PASTOR & MRS FRED SQUIRE & CHILD : ONE OF A KIND : STUDIO PORTRAIT : RPPC 1944

This vintage sepia-toned studio real photo postcard features a family of three, posed together with formal yet warm expressions. The man, identified as “Pastor Fred Squire,” appears to be in his late 30s to early 40s. He is dressed in clerical attire, including a dark suit with a clerical collar, giving him a dignified and professional appearance. His expression is calm and approachable, reflecting a kind personality. His neatly combed hair adds to his composed look. The woman, identified as “Mrs. Squire,” sits beside her husband. She wears a dark dress with a white Peter Pan collar and a ribbon tie, reflecting the fashion of the era. Her short, styled hair frames her face elegantly. Her expression is soft and slightly reserved, hinting at a caring and supportive nature. The child, likely their daughter, sits between them, radiating joy with a cheerful smile. She wears a sailor-style dress with a large bow at the neckline, a popular children’s fashion in the early to mid-20th century. Her short, straight haircut adds to her youthful charm. The three are closely positioned, suggesting a strong family bond. The setting is a professional studio, evident from the even lighting and neutral background. The reverse side of the postcard indicates that it is “British Made”. Written in purple ink is the identification of the subjects: “Pastor & Mrs. Fred Squire & child.” The date “Sept 4th 1944” is also inscribed, likely marking the time the photo was taken or sent. SOLD

Published in: on February 26, 2025 at 12:00 pm  Leave a Comment  
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CHARLES HENRY PARKHURST: CLERGYMAN, SOCIAL REFORMER, CROOKED POLITICIAN’S AND CORRUPT POLICEMAN’S NIGHTMARE (1892)

 

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Charles Henry Parkhurst (1842-1933) is the subject of these Cabinet Card photographs which are published by Newsboy. Photographer Napoleon Sarony has the 1892 copyright for the top photograph. The second photograph is marked “375” and is part of Newsboy’s tobacco premium series. Parkhurst was a clergyman and social reformer. He was a presbyterian minister and from 1874 until 1880, he was a pastor in Lenox, Massachusetts. He then became the pastor for Madison Square Presbyterian Church in New York City (1880-1919). During the year of this photograph, Parkhurst began giving tough sermons attacking the political corruption in the New York City government. This led to the exposure of the corruption in Tammany Hall and subsequent social and political reform. He had a special concern about the problem of prostitution in New York City’s tenderloin section. He hired private detectives to investigate the houses of ill repute and their police protection. Concerning the police, he said “while we fight iniquity they shield or patronize it; while we try to convert criminals, they manufacture them”. He took his concerns and investigative results to court on these matters. He was President of the New York Society for the Prevention of Crime and published numerous magazine articles and books. Parkhurst died tragically; while sleep walking he fell off the second story porch of his home.