A wavy haired boy poses with his violin and bow for photographer G. A. Carlson, in Willmar, Minnesota. The young maestro appears dressed for a musical performance and looks very “professional”. Next stop; Carnegie Hall.
YOUNG MAESTRO AND HIS VIOLIN IN WILLMAR, MINNESOTA
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THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 
Hi, my name is Earl Lindquist, from Longview, Washington. I have a
couple of pictures taken by G.A. Carlson – Cor 4th St & Benson Ave
Willmar, Minn… They were taken in 1899 and they are pictures of
my grandfather on a bicycle – He and his brother John were from
Willmar, Mn and rode to Niobe, ND. I was trying to find out if this
photo studio is still open? Then do you have a phone number I
could talk with someone?
I am glad that you found a connection to your family history at the cabinet card gallery. I am sure that the story of your Grandfather’s bicycle trip is very interesting. I am curious about his motivation for taking the bicycle trip. In regard to your question concerning getting more information about the photographer; there are some steps that you can take. Try an internet search to see if Willmar or its county (Kandiyohi) have historical societies and contact them with any questions that you may have. If no luck finding such historical societies, contact the Minnesota Historical Society instead. I checked the Minnesota Historical Society site and learned a little more about the photographer, G. A. Carlson. It seems he had studios in both Stillwater and Willmar, Minnesota. It is documented that he worked as a photographer between 1886 and 1887, as well as between 892 and 1898. Searching census data from 1885 and 1895 revealed that there was a G. A. Carlson that lived in Willmar. He was born in Sweden in 1856. No other information was uncovered and this G. A. Carlson is only a likely, not a certain match, for the photographer, G. A. Carlson. Good luck in your search and please keep us informed concerning your progress.
G.A.Carlson had a son who was something of a violin prodigy. It is therefore eminently possible this is a portrait of the photographer’s own son
Thanks so much for sharing your information about G. A. Carlson’s son’s musical talent. Your theory is a good one. Perhaps this image is a photo of his prodigy son