For our latest addition to the Mearns Family Album we have this fellow in what I think of as a stylish suit. Although I have commented that men’s fashions are nearly unchangeable through the second half of the 19th century, that is not actually true. Thankfully for you guys! At some point – again I beg pardon for my lack of men’s fashion knowledge – it became fashionable to trim the edges of the lapels with…something. I am uncertain what but the closest approximation I can come up with is twill tape or twill bias. The same fabric would be used to cover buttons if the buttons were fabric covered. This man’s suit is an example of that style. The knot of his tie is quite large, more like a cravat even, and his collar stands up straight. He sports a fine mustache that one would be proud of, perhaps he hoped it would draw attention way from his ears, which stand out like a pair of taxi doors. His expression seems to be a bit smug, as though he was feeling quite proud of his natty appearance.
The photographer was J. R. Cummings at 302 Market Street, Wilmington, DE, who was known to be in business in 1889, which is the year I will select for this photograph.
Who Were They? 
If you look at Rutledge Gifford – and compared this gent to him – they sure look related.
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His ears do stick out… and so did Herbert Clugston’s (who also looks a lot like this gent – but much younger).
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The “monogram” addition to the photographer’s address in the print below the photo probably puts this photo closer to 1894, plus or minus a year or two. In the late 1880’s, Cummings (like a lot of other photogs) used simple, small block print in the print area on the photo front for their name and address. Then, about 1890, Cummings removed the print block on the front entirely, and used the entire photo back for their name and address. Finally, a few years later, they went to this variant, with the monogram in the front-side print block (along with the name and address), but still continued to use the back side of the photo for “advertising” their product.
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