Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Handy Research Tool

   

     While interviewing a client or family member to collect research information there are a couple tools in my bag. It shouldn't shock you to know that you would find some pens, pencils, paper and even my tablet or laptop. But there are a few special tools that I consider must haves you might not know about. One of those would be my Flip Pal mobile scanner with a fresh set of batteries. One of the many nice things about having the Flip Pal with me is I can easily scan photos, maps and documents without having to take them with me.  If by chance I have a large item to scan, I’m able to scan in sections and stitch it together with the software on my laptop.

     The first time I had a chance to observe one of these in use was at the 2012 FGS conference in Alabama. I like some thought it was a great product but not really sure if it was something that I would ever use. I then had the opportunity to actually use one about a year later and realized it was a must in my research tool kit. I’m not the only one in my house who has used it even my kids have found a need for it a time or two. It’s very easy to use and there are so many different pieces of family history you can scan and save. Everything from photographs, maps, documents, quilts, pages out of a family bible and even that large aerial shot of the family farm.  

     I know there are many other types of scanners out there that are used and if you have one you favor or dislike for whatever reason please share. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed mine, if you have the chance to see one or even use one give it a try.   

Wordless Wednesday - Maple Hurst

Wordless Wednesday

The Face in the Cemetery

With our recent move to Middletown in Delaware there were a lot of things that needed to be done before I could scratch that itch. The itch I’m referring to is the need to get out and find the historical markers, cemeteries, libraries and meet with local genealogical and historical societies. I’m sure most of you know that itch and can’t wait to scratch it. I started compiling that “itch list” as we were out driving around town and getting familiar with the new area, yes I have a long list.

A couple of times while taking my kids to school or doctor appointments I noticed this beautiful old cemetery sitting on the corner of Old Saint Anne’s Church road and Summit Bridge road.  I placed this particular cemetery, Old Saint Anne’s Church Cemetery, on that itch list that I wanted to visit. If you have been following my blog this is the same cemetery that had the “No Sledding” sign. After about the fourth time driving by that small itch turned into a large itch that had to be scratched, ASAP. What caused that you might ask well it's simple “The Face”. It was one of those “what” moments that had me turn the car around to see if my eyes were playing an early Halloween Spooky Cemetery trick on me.  Once I pointed it out to my kids they refused to look for fear of what the face might do or what might jump out in front of or beside the car. 

I managed to scratch that itch a few weeks later. I couldn't help myself and during one of the kid’s appointments I had to walk across the street and stroll through the cemetery. Took a few photographs, read some of the inscriptions and got a closer look at “The Face”. So take a look for yourself and see if you can see “The Face” on the top of the tombstone in the photographs below.   

At first glance I thought small skulls were decorating the top. Upon closer look I don’t think they are, but that being said I’m not really sure what they are and what they represent. 

COL. JOSEPH HANSON

1845-1932

JOSEPH H. HANSON

BORN OCTOBER 3, 1820

DIED FEBRUARY 1, 1858

_________

MARY B.

WIFE OF JOSEPH H. HANSON

BORN NOV. 19 1816

Wordless Wednesday

Once again I know it's "Wordless Wednesday" but I wanted to share what was written on the back of the photograph. This is another photograph purchased off of eBay. 

Wordless Wednesday

        I know this is "Wordless Wednesday" but there was a small partial stamp on the back. I didn't remove it out of a photo album it was loose in a box of photos I purchased off eBay. 

Hide and Seek

     

     I've been so involved in this baby book of Diana Lewis and wondering what her childhood must have been like. Then as time went on realizing that I was not only holding some of her childhood memories but also information that stretched into her adulthood, and even had the opportunity to see who she married. There were numerous reasons that I chose to share this particular piece that I purchased off of eBay. One of those, which I believe is obvious to many of you, was to bring awareness of the additional places to locate information about our ancestors. I received mixed comments from some of you; for the most part there was shock as to who would sell such a piece of family history. I’m sure there are many different reasons these items end up on sites like eBay, cleaning of the estate, families don’t know what to do with it, they might be the last surviving member of the family or simply the saddest possibility is that they have passed away and the family just doesn't want it.  

     The other reason I wanted to share this was because of all the hidden information within the book. I touched on this in some of the postings. We know when we are conducting our research we look closely at the “official documents”, birth and death certificates, census records, marriage license. But let’s not forget about the photographs, they can offer not only hand noted information on the back, but also information within the photograph. You can look at the style of clothing, background, were they in a city or country side, the weather, neighborhood or even the make and model of a car and of course the obvious others in the photograph. Sometimes you might only see a stamp on the back showing where the photograph was developed.   You might be surprised how that can also be helpful in viewing your photographs; you might have the name of the store, the date it was developed and even state and city.

