Who Were They?

Lost and forgotten photos from the past

This small child photographed at Sutter’s Studio in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is wearing an ethnic costume, likely from Poland. After 1870, Polish immigrants were second in population to German in the city. There was great promise for jobs in the city’s industrial area. According to The Making of Milwaukee, the Polish neighborhoods were known for small …

Continue reading

This photograph of a handsome young man was taken in Islington, Newfoundland. The year is unknown but after World War I, Newfoundland had a minimal military presence, so the photo is possibly from the WWI era. At that time, Newfoundland was still an independent country although under the British dominion, and owing allegiance to Britain. …

Continue reading

It isn’t always easy to find an old photo with a big banner in it, but when you do they are usually something good to stir up discussion. Such is my hope this week. It seems like the moment you say “unions” people’s opinions are usually split between pro and anti union sentiments. But when …

Continue reading

This week’s Sepia Saturday prompt is from roughly the same time frame as my contribution, but illustrates how in just a few short years the world can change drastically. The prompt photo, below, is from circa 1910, and shows a woman quietly stitching on a flag. The image is romanticized. She is the lady at …

Continue reading

In the early 20th century, a variety of new and updated techniques to enhance photographs became popular. In this instance we see two – a decorative embossing on the bristol board and a nonstandard shaped photograph. Usually, photos were rectangular or oval, sometimes circular. I have seen other diamond shaped photos and I am certain …

Continue reading