Back in May, I showed you this group photo from the Taylortown Normal School in Dunkard County, PA. The school teacher was identified as Jarret H. Harrod, and a mailing address was found for his great-granddaughter Amy. At the time I mailed her a copy of the original post and asked if she could confirm the identity of the teacher.
As a very happy coincidence, Amy’s dad was visiting her the weekend my letter arrived! They spent quite some time talking about J. H. Harrod and the family. Amy says her dad does not have any photographs of his grandparents, so this is a real treasure for him. He remembers that J. H. liked to twirl his mustache and that they had great days at the fishing hole. He also said that J. H. was a very intelligent man who was very literate and well read, and who possessed a true love of teaching, which he did his entire life.
I will be mailing off the original photo to Amy for her dad, sent with love. This is the very best part of this website! Thanks to Intense Guy aka Iggy for the outstanding research work in finding Amy. You are truly a friend to the families of these lost but not forgotten photos.
This is a proud Sepia Saturday post! This week’s theme is beach and ocean, but we are departing the theme for a happy family reunion instead. Here in California we are experiencing the “June Gloom” and you wouldn’t want to visit the beach anyway! :-)
Who Were They? 
There is some tremendous detail when you enlarge the photo but I can’t work out what the girl on the right has on the front of her dress.
As I have recently received some pictures of my elder brother from the time of WWII I can appreciate the pleasure Amy and her dad will get from receiving your photo.
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I like school photos – they always have a character a little different from those seen in other group shots – and this one is a little different again. I think it’s the outdoors, coutry feel. Thanks for sharing it, and the story of its reuniting.
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Bob – Isn’t she holding a straw hat in front of her. There is another on the grass at front right. The rest, some thrown on the grass behind them, appear to be felt hats. Have they really been playing baseball in those outfits, starched collars and all?
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This is what makes all the effort worthwhile. :) To know that someone can, once more reconnect with their past and their roots – makes me smile and is a genuine thrill.
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Brilliant post! I love the photo, but knowing that it has been sent to a descendant of the teacher is fabulous. Well Done.
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Forgot to mention – if you blow the picture up you’ll see that more than a few of the men have very prominent ears!
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It seems like there are two kinds of people–those who are glad to keep or be reunite with old family photos, and those who are glad to get rid of them.
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So many fascinating stories in this shot. So much fun to look into the eyes from people so long ago. I really believe this is time travel.
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June Gloom sounds interesting…but I am so into family reunions…they were my favorite thing growing up…I wish my family could still get together like that….great Sepia post thanks!
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Great reunion! I have found that the people are either thrilled or couldn’t give a hoot. (Which I cannot understand) I am so glad there will be a happy reunion! Well done:)
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What a find. Reunions can go so badly wrong, thank goodness this one didn’t!
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A terrific photo and discovery. I’ve recently had similar re-connections with photo ancestors/ descendants , and it is a thrill. Thanks.
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I still marvel at how different people looked a hundred years ago – and I don’t think it was just the hairstyles and clothes. I think it would be hard to make a modern person look like a person from the early 1900s – not impossible but hard.
Congratulations on making a family connection for this photograph. It is one any descendant of a person in the photo would probably love to have.
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I applaud you for sending this photo on to someone who will really treasure it. How very kind and thoughtful of you. Three cheers for Iggy and his great research too.
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Thank you for shaning the photo. I am currently putting together a book on this area and was wondering if you would allow me to use your photo in my book. You can contact me at bud2913@gmail.com
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Hi Michele, I have returned this photo to the J. H. H. Harrod family, so I will have to ask their permission. I will contact you offline.
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We are moving into the old school house next month. I would love to get a copy of your book. Cutbanks.youth.pastor@gmail.com
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My wife and I are buying the old school house in Taylortown, PA. We are wondering if you can put us in touch with Amy. We have so many questions about the old school house and are having a hard time finding anyone with answers. Anyhow we move in next month. Thank you.
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