Ruth, from Artifact Collectors, asked me to do a guest post on my corner of the universe. I blather on about what I do giving others outside my small realm the chance to be bored by me. Thank you Ruth. It was a pleasure. And folks, visit the site, www.artifactcollectors.com, to actually read some posts by people who actually know what they're talking about.

DON'T SMILE for daddy

I generally avoid stand and pose shots unless there is something quirky or fun going on. It gets to the point when I'm sorting through a bin that I'm nearly throwing these "say cheese" shots as far away from me as possible. But then...something like this comes along.

Daughter and mother looking as bored as they possibly ever could. Was it a jolly home? Was this photo a fluke? Was there another one taken with both of them looking a little less wax figure-ish?


Click on image to see it larger.

The mystery of the photographer E. C. SWAIN

E. C. Swain was a photographer in Malden, Massachusetts within the county of Middlesex. Born in 1835 in Maine, he is shown in the 1870 Massachusetts census as being 35 years old and married to a 22 year old woman whose name begins with an “M” whom I believe to be Mary, also born in Maine. There are no children listed. He is listed as a photographer.

In the 1880 census there is a Mary A. Swain listed in Malden, Massachusetts as being 32 years old, with her occupation as “keeping house.” There are two sons listed, Fred A., age 9, and a name that begins with an “H” which I cannot read, age 6. E. C. is not in the census.

What became of E. C. between the years of the 1870 and 1880 census? Did he die? Did they separate? And what actually was his name? What did the “E” and “C” stand for? I cannot find any written biographical information about him.

There is a book, Malden, published by the Malden Historical Society, that contains many landscape shots taken by Swain. The photo below, from the book, shows his fascinating photography studio in Malden. Of his photos in the book, the dates vary from the mid-1860s to 1875.

You can see more images from the book here, and the book is available for sale at Amazon.

In 1868 a quote by Swain is shown in a book entitled The American Carbon Manual: The Production of Photographic Prints in Permanent Pigmenets. He supplied a testimonial for a journal called The Philadelpha Photographer.

Searching for photos taken by him I find that most of the shots are landscapes, many stereographic cards. I have found very few portraits.

The portrait, to the left, is currently available on eBay which means this link may not work in the future.

Here you’ll find a photo taken by Swain in 1870 of a cemetery in Boston.

Here you’ll find a stereographic card showing the “Coliseum.”

Here you’ll find the back of one of his cabinet card advertisements, which you'll note is different than the photo I show below which is in my collection.

Here is another image for sale on eBay, another landscape, this time of Saugus, Massachusetts.

And finally, what began my research for this post is the photo below given to me by my friend Bert. Other than knowing Swain took this shot, I have no other information.


Click on image to see it larger.



Perhaps sometime in the future someone will be able to identify this body of water with the waterfall and buildings in the background. For now let it be the beginning of the “Who was E. C. Swain?” mystery.

UPDATE: I knew someone would come along and add some pieces to the puzzle. Thank you AnyJazz@!

How odd that he appears nowhere in the 1880 census. There are references to him before and after. He seems still living with Mary, Fred and Herbert in the census of 1900 and with Mary and Herbert (then 36) in the census of 1910. Perhaps he was traveling in 1880 and when enumerated, the census taker fouled up the name so badly that the index search does not pick him up. He could have been “on location” for a scenic shoot.

I can clear up the names I think.

Edwin Chandler Swain (1835-1911)

Mary Alden Lovejoy (Swain) (1847-1933)

Son-Fred Allen Swain (1871-1963)

Son-Herbert (Burton) Smith Swain (1873-1922)

UPDATE: The following images are provided by reader Chris who has this for sale on ebay as of 5/23/14. Thanks Chris!

UPDATE: The latest from a reader:

Some of his photos are on file at the Wayland Historical Society files..We figured out today that they were likely taken between 1878 and 1882 due to the fact that there was a firehouse in one of them located in a specific spot. It was built in 1878 and moved in 1882. Thus, he was in Massachusetts during the time that you mentioned.

