Identifying old photographs that may be in up in the attic or in the back of a closet is always a challenge. Sometimes we know it is a family member, but which one? Identifying the time frame of the photo is crucial to our identification of who is in the photo. Recently, I’ve discovered a website that has been useful for helping me learn more about old photos. This is the Photo Detective blog administered by Maureen A. Taylor, perhaps the country’s leading expert on identifying old photographs.
The blog is hosted by Family Tree Magazine and located at blog.family
treemagazine.com/photodetectiveblog/. It is a running commentary on different photographic images submitted by viewers in which Taylor solves a mystery having to do with the photo. Rather than the visitor having to read through the entire blog, there is a navigation feature on the left in which the viewer can search for particular topics, such as children’s clothing, identifying accessories in photographs, men’s facial hair and neckwear, restoring damaged photos, etc. The blog has been running since 2007 and can also be searched by date.
A typical mystery might run like this: a viewer submits a photograph that is labeled “grandfather Jones.” But the owner of the photo does not know which family member wrote this. So this could possibly be a photo of the actual owner’s great grandfather or great-great grandfather. Taylor analyzes the clues in the photo, including apparent age of the subject of the photo, clothing style, hair style, any accessories, type and size of photo, pose, and type of mounting. She looks for other clues written or stamped on the front or back of the card the photo is mounted on. Then she is able to date the photo, sometimes to within a year.
Other techniques Taylor utilizes are straight out of the CIA. She once identified a rare and previously unknown photo of Jesse James by comparing the right ear on a man in an unknown photo to the right ear of Jesse James in a known photo of the outlaw, documenting that the unknown photo was indeed of Jesse James.
She has written several books, including Preserving Your Family Photographs, Fashionable Folks: Hairstyles 1840-1900, Finding the Civil War in Your Family Album, Bonnets and Hats, 1840-1900, Uncovering Your Ancestry Through Family Photographs, and The Last Muster (a collection of rare photos of people who participated in the Revolutionary War and lived to the era of photography). Her personal website can be found at www.maureentaylor.com/ and a very interesting article from the Wall Street Journal about her techniques is at online.wsj.com/article/SB119214969916756801.html.
The University of Vermont has a wonderful website of its digital archives that helps with dating old images of all kinds in old photos. Located at www.uvm.edu/
landscape/dating/index.php, the site offers a tutorial and then systematically displays links to what the user is looking for. Categories include: transportation, roadside features, agricultural features, buildings, human features, and other features.
When dating old family photos, the user can simply click on clothing/hair under human features to get a list of decades from 1850 to 1950. Then click on a decade and get a list of specific items — women’s clothing, hats, hairstyles, accessories, men’s clothing, hats, hairstyles. Click on one of these to get a description of the style of that decade and pictorial examples.
History
GENEALOGY: Identifying time frame of photos is crucial
- History
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
As another spring blossoms, it is time for another season of baseball to descend upon the city of Terre Haute.
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HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: George Lance dominates intercity golf rivalry in 1927
What was expected to be a close match between two Terre Haute golfers for the 1927 Indiana Amateur Golf championship turned out to be a cakewalk.
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GENEALOGY: Follow ‘Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs’
I recently read an article called “Tips on Caring for Documents and Photographs,” by Tamara Hemmerlein, Hoosier Heritage Alliance Coordinator for the Indiana Historical Society
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LOOKING BACK: 1988: Teachers issued rubber gloves to use in management of blood, other body fluids
Dorothy Jerse looks back at local history from 10, 25 and 50 years ago as reported in the Tribune and Tribune-Star.
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Historical Perspective: Wabash Valley is home to prominent comedy opera stars
Comic opera, a genre consisting of light hearted musicals, was introduced in Europe during the 17th century.
In the 19th century, several female vocalists from the Wabash Valley, earned national celebrity by using that art form to excel. -
Looking back: In 2003, Storm rips off half of Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof
A Saturday morning storm ripped off half of the Honey Creek Fire Department’s roof and caused heavy damage in Allendale. Wind gusts topping 60 miles an hour brought down power lines and trees throughout the county. Hail almost an inch thick and 1.5 inches of rain fell in less than an hour.
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Abundance of shoe stores existed downtown
Spring to me means putting away heavy winter sweaters and bringing out fun lighter sundresses. It also means the possibility of shopping for a new dress or even new shoes.
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Genalogy: Handwriting in 1700s-1800s Copperplate or English Round Hand
The primary style of old handwriting in the mid 1700s through the 1800s is sometimes called Copperplate or English Round Hand. This style of writing is much more recognizable and readable than the older Secretary Hand style discussed last week, and it is much less ornate as well.
