Our House - 17

The log cabin construction, the tree-trunk porch posts, the 1890s clothes, this is one interesting family gathering photo.

The Desert Depression Shooting Club

When the whole country's in a Great Depression, there's nothing like a little desert shooting expedition in New Mexico to help one escape from the troubles of life.

The Forest City Band on the Fourth of July

This is the band from Forest City...but which Forest City is the question. As far as I can tell, there are eleven different Forest Cities in the US, but it's most likely located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Missouri, Minnesota, North Carolina, Pennsylvania or South Dakota.

It is probably July 4th, sometime in the twelve-year period from 1896 to 1908, based on the 45-star American flags flying from the porch behind the house.

Hats and Muscle Shirts

In the 1900s, people almost always dressed formally, and most in this photo are so dressed, including women with spectacular hats...but then there are a few men in muscle shirts. This is probably a church outing or picnic, with games and activities.

Our May Day Picnic

Today is May Day, and 131 years ago in 1886, this is what one celebratory picnic by a group of elderly friends looked like.

This is a rather unique and artistic way of photographing such an event; typically a photographer of that era, taking a group photo, would have everyone stand close together. This is more of what in modern times is known as the "rock album" pose.

A passing pedestrian looks in over the fence

FamilyPhotoFriday: A Tenting Reunion

This is a tough one to figure out. The immediate subject appears to be a family reunion, with three or four generations present. Nothing terribly unusual about that as a subject for a late 1800s photograph.

It's the venue that has me puzzled. They appear to be staying in tents, and the expressions of the people at the far right, looking on, are of concern or aprehension. On the back is a photographer's stamp, "Martin, Photographer. Ottawa, Kansas."