UPDATE: 10.28.2020 

I received the following image of a house on Appleton Street in Malden, MA from collector Andrew Cook. The framed image shows "Photo by E.C. Swain" on the back. It's a grand house with a very beautiful yard and fence. As so often happens over time the house is no longer quite so grand. I believe the color image below shows the house today as seen on Google Street View. The extensive lawn is gone, the fence, and much of the architectural decorations—such as the shutters—are now gone. But if you pay attention to the roof you'll see that the iron work at the top and the two chimneys are still there. Where once this house stood on a corner, it is now simply another lovely house on a street filled with old lovely houses. It also goes to show how putting power lines underground would improve the overall look of the neighborhood. Those damnable black cables running here and there really do distract.

If anyone has anything to add about this house Mr. Cook would be most grateful for any information. Should you wish to contact him direct: andyc222@hotmail.com.

 Click on images to see them larger.

Deconstructing the whole SHEBANG: The End

The final fairy. The finale to this vintage production of "Who Knows What?" I have never come up with a fitting play or musical that fits all of these parts, probably never will.

Click on image to see it larger.

So as they tippy toe into the sunset let us hope they were received with great applause and few guffaws.

Click on the word "Theatrical" in the labels below to see the previous posts of women in costumes.

Deconstructing the whole SHEBANG: Part 9

I think I might know why this woman is not looking at the camera and it isn't because of the annoying feather. It's the fact that her costume is made from from an old green plastic tarp. At first I thought garbage bags, but then I realized it was an Ace Hardware green, or possibly blue, tarp. She showed up late when the play was being cast and she got the part of the...ummmmmm...I really don't know, but she was stuck wearing the tarps.

Click on the word "Theatrical" in the labels below to see the previous posts of women in costumes.

Deconstructing the whole SHEBANG: Part 8

I'm guessing that her act went...

something like this.

Click on the word "Theatrical" in the labels below to see the previous posts of women in costumes.

Deconstructing the whole SHEBANG: Part 7

Warning! Time Traveling Celebrity!

I've written about this before; celebrities who time travel in hopes of perhaps doing some research for a role or just a chance to get away from modern day paparazzi. The jig is up thanks to a trusty old Kodak Brownie. Anne Heche has been found in a group shot of women from long ago. At least she chose to time travel as an actor. The same cannot be said for Will Ferrell in drag in my grandmother's photo album.

Click on the word "Theatrical" in the labels below to see the previous posts of women in costumes. Click on "Time-Traveling-Celebrity" to see a few more celebs caught in old vintage snapshots.

Deconstructing the whole SHEBANG: Part 6

The woman formerly known as Prince.

Click on the word "Theatrical" in the labels below to see the previous posts of women in costumes.

Deconstructing the whole SHEBANG: Part 5

Oh please, please...I just want to go home. I just want to go home!

Freakin' wand doesn't work!!!

Click on the word "Theatrical" in the labels below to see the previous posts of women in costumes.

Deconstructing the whole SHEBANG: Part 4

Tickets still available for all upcoming performances. Or you can just sit on the floor. We don't really care.

Click on the word "Theatrical" in the labels below to see the previous posts of women in costumes.

Deconstructing the whole SHEBANG: Part 3

Is this getting too odd? Is this Rumpelstiltskin?

Click on the word "Theatrical" in the labels below to see the previous posts of women in costumes. At least I think they're costumes. Then again, I don't travel in cult like circles so...

Deconstructing the whole SHEBANG: Part 2

And what part were you playing little Miss with the curl in the middle of your forehead?

Click on the word "Theatrical" in the label below to see the previous post of a woman in costume.

Deconstructing the whole SHEBANG: Part 1

I have decided to "deconstruct" another vernacular group photo over a period of days. Hopefully you'll find this odd enough to return to see more. In the end you will have all the pieces of the whole. I cannot say if any of the pieces will make sense anymore than I can say that the full image makes sense. It is what it is.

Shebang

MEN and THEIR CARS: Part 5

Another shot from the estate sale of Mr. Roberts belongings. The young man leaning on the back of the car which looks like a race car is Mr. Roberts years before he was in the Coast Guard and off on his adventures in Alaska.

