Roberts Research
Roberts-Barnes Line
In the News
By Don Taylor
“In the News” is my reporting of discovered newspaper articles and advertising regarding ancestors I am researching. NYS Historic Newspapers is one of my favorite websites. I am trying to see if my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran, Donna Darling, Donna Clark, & Donna Kees), has a new article posted from her time in New York. I also like to occasionally find out if another ancestor of mine might be in the NYS Historic Newspapers. Today, I took a look for Nelson Barnes, my 2nd great-grandfather.
Nelson was born in 1816 in Broome County, New York. He married Mercy Elizabeth Taft on 31 October 1939 in New York. He and Mercy moved to Sullivan County, Indiana, before 1842. So my search criteria were Nelson Barnes (words within five words of each other), after 1815, and before 1843.
My Search of NYS Historic newspapers found 18 results. Fourteen of them were false hits, but four were of interest. They related to two instances of letters remaining in the post office.
The first was on 14 October 1823. My Nelson was only about seven years old in 1823. It is unlikely he was in Monroe County. The second instance was a Nelson Barnes, whose mail was at Elmira, NY. My Nelson was 22 when the mail went undelivered. He married shortly after that, so the idea that Nelson was in or near Elmira is possible.
The information found in newspapers often raises questions and more areas for research areas, and this is no exception. Indeed, I’ve known there were other Nelson Barneses, one in Steuben County, NY, and another in Delaware County. Does this mean there was another Nelson Barnes in Tioga County, or did my Nelson live there for a while? I still haven’t found Nelson in the 1840 Census. Finding him possibly in Tioga County could lead to greater understanding of his migration to Indiana.
For this week’s Treasure Chest Thursday, I’m looking at two clippings and three photos from two pages of the Donna Darling Collection.
Clipping 1
First is a clipping showing that Donna Darling Revue played at the Liberty Theater. The clipping did not include a date or a location.
Clipping showing Liberty Theatre show.
Bright Show is Promised for Saturday
Liberty Offers Much Variety in Vaudeville Bill Coming This Week; Beauty of Note Booked
SOMETHING entertaining in vaudeville is promised by the Liberty theatre Saturday night. The management makes this report of the show:
“Recollections of famous beauty contests are revived with the presentation of the Donna Darling Revue, the headline act. Miss Darling was the winner of the Madison Square Garden beauty competition in New York city a few years ago and was afterwards featured in musical comedy. Others in this exceptional cast are Sammy Clark, the Juvenile Komik, Barring and Lazur and Hal Dixon who present a routine of songs and dances interspersed with comedy. Special stage settings and beautiful costumes enhance the beauty of the act, making it one of song, dance and fun.
“Billy Curtis,” a song writer….
I’ve encountered Babe Berring and Steve Lazur before.[i] However, I know virtually nothing about them outside of their being part of Donna’s 1926 revue.
It is always great to find the exact clipping in an online newspaper. It confirmed the location and date of Donna’s revue. In this case, Newspapers.Com includes the same clipping from page two of the Morning Olympian (Olympia, WA) dated Friday, 12 Nov 1926. That clipping proves the show was performed in Olympia, Washington, on November 13th.
Key features:
The venue is the Liberty Theater – “Direction Pacific Northwest Theaters, Inc.
The bill included five “Orpheum Jr. Circuit” shows.
The Donna Darling Revue included Sammy Clark, [Babe] Barring, [Steve] Lazur, and Hal Dixon.
Also on bill
Billy Curtis and Lou Lawrence in “Is This the Custom.”
Clipping 2
The second clipping shows the Donna Darling Revue played at the Rivoli Theater. No date nor location is included.
Donna Darling Revue Crest of Rivoli Bill
Sammy Clark, the “anesthetic dancer” with the Donna Darling Revue, is the brightest spot on the Rivoli bill this week. Sammy is one of those untamed spirits who dance for the pure joy of expression. His costume, a cloud of pink unmentionables, is peculiarly fit for his wild spirit.
Donna Darling herself is a pretty miss with a nice voice for ballads. The rest of the company consists of an excellent pair of dancers and a whistling comedian. It is a clever act, and well staged.
Curtis and Lawrence….
This is likely a clipping from Donna’s show at Grants Pass or Portland, Oregon. Both cities had theaters named Rivoli[ii]. On Tuesday, November 1st, Donna was in Chico, California. Grant’s Pass is only about 30 miles from Medford, where she played on November 3rd. So the notion that she may have played Grants Pass on the 2nd makes sense. Likewise, the show played at the Rivoli theater in Portland from November 6th to the 8th. A review of the Portland papers at the time failed to find this article.
Key features:
The venue is the Rivoli Theater –
The bill included the movie “Laddie” and five “vaudeville shows:
Donna Darling Revue (with Sammy Clark).
Curtis and Lawrence in “Is That the Custom”
Morell and Elynor (roller skating)
Princess Winona
Zuhn and Dreis
Photo #1 – Donna & Two Men
Donna Darling with two young men.
This photo shows Donna with two young men—certainly brothers and possibly twins. I’ve seen photos of the two men previously with Russell as a child[iii], so the photo must be from 1929 or 1930.
