In This Issue
For Your Interest
From the Archivists
Words From The Reunited
Tips from The Practical Archivist
Letters To The Archivists
Photo of the Month
What's New In The Database
Recognize These Faces
Dead Ringers
Feature Article
For Your Interest
Brick Walls and Bad Links:
Café Press Link to Desperate Book Goes Bad
Within a few weeks of making The Desperate Genealogist's Idea Book: Creative Ways to Outsmart Your Elusive Ancestors available in paperback to all those of you who have been asking for it, we discovered that a change at Café Press made the link we published invalid.
We have solved the problem and are happy to announce that The Desperate Genealogist's Idea Book: Creative Ways to Outsmart Your Elusive Ancestors is now available. You can purchase the book today by clicking here.
The e-book version of The Desperate Genealogist is also still available for the low price of $14.95. You can purchase the e-book by clicking here.
If you'd like to know more about the book? Click Here.
Thank you for supporting DeadFred.com!
From the Archivists
Photo Reunion News
As the Photo Detective, I’ve encountered all types of pictures from truly bizarre images of people wearing odd costumes to everyday snapshots of neighbors talking over their shared fence. As much as I find unidentified, unexplained and unusual photos interesting, it’s the lost pictures that break my heart. How do family photos end up nameless (perhaps they were well-loved and thus unlabeled?) and how do pictures end up in antique shops left to be picked up by someone as an “instant ancestor?” It’s an unsolved mystery.
DeadFred.com does a lot to create a reunion environment of misplaced pictures and forgotten cousins. Dead Fred boasts over a 1,000 reconnections of photos with relatives and vice versa. It’s a classic case of looking in the Lost & Found. Instead of rummaging around in a box full of goods, the 5,000 plus people that come to browse/search the site aren’t looking for a missing coat, they seek family pictures inherited by someone else or abandoned by uninterested executors.
If you've ever wondered how your family misplaced a precious family picture and how it "miraculously" reappeared on an international website then you’ll be excited about a new project being sponsored by DeadFred, the leading photo reunion website. As the author of Uncovering Your Ancestry Through Family Photographs (Family Tree Books, 2005) I’m turning my attention to these photo reunions. I hope to tell the stories behind these lost and found family photos.
If you’ve made a discovery on Dead Fred, I'd love to hear more about it. All you have to do is send me an email with your contact information and anything you know about your photo reunion, I'll do the rest. We hope to publish a collection of these reunion stories. Who knows what will happen? That one picture story could lead you to a cluster of cousins holding on to boxes of images. Take a chance and tell us your tale.
You can contact me at photodetective@gmail.com. Please use Dead Fred Reunion as a subject line.
Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective, is one of 10 contributors to The Desperate Genealogist's Idea Book: Creative Ways To Outsmart Your Elusive Ancestors. Now in paperback! Or donate $14.95 to DeadFred.com and get the eBook for FREE!
Tips from The Practical Archivist
Can bare hands dissolve metal?
Here's a question I get all the time:
What's with the white gloves, anyway?
Ah, yes. The white gloves. Sort of the archivist's trademark.
My favorite story about why archivists and conservators wear gloves is a George Eastman tale that may or may not be true. I can't verify its authenticity, but I've remembered it for more than eleven years. I figure it it's that sticky, you'll probably remember it without really trying.
This story is about George Eastman, the genius behind Kodak,* and the time period is somewhere between 1880 and 1930.
Mr. Eastman insisted that every prospective new employee put his or her hand on a sheet of metal as part of the interview process. After that, he would wait a week to see how much the acids in their hand ate into the metal. Too much, and they didn't get a job at Kodak. Their hands were simply too hazardous.
My second favorite story about why archivists wear gloves is 100% verifiable. It comes to me from Nicolette Bromberg (the same person, coincidentally, who told me the Eastman story). Nicolette heard this one first hand from the source:
At the Image Permanence Institute in Rochester (that's
the place James Reilly does testing on photographic
materials), there is a research scientist named
Doug Nishimura. I remember that the first time I
took the week long seminar on photo preservation at
Eastman House, Doug talked about how toxic his own
chemistry was--his skin eats up watches, etc. He said
he has to wear rubber gloves and then the cotton
gloves. I thought it was pretty interesting that he
ended up in a field where he handles photographs all
the time!
