BLOG
Finds and Interests
Some of you may know that I collect vintage photographs and negatives. I built a website called History in Photographs to highlight and share the collection. These are more than just simple snapshots; they give us a glimpse into history and leave us with questions.
I’ve selected a few of the most intriguing and am excited to share what some experts have told us about the hidden narratives and stories behind each photo.
For these photos, we worked with Meghan Boehmer, a historical interpreter, reenactor, and writer who has traveled thousands of miles to learn about historical locations, records, and figures. She has agreed to share her expertise in period clothing with me, hoping to enhance our understanding of the subjects in the photos. Please take a look at what she was able to tell us about this photo.
From the cowboy hats to the fringed jacket, it’s clear that this image is from a rodeo event. Three of the five performers are wearing jackets; the woman on the left is wearing a deerskin coat with embroidery and studs, and the woman and man on the right of the image are wearing wool buffalo check coats. The photo was likely taken in the fall in cooler transitional weather since the other subjects are not wearing winter clothing.
From how the women have styled their hair, this image likely dates from the late 1940s or early 1950s. The woman on the left wears her hair in a scarf or hair snood, a style that became popular during WWII when women worked in factories to aid the war effort. It kept women’s hair from getting caught in machinery. Considering the man in the background is turned away from the camera, it seems likely that this group has turned away from the rodeo performance to take a group photograph
If you see any clues that would add to the story told by this photograph, contact me. I would love to learn more.