The Only One

The man on the bicycle is Paul Curd, identified by writing on the reverse of this worn vintage snapshot. Was he the author of the writing? Or was it penned by a girlfriend or admirer? I discovered not one but two men that are a match to our bicyclist, and they were cousins. Robert and … More The Only One

Whiskey and Beer

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

Everybody Blew Glass

I came for the embroidered cape, but stuck around for the genealogy. Seated in the middle of this handsome group is Louis Boudon. On the right are his maternal cousins Alfred and Marie Camus, with Alfred’s wife Laura (Staes) on the left. The Boudon and Camus families immigrated to the United States from France. The … More Everybody Blew Glass

A Nice Set of Pipes

The couple featured in this vintage snapshot are identified on the reverse as “Neysa & Anthony Travis.” They were married in 1948 in Los Angeles, California. Anthony died in 1980 and Neysa in 1984. They are buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park. Neysa Estelle was born Nesser Easter Hansett on June 4, 1904 in Mecklenburg … More A Nice Set of Pipes

1913 Selfie

I wonder if the man in the photo, Mr. Lee Large, thought he was going to look relaxed and natural when he posed for this self-taken photo in Saltville, Virginia in 1913. Instead he’s got a stiff , mannequin-ish look going on. Hey, I bet many of us “selfie takers” can relate. “Hello son! How … More 1913 Selfie

Maxine and Sanford

“Maxine DeLong & Sanford Eldridge married May 6, 1950” Maxine and Sanford tied the knot in Los Angeles, California. They settled in Minnesota and had seven children; Don, Mike, Steve, Gwenn, Pat, Theresa, and Barbara. Maxine died in 1995 and according to her obituary the couple were divorced but still friends. Sanford passed recently, in … More Maxine and Sanford

Ma’s Picture

Alma (Austin) CookKate (Austin) BartlettJennie (Austin) WarnerIda AustinIrving AustinWilliam AustinSarah Emeline (Fosdick) “Mabton, Wash.Dec. 20, 1909Dear Cousins & Aunt:-It has been a long time since I rec’d your letter but will answer after the holidays. We have had lots of cloudy weather and a little snow. It is lovely today. Kate is still here. We … More Ma’s Picture