On a recent cruise through the Down Home Antiques shop in Orange, CA, I came across some wonderful Civil War era CdVs. Because of their worn condition, some of them were pretty inexpensive (for California) so I happily took them home. First is a man I think of as a distinguished ancestor of…someone. He …
I have been told and have read many times that the Cartes de Visite (CdV) photographs were used as calling cards or visiting cards, and while I never doubted that, I always wondered what exactly was done with them. How did the hostess handle those CdVs taken at the door from visitors? I can now …
This is another mid-1860s young girl and I always wonder what are people thinking when they are posing for their portrait. I know what I think about – getting it over with!
This is an 1860’s vintage CdV that I call Grumpy Girl. She does not look happy to be having her likeness made at all! On the very right edge of the photo, you can just see the elbow and leg of the adult who was with her. Considering you can see both the elbow and …
This is another Civil War era photo. Even though the corners were cut – most likely to fit into a frame or album – we can tell by the borders of the photo. Plus her clothing just screams Civil War era! First, she has a very full skirt with minimal embellishment or trim, except the …
Who Were They? 