Here's why you should remember these stories:
The oils and salts on your hands contain chemicals that can damage photographs. You don't know if your hands are super toxic or safe as kittens. If you don't want to cause any damage to your photos, don't touch them with your bare hands. Evah.
Cotton gloves offer a barrier of protection. They are inexpensive and easy to purchase online, so there's really no excuse. Except I know from talking to family archivists and scrapbookers that some folks just can't stand wearing gloves.
What if I just can't wear gloves? These are your photographs, and therefore it's your call. I've said many times before that you do not have to preserve every photo for hundreds of years.
Also, you are not alone. I've never seen a scrapbooker wearing gloves. And now some researchers are arguing that the loss of feeling you get while wearing gloves is more dangerous to fragile rare books than the acids the gloves are holding back. I would argue that this is NOT the case with modern photographic prints, but again....it's your call.
In any case, if you can't work with gloves on or think it's unnecessary, here are a few practical tips to minimize damage:
- Handle your prints by the edges only.
- Wash your hands with soap and skip the lotion.
- If you get up to take a break (answer the phone, eat lunch, etc.) wash you hands again before you go back to your photo project.
What about those sprays and lotions that are supposed to get rid of the acids in your hands? Yeah, I've heard about these. My one word review? Feh! Washing with soap and water is just as effective and much, much cheaper.
One last tip: Cotton gloves (like these from Amazon) can be gently washed with a mild soap and hung to dry. Skip the fabric softener, please. The thinner the gloves, the fewer times you can wash and reuse before you pop a seam.
*Did you know that Eastman invented the name Kodak? Here's a brief passage from his Wikipedia entry:
He and his mother devised the name Kodak with an anagram set. He said that there were three principal concepts he used in creating the name: it must be short, you can not mispronounce it, and it could not resemble anything or be associated with anything but Kodak.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Sally Jacobs, The Practical Archivist, has a Master's in Library Science with a Specialization in Archives Management and has worked at the Library of Congress Prints & Photos Division, the Wisconsin Historical Society, and American Girl. She is currently on a mission to help family historians become better family archivists. The Practical Archivist blog: Archiving tips and geeky tidbits written by an archivist who never met an antique photograph she didn't like.
http://www.practicalarchivist.com
GOT A QUESTION FOR THE PRACTICAL ARCHIVIST? Sure you do! Send queries
to sally@deadfred.com
Words From The Reunited
1116 William Rufus Durr
 Archive Record May Be Found Here
Hi! Saw the photo you posted on Dead Fred. William Rufus Durr is my great-great grandfather. Just wondering how you are related to him? If you need any help tracing the family tree, let me know.
Cathy
|
1117 Squire Green Crowley
 Archive Record May Be Found Here
I saw your posting about Squire Green Crowley being your great grandfather. He is also my great grandfather, His son Eugene Delbert (Bert) Crowley Sr Born June 20,1896 Idaho Falls, Idaho Died December 26, l958 Caldwell, Idaho. He is buried in Canyon Hill Cemetery in Caldwell. My dad Eugene Crowley Jr is still living in Weiser, Idaho. Thanks for the picture of my great grand father.
Mark Crowley
|
1118 Robert Rice
 Archive Record May Be Found Here
I was wondering if you might be able to tell me where the photo you posted came from and anything more about the family. I am researching Sarah Rice, Robert's daughter. I am Sarah Rice's great grand daughter. Any information that you would share would be greatly appreciated and I would also be happy to send you what I have.
Thank you.
Charlotte
|
1119 Rettie Bost
 Archive Record May Be Found Here
Hi! I saw this picture and the other one of Rettie on Sebastian county genweb. Rettie was my boyfriend's grandmother. He only has one picture of her when she was younger.
