Faces from the Past: My Collection

I collect old photographs. CDVs, tintypes, ambrotypes...whatever they may be, I love them all! I mainly collect them for their fashion significance, but I also like to ponder the faces, and think up names and stories for the poor unknown things.....

{Heald & Bro., PHOTOGRAPHISTS, Lynn, Mass.}

Bought off Ebay for 4.00

c. 1860s

Name: Margaret

Things to notice: shortended skirt length for a teenage girl, almost invisible hairnet, straw hat, little white ruffled collar peeking out above jacket,

Why  are there two buttons undone on the jacket?? Is that significant, or just a random mistake??

The trim used on the jacket is quite pretty and graphic, a series of 'dots' between solid lines. 

{Finsihed March, 14. 89, Frey's Studio}

This lovely 1880s wedding photograph I bough for $1.00 at an estate sale. The amazing thing was - I bought it from the descendants of the couple in the picture! They sold a picture of their known ancestors for a dollar! Very strange...

....but I'm glad to have it anyway. I think she shall be called Elinor.

Don't ask me what his name is. I couldn't think of one that seemed suitable. 

The bride's dress is so beautifully intricate. I wish the white wasn't so bright so more details would be visible. Notice how small her waist is! I wonder what type of flower blossoms are decorating her headpiece and collar? Weren't orange blossoms supposed to be popular?

I think the hem of the skirt may be trimmed with self-fabric pleating or fluting. There also seems to be some type of sash or train panels going from waist to hem at the back of the skirt.

She looks so sweet and content. I wonder if she was happy in her marriage?

These next two are my most recent aquistions. $1.00/peice at Canton trade days.

Mid 1860s.

This looks like a rather wealthy young lady, don't you think? Her name is Mildred. She sports and elaborate braided hairstyle, metal bracelet and ring, cameo earrings, a ribbon choker, large buttons, and a prominent silk bow-tie. Lots of detail!

There is the tiniest bit of rosy coloring on her cheeks. I love how clear and bright her eyes are.

I didn't have to make up a name for this sweet girl - her name is Ella. Penciled on the back in a very elegant hand is {Compliments of Ella K. Young}

Mid-late1860s

So tiny - the photo is only about the size of a penny.

Again - lots of fashion detail. Bold, striped bowtie and pin, lace collar, uniquely pleated self-fabric bodice trim, dangle teardrop earrings, and some type of studded headband. She also has rosy tinted cheeks, but it's not visible unless looking at the original.

{Photographisches Atelier, von Otto Muecke, OELS}

1860s

This is Lucy - first of my collection. She came all the way from Germany.

I love her sweet little baby face, surrounded by hair pulled back too tight and enormous ribbons!

Either there is lots of tucks, or the fabric has some type of faint stripe pattern. I love the latice-like trim, and the darling little shoes topped by sagging stockings. Such a serious little one, she is!

She wishes she could go play outside, but she mustn't. Her strict aunt (the same one that pulled her hair too tight) says she will dirty her new dress.

Which is your favorite? Do any of them tell a story to you?