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Finds and Interests
Some of you may know that I collect vintage photographs and negatives. In fact, I have built such an extensive collection that I created a website called History in Photographs (HIP) to showcase and sell the photos. These aren’t just simple snapshots; they give us a glimpse into history and leave us brimming with questions.
I am excited to begin sharing my collection by selecting a few of the most intriguing photographs and inviting different experts to help us piece together the hidden narratives. Every picture tells a story, and it’s up to us to uncover it.
Our first expert is Meghan Boemer, 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.
Boemer lets us know the context of this particular photo by writing, “This photo was taken in the early 1910s. This is a day dress, not something she would work in, but it could be worn to church or out on a promenade. She is likely middle class. The hem of her dress is slightly uneven, which implies either it was a hand-me-down or she did the alterations herself from something ready-made, meaning she chose not to hire a professional to do the work for her. Upper classes often wore white or lighter colors as they were not exposed to work that could irreparably stain their clothing.”
It’s fascinating to look back and learn what the clothing in an old picture might say about the life and times of the people in the picture. Knowing the details is important; a picture is about so much more than someone posed and stiff. The clothes, the background, and the objects in the photo can bring an image to life and help us understand the past better than just flipping through snapshots with no details.
Do you have any information about this photo? I know that it was taken by Clarence Trefry (1870-1958) in Rye Beach, NH. If anyone recognizes the woman in the photo, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to message me on LinkedIn if you have any details or clues to share. Thank you!