I was wondering in your other picture with the children if you have names for them? Dan's (my boyfriend) mother would have been 2 years old in 1923 so I am not sure she is in that picture but one or two of the other children are probably his aunt and uncle. The family has no pictures of them when they were children. Just wondering and thank you for sharing your photo. He will be very surprised when I show it to him!
Thank you !
Sarah Zielinski
|
1120 Josephine Comtois Desrosiers
 Archive Record May Be Found Here
Josephine Comtois Desrosiers is a direct descendant of my family. I am curious if you are someone that I might already know, or if you are another long lost relative that I need to meet. Thank you!
Pam (Maurice) Dietz
|
1121 & 1122 James Jackson Massey and Ann Bolyn (Perkins) Massey
 Archive Record May Be Found Here
This picture of James Jackson Massey and Ann Bolyn (Perkins) Massey, parents of Jefferson C. Massey is also one of my relatives. My husband is a direct descendant of Joseph M. Massey who is Jefferson's older brother. You will find JC living in Lick Mountain Arkansas in the 1880 US census where James had a 160 acre land grant. Please contact me. I have lots of info I can trade for whatever you have!! You are part of my family. Looking forward to hearing from you.
|
1123 Harry Prior
 Archive Record May Be Found Here
I am Harry Prior's great-great grandson. I have been working on the family tree and could use some help.
|
1124 Fredrick Mallett
 Archive Record May Be Found Here
Hello
The photo is of Fredrick Mallett and was taken at his home in Sale,Victoria, Australia about 1900. Fredrick migrated to Austtralia in 1853 married Mary Ann Vardon in Ballarat Australia in 1863 and lived the balance of his life in Sale and died there in 1903. He was a builder by trade. He was my great grandfather.
The photo on website has been cropped on his left was wife Mary on original
Regards John Mallett Melbourne Australia
|
1125 Callie Burgess (Walker)
 Archive Record May Be Found Here
Hi,
I came across your site while looking for family information. Callie Burgess (Walker) was my maternal grandmother and I loved her dearly. How surprized I was to see the photo on your page. I have this very picture. However, I have had to guess all of the names as grandma died when I was 5 years old. My mother, Freeda gave it to me. She has been gone for 10 years now and I have no-one to answer any questions. I would love any information on her family and their origins. Anything would be wonderfully appreciated. I do hope you can help.
Thank-you so much,
Debbie Orcutt (Helm)
|
1126 Marion Best Stults
 Archive Record May Be Found Here
I found your submission of my ancestor, Marion Best Stults, to be quite interesting.
|
1127 Thomas Gilreath
 Archive Record May Be Found Here
Hello,
I found this picture and after sorting who it was in my genealogy file I though I would email. Thomas's grandfather was Benjamin Jones Gilreath. My great grandfather was Benjamin Perry Gilreath and Benjamin Jones was his great Grand father. My great great grandfather Benjamin and you great grandfather Thomas were 1st cousins.
That's a beautiful old photo.
Charles E. Gilreath
|
1128 Verna Dunlap
 Archive Record May Be Found Here
This is my great-aunt, daughter of George T. Dunlap and Anna Eliza Turner Dunlap. Much of my genealogy info on the Dunlaps comes from her records and her passion for the DAR. Most of the family photos I have inherited of her are of of a much older person. I desperately need at least a copy of this to put in the family archives and to show my father, her favorite nephew.
|
Have a reunion story to share? Write to us at reunions@deadfred.com.
Letters To The Archivists
We are Hurricane Katrina survivors.
We have lost all family photo's. I have been lucky enough to get a couple from distant relatives but my cousin has not been able to retrieve any. He has no photos of his mother or father. His mother passed away when he was only a teenager and his father in 2000. How would we go about searching for anyone who may have pictures of them? I know there are some out there but where?
Lenora
Hi Lenora ..
We will post your email in our next newsletter and hopefully this will get to someone that has something. Please email back that this is ok to do as we will need to post your email. Also .. go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DEADFREDdotCOM and make a post.
