Two Old Photographs That Tell a Story

I love old photographs and collect cabinet cards and CDVs. When you obtain an antique photo, it is because it has become separated from its family, for whatever reason. I love some of the stories I see in the antique photos I collect, and I thought I might share some. This one is of a beautiful girl with long blond ringlets. There are two pics. In the first one she is really well done up with a nice lace bodice/dress and a lovely chiffon bow in her hair. Her ringlets are tight and neat, and she seems pleased. In the other set of photos she is with her family. In this one she is dressed up but not as well. The attempted ringlets are a bit of a failure, and the outfit looks more gypsy-like than lady-like. I think this was a simple farm family. The daughter is turning 16, or maybe 13. Dad helps her get dressed up as best he can - not bad for Dad but missing a woman's touch - and takes the family to town to spring for a photo. They take the first one of the family. But then the photographers wife notices how beautiful she is and when it comes to have her picture taken alone, the photographers wife helps out and does a great job, pleasing the girl. Where's Mom? This is clearly the sad part and you can see it in Dad's face. Poignant or what!