     Of course I can’t forget to bring some focus to the information that can be found in some newspaper clippings. I strongly believe the clippings included in this book are a perfect example of information. Not only did I have clippings of the birth announcements but her years through school. I was able to find out about the clubs she belonged to, what the purpose was of those clubs, the difference she helped to make in the community. The information offered on her school achievements showed not only those achievements but also listed some of her classmates and even their parents and their addresses. Of course you can’t forget there is always a chance you might be lucky enough to see a photograph of your ancestor included in the article.

     I must also mention one not so common find are the play flyers or event brochures. The ones that I found in the baby book of Diana Lewis are fun and informative. You had the opportunity to see a role she had in a 3^rd grade play and see who her classmates were and the role they played. Of course the Eastern Slope Chapter that listed those who were soon to be installed along with those who were already installed. It was a small peek into an organization that many aren't aware of. Again I had a list of those she knew and even a couple dates to show when she became part of the organization or club.

     I have other pieces of family history that I’ve collected over the years and over time I will continue to share what I have. Now I must point out I’m not related to Diana Lewis or anyone named in any of the documents that I found. I just thought this was interesting and maybe someone who enjoys my blog might recognize one of the surnames listed and possibly aid them in their research. I look forward as always to hearing your comments and feedback and thank you for the visit. 

Diana Lewis...."My Life Journal" final photographs

By now if you have been following my blog posting on Diana Lewis and her "My Life Journal" then you are aware of some useful information that's been found. Some of that information is easy to locate, "in your face" information is what I like to call it. But not all information, trying to answer some questions and find some of those answers you have to put on your Sherlock Holmes hat and pick up that magnify glass. Take a look at some of these photos and you might see what I mean. Items in the photos and information written on the back plus the stamped information from the companies that print the photographs.     

(Loose photograph in the book)

The back of the photo doesn't have a name noted on it but I'm sure you can tell that this is Diana Lewis, especially when comparing this photograph with others she is named in. The stamp on the back reads;

PETER PAN PRINT

JUL 21 1948

ALVES PHOTO SERVICE, INC.

She seems to be enjoying her time playing outside and by the looks of those buckets they were played with a lot. One has what appears to be a young boy dressed in a sailor outfit blowing a horn, the cation above reads; "For the Red". The sandbox looks to be handmade. From the print date on the back of the photo this would make Diana four years of age.

(Loose photograph in the book)

The back of this photograph I'm happy to say does offer some information written in ink.

Diana's Fifth Birthday Party. What a racket they made with those horns!

From the comment on the racket the horns made that might be a good reason the celebration was held outside. A nice size group of friends come to help celebrate Diana's fifth birthday with floral center pieces, horns, party hats, cake, ice cream. It was a nice sunny warm day, you know this just by looking at the clothing the children are wearing.  

(Loose photograph in the book)

The back of this photograph has some information written in pencil.

5th Birthday Party 1949   

Another fun photograph of Diana's party and what is interesting with this one is you get a feel for what the view was like from the back yard to the street. The home's appear to be nice with well maintained yards. You have two ladies that are helping with the festivities, possible serving cake and ice cream. The family did enjoy the outdoors because place under the window in the back of the home is a sitting area. 

(Loose photograph in the book)

Unfortunately there isn't any information on the back of this photograph of Diana. With no writing on the back I had do compare previous photographs to verify this was Diana. You can see she is staring in a direction with in interesting look on her face. Upon closer look you can make out there is a cat sitting on what could be a bench next to a doll. Looking closer sitting behind the doll, and possibly what both Diana and the cat are looking at are presents. The dress she is wearing looks to be one for special occasions with a pin under her chin. 

(Loose photograph in the book)

Unfortunately once again there isn't any hand written information on the back, but there is a stamp;

THIS IS A 

KODACOLOR PRINT

MAKE BY

EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY

T.M. RESIG. U.S. PAT. OFF.

WEEK ENDING NOV. 10,1956

Two girls getting ready to go out and enjoy a bike ride stop and pose for a picture. I believe the one in the striped shirt is Diana Lewis and not sure who the other young lady is. This was developed in 1956 which would make Diana twelve years of age . The photograph looks to have been taken in a back yard, possible the same back yard she celebrated her fifth birthday, the white fence in the background could be the same white fence in the first birthday celebration photograph. 

I hope you enjoyed looking at the rest of the photographs that were in Diana's book. I pointed out some things that you might have missed when first viewing the photographs. I did this as a reminder to look at the background, compare your photographs and you might find something your weren't expecting. The next post I will share with you the wedding announcements and invitation. Please feel free to share with others and I look forward to hearing your feedback.