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The death of Irish Kate Preston
The lifeless body of Catherine Preston, commonly referred to as “Irish Kate,” was found Saturday morning, Oct. 5, 1895, on a sandbar at the western edge of the Wabash River wagon bridge.
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Looking back: 2003: Sherertz sets nine-hole school record
Terre Haute North Vigo High School’s nine-hole record at Hulman Links was broken by golf team member Matt Sherertz who shot a 4-under-par 32 in a team-record win over Northview.
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Historical perspectives: Railroads were models of innovation and growth in Haute
Railroads have played an important part in the building of our nation and in the history of Terre Haute. It is no small wonder that these amazing machines were turned into children’s toys, as well as models for the more mature train enthusiast.
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‘Foreign’ letters to confuse a genealogist
Any serious family researcher will at some time or another encounter old documents in an older handwriting style that need to be read and deciphered.
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1988: 700 teachers unite in protest
At least 700 teachers were absent from their Vigo County School Corp. schools as part of a job action to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations.
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Genealogy: Vigo County Gold Star Honor Roll
FamilySearch International recently announced “the release of significant new enhancements to its web services that allow visitors to collaboratively build their family tree online, preserve and share precious family photos and stories, and receive personal research assistance–all for free.”
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‘Far-sound’ rings in a new era
This week’s Historic Treasure is an invention that changed life, as we know it in a great way, the telephone.
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Historical perspective: Venard: soldier in the War of 1812
His name was Stephen Venard. For more than 50 years he resided in Terre Haute, without fanfare, with his wife and a daughter. Much of that time was spent in the 400 block on N. First St.
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Looking Back: 2003: Mark Cook brings blues home
Mark Cook returned to Terre Haute to play with fellow musicians in the Cook-N-Blues group at Brazil and Terre Haute.
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Historical perspective: Attempted carriage-jacking thwarted
Nineteenth century newspapers covered several topics that might astonish current readers. For example, the front page of the Terre Haute Weekly Gazette on Nov. 16, 1878 – 135 years ago – reported on the bold attempt by four “villains” to rob two women riding in a carriage immediately west of the fairgrounds at Brown and Wabash avenues:
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Genealogy: Dutchman seeks family of missing soldier
Query: I live in the Netherlands and recently I have adopted the name of American PFC Joseph P. Nelson at the Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten. He was killed in action on Dec. 5, 1944, and his name is on the Walls of the Missing.
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Sewing Society keeps hospital in linen, supplies
When Tracy Pruitt came across a small box of old ledgers and receipt books recently, his first impulse was to throw it away. But he decided to sit down and examine its contents. In doing so, he discovered a story.
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Looking Back: 1963: Officials prepare for disaster
City officials were studying survival plans in case of a natural disaster or attack by an enemy source. Gilbert Leonard was the director of Vigo County Defense.
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Genealogy: Gold Star Honor Roll: Vigo County
This week continues with the Gold Star Honor Roll (those who died in WW I) from the Wabash Valley. The Vigo County list is long and will be run in three parts.
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River boat models capture glory of former culture
In the River portion of the latest exhibit at the Vigo County Historical Society museum are two models of river paddle boats created by Alfred F. Nehf.
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Historical perspective: Babe Holland: advocate for equality
Wherever Terre Haute native William Sylvester Holland roamed, he made an impact.
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Historical Perspective: Terre Haute’s architectural heritage
Much more than is commonly recognized, Terre Haute has a rich and diverse legacy of landscapes designed by some of the nation’s most talented architects.
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Genealogy: A search for names from broken stones
This week there is a query about an old cemetery in Parke County, that is believed to have been destroyed:
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Hidden treasures: Laborers phased out by machines
Today’s historical treasure will intone to many people an early experience of practical labor. For others, this artifact might lack a contextual notion.
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Looking back: 2003: Two men rob Terre Haute First National Bank
Two men robbed Terre Haute First National Bank’s banking center at Southland Plaza, South Seventh Street and Margaret Avenue. It was the first bank robbery in Terre Haute since November 2000.
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Interurban makes city Crossroads of America
Electric transportation is not a new technology. With the arrival of the electric car we are reminded that electric technology has a long history in Terre Haute.
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The tale of the Wabash River
On March 14, 1913, the Indiana General Assembly adopted “On the Banks of the Wabash, Far Away,” by Terre Haute native Paul Dresser, as Indiana’s state song.
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Historical Treasure: The 1947 Terre Haute Phillies and the history of baseball in America’s Crossroads
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Raw: Costa Rica Volcano Roars to Life
Today in History May 22
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First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
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IRS Official Pleads 5th Amendment
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Florida FBI Shooting Has Boston Bombing Links
Protests Outside Cincinnati IRS Office
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
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Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
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Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod
