Who Were They?

Lost and forgotten photos from the past

Streeter Family Overview

Mrs Marvel

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January 24, 2017

I have made significant updates to the Streeter Family Overview, which may interest some of you. Of note, Kate Parish’s death and funeral information, and obituaries for Flora Moses.

Mrs Marvel's avatarWho Were They?

This tiny photograph is the last photo from the C. Murray Album, and was tucked into the corner of a page, almost as an afterthought, though I like to really think it was so small it just didn’t fit into any of the other album slots. It was tucked in with the photo which I entitled Granny and her Grands, so I wonder if she is the girl in the photo. The photo itself is only about 1 1/5″ by 1 3/4″ and is on flimsy paper. I don’t know the era those types of photos came from; it looks to be a print of a glass plate or something similar.

Following is my summary of everything I know about the Streeter family. I am blessed to have been connected with Intense Guy, Far Side of Fifty, CatM, and a couple of people on Ancestry.com who had other bits and…

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Stern face, pretty lace

Mrs Marvel

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January 23, 2017

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This fine Edwardian era photograph features a middle aged woman with a stern face. Her hair is twisted up on top of her head in a style popular in the early 20th century. Her high-necked dress has an embellishment of lace across the bodice and on the collar. Finally, there are six buttons front and center, which are probably non-functioning, meaning her bodice fastens in a different way. It is likely the dress has hooks & eyes, or less attractive workhorse buttons hidden by a placket.

The image is oval shaped in the center of the gray card. The card itself is about 3″ x 2″. I have two other photos that came with this one, and all were found in Tennessee.

UPDATE I forgot that this had been identified on the back as Mrs. S. M. McSparrow McSparrin.

Merry Christmas with love

Mrs Marvel

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January 5, 2017

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The Collonade Club

There’s always that one card that arrives so late…! This card features a photograph of a beautiful building shaded by large trees. As it turns out, it is The Collonade Club at the University of Virginia.

This particular university is so important to American history because it was designed by Thomas Jefferson as an “academical village.” The cornerstone for this building was laid in 1807 by President James Madison, in the presence of Thomas Jefferson, in a Masonic ceremony. It’s an interesting story and I encourage you to read more about this beautiful building at the Collonade Club website.

The card was signed: Merry Christmas, with love for you and for all who may be gathered at your home for Christmas, Anne and Wallace.

On the back was transcribed the text on the bronze plaque at the Club. I can only imagine that Anne or Wallace or both were proud alumni of UVA.

Anne and Wallace

Anne and Wallace

Wishing you a happy New Year

Mrs Marvel

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January 4, 2017

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White flowers

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Pink flowers

The two sides of this card are similar to one another, and at first I didn’t realize there were two distinct images. But there are white flowers and pink flowers, both carrying the sentiment Wishing you a happy new year.

Again, there is no place to write a note and no makers mark. It is clearly a New Year’s card, which is much less common today than in the past, although I’m not so sure they were ever actually popular in history either.

A truly happy New Year to You

Mrs Marvel

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January 3, 2017

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May you have all the seasons joys

This card is far prettier in hand than on screen. It is a two sided affair, and pressed between the two cards is a fine silk fringe. Each side is similar to the other, with a pastoral scene surrounded by branches, and very fine white glitter on the snowy parts of the images which as all but worn off over time. There is no makers mark or place for someone to sign the card. I am guessing at the 1920s on this based on another card I have from around that same time that is somewhat similar, but it’s just a guess. Anyone with better knowledge, please do chime in!

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