This shot, like the one from yesterday's post, was also most likely taken near San Bernardino. The fellas were out and about and taking shots of themselves with their cars. What an adventure it must have been in those days before paved roads, interstates with repair garages and gas stations, and of course, no cell phones thus no way to easily call the auto club. Mind you, the Automobile Club of Southern California had been in existence since 1900. Phonebooths...harder to find.

I think the old jalopies are grand!

Click on image to see it larger.

MEN and THEIR CARS: Part 4

Other than remembering where I purchased this snapshot (the Mr. Roberts estate sale) I have no idea what's going on. I purchased a series of shots of men and young men in cars/jalopies driving on dirt roads. This one with the sign is the most telling of location. Perhaps there's someone out there who knows something about the sign and road. I'm guessing this was the "highway" of its time located in Southern California. The photo was most likely taken in the late 1920s to early '30s. As to what the tower is in the background, I haven't a clue.

Click on image to see it larger.

The copy on the sign:

History of the United States

San Bernardino 2 Miles

Six miles northeast of San Bernardino in the Arrowhead with its hot springs, one of which has a temperature of nearly two hundred degrees and a daily flow from the rock of half a million gallons.

UPDATE from reader Daniel Nauman. Thanks Daniel!

I believe that's a mid 1920s Hudson---at least all Hudsons had a triangluar emblem on the radiator. I'd date the photo circa 1930, because the tire on the billboard (a US Tire) is starting to 'balloon' into the tires we're familar with, which became standard circa 1934. A side note would be that US tires were made at the old Samsome factory south of LA---they one with the hyroglipchics(sp), now an outlet mall. I suspect this is taken near the shoulder of US 99, which ran through Colton at the time, about that many miles south of San Berdoo (US 66 actually went into Berdoo). The Sierra Madres are probably hidden behind the billboard. The tower looks like to be a rock crusher to me---the area is all river washes, and it may have been used to grade gravel for a paving project.

MEN and THEIR CARS: Part 3

This vintage snapshot is from Bill and Dick's Excellent Adventure. Bill is on the left...or Dick...I'm not sure. I do know, because of the May 25th diary entry, the fellow driving is Mr. Nelson the "Chief of Factory Inspection for State of Illinois."

Click on either image to see it larger.

As to the model of car, haven't a clue.

I've featured photos and diary entries from Bill and Dick's adventure before, including here, and I'm sure they'll be featured in the future.

MEN and THEIR CARS: Part 2

"So, tell me...what will it take to get you into this little baby today?"

MEN and THEIR CARS

Men are much more fascinated with cars than women. I believe this is a fact. This isn't to say there aren't women in love with cars and how they work, it's just that generally I believe women look at the styling while men look at the engine. Each valid points of view.

I personally love the look of some cars, mainly old cars. Newer cars all tend to look the same. And if the cars are made in Japan or Korea even the car logos begin to look the same. A silver circle with some icon inside it. Very unimaginative. Take a look at the Honda logo and the Hyundai logo. Seriously. In one the "H" is roman, in the other it's italic.

Recently I saw the Tucker car that was used in the movie. A stunner. Its paint and chrome gleamed. And all I kept thinking when looking in the interior was that "the Dude" sat in it. As close as I'll ever get to Jeff Bridges.

I have no idea what car this is in the photo. I'm betting sooner or later some guy will step forward to tell me. Then again, it might be a very astute woman who will recognize it. For me, it's just a car, a shape, a beautifully shiny shape.

Click on image to see it larger.

Is that A WOMAN RIDING A TURTLE?

Oh sure, you can easily find photos of women riding horses; that's a category I've covered in the past. But thanks to my best friend, I now have a new category...women riding "What the heck?"

My friend sent me this shot and reminded me of my shot of the woman riding the ostrich. She's right. This is a new and exciting category yet to be investigated.

So just to keep this straight I now have a woman riding an ostrich and another riding a large turtle.

Subcategory? OF COURSE! Woman riding turtle on back of truck. It just gets better and better.