A Spanish American War era soldier poses for his portrait at an unknown studio in an unknown place. Note the US pin and crossed rifles pin on each side of his collar. He also has pins on the front of his hat indicating he was a member of the 5th regiment, company E. The 5th Infantry Regiment was nicknamed the ‘”Bobcats” and is the third-oldest infantry regiment of the U.S. Army. It was established in 1808. The regiment arrived in the Philippines too late to participate in the war but did perform occupation duties and later saw action in the Philippines War of 1900. The photograph has an inscription on the reverse that identifies the soldier as “Henry”. It is not clear whether “Henry” is this young man’s first or last name. Other background information about this image was likely lost when a previous owner trimmed the photograph to fit it into a frame. Hopefully, a visitor to the cabinet card gallery can confirm that this is indeed a Spanish American War era soldier and not a World War I era soldier.
HENRY GOES TO WAR (PORTRAIT OF A SPANISH AMERICAN WAR ERA SOLDIER)
GROUP PORTRAIT NINE MEN IN INDIA (ETHNIC PHOTOGRAPH)
This photograph features a portrait of a group of men, dressed in ethnic clothing (including turbans), and posing in an unidentified country. It is most likely that the location of this group photo is the nation of India. This portrait raises a number of questions on issues besides location. What is the man standing on the right side of the back row carrying in the bag hung over his shoulder? The man next to the man with the bag appears to be holding the bag man’s belt. Why is he holding the belt? There is a brick building behind the men. Is the building a business, a home, or an embassy? Are these men about to embark on a trip? Are they part of a work crew? The answer to these questions elude us but the mystery is part of what makes this photograph interesting to view.
HANDSOME MAN IN CROOKSTON, MINNESOTA
This photograph features a very handsome man posing for his portrait at the studio of Skrin Seth in Crookston, Minnesota. My spelling of the photographer’s name is questionable since his name is partially illegible as printed on the front of the photograph. The subject of this photograph has glamorous looks and is wearing a fur coat. He is identified on the reverse of the card but once again there is a legibility problem. His name is either “Mr. E. McKenzie” or “N. E. McKenzie”. Research revealed no biographical information about the image’s subject or about the photographer.
PORTRAIT OF THE SHELTON FAMILY IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA
The Shelton family poses for their family portrait at the studio of Poul C. Poulsen in Brisbane, Australia. The photographer appears to have provided the family with props to use in this photograph. The bespectacled Mr Shelton reads to his daughter as she sits on his lap. A second daughter sits in a miniature chair and is holding an open magazine. The eldest daughter (on the far right side of the image) holds a fan that features the image of a pretty woman. Fans such as this, frequently had images of famous actresses of the era. Mrs Shelton has a handkerchief on her lap while another daughter is holding flowers. In the back center of the photograph is the Shelton’s young adult aged son who has his arms folded across his chest and a look of disinterest on his face. Poul Christensen Poulsen (1857-1925) was born in Denmark and arrived in Sydney in 1876. In 1882 he moved to Queensland and opened a photographic studio a few years later. He was later joined by brothers and sisters from Denmark. He opened branches of his studio in other Queensland towns. In 1898 he was appointed the Danish Consul at Brisbane. Over the years, his sons and grandsons entered the photography business. There is evidence on this particular cabinet card that dates it somewhere between 1894 and 1898. The studio located in the town of Gympie that is listed in the advertising on the front of this card, existed between 1894 and 1898.
CAVALRY OFFICER WITHOUT A HORSE AND WITHOUT A COUNTRY
A cavalry officer poses for his portrait at an unknown studio in an unknown location. This handsome military man is wearing what appears to be riding gloves and a sword in a sheath on his belt. He also has a belt buckle which may provide some additional information. However, limited magnification availability has precluded uncovering further identifying information on the buckle. It is unlikely that the subject is a member of an American cavalry unit. There is an embroidered crown on his left sleeve which may indicate he served in a Canadian or British mounted brigade. Another possibility is that the subject is actually an actor wearing a theatrical costume. Hopefully, a cabinet card visitor will leave an enlightening comment concerning this man’s identity.
