These carte de visites of John Clement and Olivia (Brown) Clifford and their children were taken in June of 1864. This seemingly happy little family didn’t remain little for long. And when it came to happy…I’ll let you decide. Before we get into the Clifford’s life story let’s take a moment to appreciate this tattered … More Whiskey and Beer
Unfortunately this carte de visite has no identifying writing. I often buy unidentified photos in the hopes of being able to date them. Since this cdv has no lines along the border of the photo I suspected it was one of the earliest versions from 1858-1862. The fashion fit my dating hypothesis, as well as … More R.A. Lord, Photographer
Our sitter looks to be in her early teens and based on the young woman’s fashion I date this CDV (carte de visite) to the early 1870s. The photographer, Luman F. Heath, operated studios in Lansing and North Lansing from 1865 to 1903. I believe the writing penned on the reverse reads “Clara Keith” although … More Play it by Ear
Although I was unable to identify this carte de visite (CDV) I wanted to share it in case a relative might someday happen upon it. Written on the reverse “Susie died July 6th 1867.” The photographer was Thompson Gallery in Albany, New York. Known as The Sun Picture Tax, the government placed a luxury tax on … More Susie Who
Another wonderful image from Heather of _wherethewillowsgrow_ . The young woman in this carte de visite sat for her portrait in Grand Rapids, Iowa. Based on the small bit of fashion visible in the photo her image was captured in the 1870s. Miss Florence Condit, the name penned on the reverse, lived in Centralia, Illinois, … More Florence Condit
The polka dot dress! The swiss waist belt! I swooned when I saw this lovely CDV photograph. Written at the bottom is “Yours Truly Fannie I. Champlin.” Frances “Fannie” was born in Montville, Connecticut in 1850. She was the daughter of Frances Elizabeth (Smith) and Captain Frederick W. Champlin, a seaman. By the time this … More Fannie Champlin
I picked up this identified CDV from Heather on Instagram. If you love old photos you should visit her account _wherethewillowsgrow_ . Writing on the reverse reads “Mrs. Carolyn Bradley.” Click on the above image to view full size Based on the scratches (or what are often referred to as wipes) in the portrait I … More Disembodied Hand
William Kalter Click to view Find a Grave memorial (1851-1925)
Janie Sine Bourquin Click to view Find a Grave memorial (1863-1940)
I purchased this carte de visite on etsy and as soon as it arrived I was flooded with emotions. I can’t quite explain the feelings I experienced but they led me to contact the seller and ask if they might have acquired any photos along with this one. The answer was yes and I bought … More The Photographer’s Family
the rescued photo 