Best Regards
Joe Bott
Whether you have a bone to pick or a eulogy to offer, email us at letters@deadfred.com.
Photo of the Month
April 16, 1945 U.S. Marine Corps
Military airforce
Palpitan Pauli WW2 War airplane
View full record by clicking here.
What's New In The Database
Recognize These Faces
|
Full archive record may be found here.
Young Beauty
Photo Number: 46824
San Jose, CA, USA
Comments: Click below to see photos in this donation . Bev from Paradise California writes, "I recently purchased several old photos at a garage sale, being an avid genealogist I couldn't bear to see then thrown into the garbage," Beauty style fashion.
|
|
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 46745
Comments: Click below to see photos in this donation. Bev from Paradise California writes, "I recently purchased several old photos at a garage sale, being an avid genealogist I couldn't bear to see then thrown into the garbage."
|
|
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 26652
Comments: Portrait taken outdoors of three youngsters with their dog in a yard and a picket fence and Model T-style car in background. No photographer's info. Found among assorted photos purchased at a consignment auction. Other photos may or may not be from same family lines but, if you locate a relative, please check my other listed pics!
|
|
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 46627
Depere, WI, USA
Comments: found in keepsakes of Mary Eva Lux Hein Iowa, Missouri
|
|
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 47101
Comments: This photo used to belong to Carlos Stevens Lang.
|
|
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 46785
Comments: We are hoping that someone may see this and be able to identify one or more of these persons. They may be connected to the Cook, Rinehart or Hileman families, etc.
|
|
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 26608
PA - USA
Comments: Studio portrait of two young women (sisters?). Found among assorted photos purchased at a consignment auction. Other photos may or may not be from same family lines but, if you locate a relative, please check my other listed pics!
|
|
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 46666
United States
Comments: Description: This photo appears to have been taken in the 1800's. He is an Orr but his name is a mystery. This photo is a Tin Type Photo.
Mystery: My Cousin, Marilyn Orr sent this photo to me. we are not able to identify who he is. We believe this photo was taken in Missouri in the 1800's.
|
|
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 23412
United States
Comments: c1890s Stylish Lady
keywords: feathered hat, jewelry, coat Style Fashion
|
|
Full archive record may be found here.
Photo Number: 26649
Comments: Army buddies: snapshot of two men while in the service. There are tents in background, but whether it is on a base here in the states or not isn't apparent. Date stamped on back is "May 31 1944" (just before D-Day). Found among assorted photos purchased at a consignment auction. Other photos may or may not be from same family lines but, if you locate a relative, please check my other listed pics! Keyords WW2 Military.
|
Dead Ringers
We think the subject of this photo looks a little like.... Well, we'll let you decide for yourself:
(Submitted by DeadFred.com visitor Barbara Larsen)
Submit your guess:
Last Month's Dead Ringer:
An overwhelming majority thought he looked like Tony Curtis.
Other Guesses
George Clooney
Christopher Plummer
Cliff Robertson
Frank Sinatra
Alan Alda
Charlie Sheen
Elvis Presley
Eric Roberts
Ewan McGregor
John Garfield
Ray Liotta
Robert Taylor
B.J. Thomas
Dale Robertson
David Bowie
Frankie Avalon
Gerald Ford
Jason Newstead
Jimmy Smits
Joaquin Phoenix
John F Kennedy Jr
Jude Law
Martin Sheen
Norm McDonald
Pat Boone
Sean Penn
Simon Cowell
Tobey Maguire
Tommy Sands
Ty Pennington
Have a Dead Ringer to submit? Send it to webmaster@deadfred.com
Feature Article
About Henry & Marian Adams & the monument “Grief” by Augustus Saint-Gaudens
I’m writing to share a recent adventure I had to a very unusual and thought-provoking gravesite in Washington, D.C., Laurie (my best half) and I spent a recent weekend visiting with our oldest son and his family in Virginia. We flew into Dulles and rented a car. Before heading west to Front Royal, however, we maneuvered our way through the side streets of D.C. with GPS to Rock Creek Cemetery, about 4.5 miles west of downtown, to visit the gravesite and memorial of Henry Brooks Adams and Marian “Clover” Adams.
