Where are they and who are they—this large group of about 50 adults and children posing for the camera? This vintage photo was a serendipitous find when looking in an unsorted pile of things for potential Meekins Library Local History Collection items. Nothing was supposed to be in that “old junk”. But you just never know.
So, what is the story behind this photograph? When was it taken? Perhaps somewhere either side of 1900. Where are the people? What is the occasion? Is it a festive picnic for the children—they outnumber the adults. The basket sits prominently in the front of the photograph—if only we could peek inside. Is it a family reunion? Is it a town celebration? Or a church outing?
Everyone seems dressed in their Sunday best—the men in their straw boater hats and bow ties; the ladies in their shirtwaists, some with fancy hats; girls with ruffles and bows in their hair, their hats removed and held in their hands or on the ground; boys with caps on their heads. Did some arrive on the bicycles propped against the trees? One young man seems to be holding a fishing rod. Are they near a pond or the river? And where was the croquet court set up? Is it the young lady winners who are still holding on to their mallets?
Do you know any of the faces? Could one of them be your ancestor? Friends of your grandparents? Or even your own grandparents or great-grandparents as children? Do you recognize the location? Is it somewhere in town you like to picnic? Are you a cycling enthusiast? Can you tell the age of the bicycles? Help Meekins identify this photograph. Share your thoughts in the comments. And, if you have a favorite picnic spot in town, past or present, share that too. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 7/27/2023