Category Archives: Photographs

Two Men from the 1800s

People, Photographs

I’ve been meaning to write a post about this photo I found among my mother’s things. It is so faded that it is difficult to see the men, but it looks like it may have been taken around the Civil War years, based on the clothes and hair styles, but I am absolutely no expert on Civil War era fashion.

I assume they are ancestors of mine — possibly Tylers, although I don’t know what makes me think that. I suppose they could be McCornacks.

The photographer, J. M. Adams is mentioned on this blog post and a Facebook member of a group about Elgin History posted two of the photographer’s studio.

Two men -- original scan
Two men — original scan
Photo with "color restoration" enabled in scan
Photo with “color restoration” enabled in scan
Back of photo: J. M. Adams Photographer, Elgin, Ill, First door East of the Bridge. Duplicates of this Picture can be had at any time.
Back of photo

Such a happy family photo

People, Photographs

No one looks at all pleased to be in this photo, except maybe Grandma Patrick and Aunt Norma. Everyone else is either looking shifty-eyed at someone else or into the camera, not smiling.

This was also my graduation party that I shared with my cousin Jim and his girlfriend. Of course, as with all important events ((including my wedding reception)), the party took place in our garage.

My dad’s family: Aunt Norma, Aunt Corrine, Aunt Alvera, Aunt Leila and Dad behind Grandma Patrick on her 80th birthday

Photos of people I don’t know #4 — Grade 2, 1911, Columbia School (Elgin, Illinois)

Photographs, Series

I don’t know any of these children. I thought that possibly my Uncle Don was among the group, but he was born in 1910, so it could not have been his 2nd grade class, although he may or may not have attended Columbia Grade School in Elgin.

I will post this on the You Know You’re from Elgin if… Facebook group. Maybe someone’s grand or great grandparent is in the photo.

Class photo of about 30 children