Here is some important background: Henry was the great grandson of our nation’s 2nd President John Adams and the grandson of our 6th President John Quincy Adams. Henry had a trust income somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,000/year in 1880s dollars (now more like $1 million/year). He was born with the proverbial silver spoon in his mouth, but he didn’t choke on it.
Although “work” in the traditional sense wasn’t necessarily his bailiwick, Henry DID work. He was a historian, Harvard Associate Professor of History, professional traveler and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of the book Education of Henry Adams (1919 posthumously). He also wrote an earlier novel called Democracy, which was published worldwide anonymously and without copyright! Henry wrote many others books absolutely worth your reading provided you have the time and the inclination.
Henry’s History of the United States of America During the Administrations of Thomas Jefferson & James Madison is solid reading if you’re interested in a view of Jefferson from the perspective of the great grandson of the man who for a very long time loathed Jefferson.
Marian (nee Hooper) was from a wealthy and what some considered a rather eccentric family from Massachusetts. Raised by a devoted , loving father ,her mother dying when she was 5 yrs old , Marian was prone to bi-polar bouts but was uncommonly intelligent and witty and not the standard model of what society in those days considered a 19th century woman should be .
Both Henry & Marian although tall in intellect were both only about 5’2’ in height.
This Saint-Gaudens “Grief” monument to the Adams’ is significant not only because it marks the resting place of two of the 19th century’s most unique and probably least known “famous” personalities but also because of the sculptor’s artistic genius.
The monument memorializes the lives of Marian, ended by a tragic suicide in 1885, and Henry, ended by a stroke during peaceful slumber in 1918. The statue by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and the story behind whom & what it represents are simply incredible. Yet there are not many people who know anything about the couple or the unique and mesmerizing headstone at their final resting place.
Besides the fact that it cost $300,000 (in today’s dollars) to sculpt, which includes the marble bench and marble base by Stanford White, the memorial lacks any inscription, rendering the gravesite anonymous. Consequently, the memorial is still a favorite topic for discussion and brings in a steady flow of visitors more than 100 years after the sculpture’s original introduction. Pretty good for a nameless gravesite belonging to the little known author and wife who rocked the 19th century American scene.
I’m not writing here to give you a complete or even a cursory history of Henry and Marian but instead to make you aware of the very interesting story of these two unique real people who affected our society by their acquaintances, philosophy and writings.
Hope you enjoy these links to their lives:
About
Henry Adams
Marian Adams
Augustus Saint-Gaudens
Books
Online- Free Download
Democracy an American Novel by Henry Adams
The Education of Henry Adams by Henry Adams ( Pultzer Prize)
Esther by Henry Adams
Mont-Saint Michel and Chartres by Henry Adams
Online- For Sale
The Letters of Mrs. Henry Adams 1865-1883 -Thoron, Ward
Clover: The Tragic Love Story of Clover and Henry Adams and Their Brilliant Life in America's Gilded Age by Otto friedrich
The Five Of Hearts, by Patricia O'Toole
Be A Philanthropist For Just One Buck
We'd like to applaud our latest donators.
Thank you for your continued support!
Our hope is for each and every one of our unique visitors to donate at least one dollar (we'll take less and certainly more) for the upkeep and betterment of DeadFred.com. Be a philanthropist! All it takes is a big heart and a donation of any amount.
If you would like to help, please click on the link below, or you can mail a check or money order to the following address:
Dead Fred
P.O. Box 6937
Springdale, AR 72766-6937
Thank you!
Send your questions or comments to donations@deadfred.com.
Get Your Free Subscription
Did a friend forward this to you? Want to receive Dead Fred's Relatively Speaking every month in your inbox?
Sign up today!
| | | | | | | | |
| | | |
|