BAND OF MUSICIANS IN RICHLAND CENTER, WISCONSIN
This cabinet card features five members of a brass band dressed in uniform. The band band does not appear to be an “ordinary” community band. The woman seated in the center of the bottom row has a bible on her lap. The band has the look of a salvation army band but they are not wearing salvation army uniforms. Most likely, these musicians are members of a religious based service organization. Perhaps a visitor to the cabinet card gallery will be able to identify the organization that these band members represent. This cabinet card is notable for its clarity and for the detailed view of the musical instruments. The photographer of this cabinet card was the Hillman studio of Richland Center, Wisconsin. The 1900 US census reports that William J. Hillman was a 51 year-old photographer, born in New York, and living in Richland Center with his wife Caroline (age 54) and his son Charles B. (age 22). Charles B.Hillman was listed as working as a photographer. The Photographic Times (1907) printed a paper read by Hillman. The paper was entitled ” The Successful Photographer” and the advice given in his presentation was excellent and would be relevant and helpful to modern day business owners. If Hillman was alive today, he would have been an incredible business consultant. The Bulletin of Photography (1914) contains an announcement that the Hillman studio was sold to Frank Dickson.
MEMORIAL PHOTOGRAPH OF BRITISH SAILOR IN MALTA
E. Grech Cumbo was a photographer on the island of Malta. His studio was located at 14 Strada Street in the city of Valleta. Cumbo produced this cabinet card of a British sailor (nationality needs to be confirmed). Stenciled on the photograph, above the cushion on which the sailor rests his arms, are the words, “In Loving Memory”. This photograph likely served as a memorial card for this young man’s crew mate friends. To view other examples of memorial photographs, click on the category “Memorial Card”.
BUFFALO LADY DISCOVERED UNDER GIGANTIC OUTRAGEOUS HAT
A nicely dressed and beautiful young woman poses for her portrait at the Werner Art Gallery. A. L. Werner operated his studio out of 101-103 Genesee Street in Buffalo, New York. The woman is identified on the reverse of the photograph as “Aunt Christine”. She appears to be very fashionable but her millinery taste is somewhat suspect. By today’s standards, her hat can best be described as ostentatious. However, her choice in headwear was likely quite stylish for her time. To view other photographs by Werner and to learn more about him, click on the category “Photographer: Werner”.
BROTHERS IN YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO (DAVID AND RICHARD EVANS)
David L Evans and his brother Richard pose for a photographer located in Youngstown Ohio. I can not make out the photographers name. It may be Peck. The brothers are dressed fashionably for this portrait. The older brother seems affectionate and protective toward his sibling. Note the boys ears. The ears are unusually shaped.The 1880 census finds an Evans family in Youngstown with sons named David (age 2) and Richard (age 6 months). It is important to point out that the David in the census and the David in this photograph have different middle initials. However, it is not uncommon for middle initials to be listed incorrectly both in the census and when written on photographs. The census lists the Evan’s parents as being named Thomas and Mahala. Thomas was a furnace worker and he and his wife were born in Wales.
DALMATION ON A RUG IN ARCADE, NEW YORK
This unique cabinet card is certainly not in great condition. A previous owner trimmed the card to fit it into a frame. In addition, the image has a major crease running through most of the left side. Worse yet, the image was marred by an epidemic of black spots appearing on the body and face of the dog. Why would someone deface this terrific photograph by putting black dots all over this cute dog’s picture? I’m just kidding. Actually, this cabinet card features a Dalmation. The Dalmation breed originated in the Republic of Croatia. There was research conducted about this breed as early as the 1700’s. The breed itself was developed and cultivated in England. Speaking of England, the photographer who produced this photograph has the last name of Churchill. His studio was located in Arcade, New York. Clark E. Churchill is cited in the 1880 census. He is listed as 32 years of age and married to Ella Churchill (age 27). His occupation is described as photographer. In 1900 the couple remained in Arcade and Clark was working as Postmaster. The 1920 census also includes Clark and Ella living in Arcade. Clark is described as a retired merchant. To view other cabinet cards featuring dogs, click on the category “Dogs”.
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 