This real photo postcard is quite intriguing. Who is this pretty young woman behind the sheer veil and wearing this middle eastern type dress. Is she a native of the Middle East? Is she an actress? Is she a fashionista that is wearing the latest style? I tend to rule out the possibility of her being from the Middle East. I do so because her clothing appears more fashionable than functional and her stylish shoes seem to be very not Middle Eastern. This photographic portrait was taken at the Baldomar studio in Paris, France.
VEILED WOMAN IN LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA
A veiled woman poses for her portrait at the studio of Otto E. Weber’s New York Gallery. Contrary to common sense, the New York Gallery was not located in New York. Weber operated his studio out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The veil, or head scarf, is beautifully knitted. It looks very soft. Note the white bow on top of the unidentified woman’s head. The Biographical Annals of Lancaster County (1903) reports that Weber (1857-1913) was one of the finest photographers in Pennsylvania. He was of German extraction and came to the United States with his parents in 1878. He opened his photography studio in Lancaster in about 1888. Weber served four years in the National Guard of Pennsylvania. The Annals state that Weber was a great lover of “manly sports” and expert with both shotgun and rifle. Another reference asserts that Weber operated his Lancaster studio between 1890 and 1906.

WOMAN WITH LACE VEIL OR KERCHIEF IN KEOTA, IOWA
A mellow woman poses for her portrait at the studio of E. E. Neal in Keota, Iowa. The woman is wearing a large lace veil or kerchief. Perhaps a visitor to this blog entry can identify the headwear more specifically. Is this wide-eyed woman possibly a bride? If so, she doesn’t appear to be a happy bride. To view other photographs by Neal, click on the category “Photographer: Neal”.

AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN IN MOURNING DRESS IN WASHINGTON D.C.
This Cabinet Card is a portrait of Mrs. Brena Fantleroy who resided on P Street in Washington D.C. She appears to be wearing a mourning dress as well as a very serious expression. Note her veil, jewelry and small purse. The photographer is F. T. Castle of Washington D.C.