Photo #2 – Donna & Wing Dress
Donna Darling in “wing dress”
This photo shows Donna in one of many costumes. I call it her “wing dress.” It is quite lovely.
Photo #3 – Sammy and Russell
Photo of Sammy and Russel.
This photo is of Sammy and Russell circa 1929. Although the picture is damaged and in bad shape, I like it because Sammy is showing great pleasure looking at his son.
Followup Actions
I set up alerts on Newspapers and Genealogy Bank and shortcuts to Newspaper Archives and Chronicling America to look for “Donna Darling” Rivoli regularly.
Ethel Wight Collection – Part 129
Photo Friday
By Don Taylor
This week, for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The envelopes typically contain the name of the person who paid for the photos, not necessarily of the individual portrayed in the image. As such, it is vital to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the photos with family members who may have never seen the image.
Elizabeth R Galusha, circa 1935.
The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss E. R. Galusha, Westbrook Junior Collage, Hersey Hall #615.”
Elizabeth R Galusha, circa 1935.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
A Portland Evening Express article dated June 6, 1935 (page six) ran an article about a Y. W. C. A. program held on the Westbrook Junior College campus that included a “Spirit of Spring: dance presented by Miss Elizabeth Galusha. A photo of Elizabeth in the paper appears to be of the same woman with long hair. Elizabeth was also connected with the Emerson-Mason School of the Dance. The Emerson-Mason School of the Dance was located at 73 Oak Street in Portland. The Ethel Wight studio was at 548½ Congress, only 194 feet away (per Google Maps).
The Bangor Daily News reported that James P Tanguay and Miss Elizabeth R Galusha of Philadelphia filed marriage intentions on July 2, Ancestry Public Trees indicate that they married on July 7, 1935.
Finally, photos of Elizabeth R Galusha appear to be photos of the same young woman.
I am confident this is a photo of Elizabeth R Galusha taken in 1935, when she was about 19 years old and probably just before her marriage to James Tanguay.
Ancestry has 15 public trees that refer to Elizabeth R Galusha (1916-1989). Family Search has profile GJZQ-3DZ for Elizabeth R Galusha, who married James Tanguay. I uploaded two photos of Elizabeth to her Family Search Memories.
Confirmed to be Elizabeth Galusha by a great-granddaughter.
Richard Scott Ryder, circa 1935.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Harry Ryder, 16 Elmwood St ℅ Mr. L. Way #484.”
Richard Scott Ryder, circa 1935.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Leslie S (and Julianna W) Way living at 16 Elmwood.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Harry C (and Alice S) Ryder living at 48 Allen Ave.
Ancestry Family Trees suggest This couple is Harry Clifford and Alice E (Way) Ryder. Alice has a brother, Leslie Scott Way. Finally, Alice and Harry had a son, Richard Scott Ryder born 12 Aug 1932.
I am sure this photo is of Richard Scott Ryder, about 1935, when he was about three years old. Unfortunately, the photo image isn’t great, but I understand that having a 3-year-old stay still for a photograph can be difficult.
Ancestry has 19 public trees that refer to Richard Scott Ryder. Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Richard. I uploaded a photo of Richard photo to Dead Fred.
Confirmed to be Richard Scott Ryder by a close family member.
Carleen Sawyer & Marguerite Sawyer (née Weymouth), circa 1935.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Stanley Sawyer, 39 Congress St. #434.”
Carleen Sawyer, circa 1935.
Why I believe this to be these individuals.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Stanley D (and Marguerite) Sawyer living at 39 Congress.
The 1940 US Census lists D. Stanley & W. Marguerite Sawyer living at 76 Morning Street. They have a six-year-old daughter, Carleen.
Ancestry Family Trees suggest this is Carlene Una Sawyer, daughter of Stanley D and Marguerite (Weymouth) Sawyer. Carlene was born 2 Jan 1934 in Portland, Maine.
A second photo shows mother and daughter. Although the child is out of focus, the photo of Marguerite is acceptable.
Carleen Sawyer & Marguerite Sawyer (née Weymouth), circa 1935.
Ancestry has five public trees that refer to Carleen Una Sawyer (1934-1995). Marguerite Sawyer (née Waymouth) appears in two Ancestry public trees. Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Carleen, however, Marguerite has Family Search profile L6YF-HYP. I uploaded a photo of Marguerite and the baby to Marguerite’s Family Search Memories and uploaded a photo of Carleen to Dead Fred.
Anne Salamone, circa 1935.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Stella Salamone, 284 A Bracket St – Anna #709.”
Anne Salamone, circa 1935.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Angelo J & Stella F Salamone living at 284a Bracket.
A 1983 Obituary for Angelo J Salamone indicated he was survived by his wife, Stella (Ingerowski) Salamone, a son Ralph, and two daughters Anne Andrews of Scarborough and Caroline Flaherty of Kennebunk.
Ancestry Family Trees suggest the father is Angelo John Salamone (1910-1982) and the mother is Stella Frances (Ingerowski) Salamone. Their daughter Anne Lois Salamone was born 23 November 1930 in Portland, Maine, and married Mark Richard Andrews in 1951.
I am confident this is Anne Lois Salamone about 1935 when she was about five years old.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Stella Salamone, 284 A Bracket St – Anna #708.”
Ralph Salamone, circa 1935.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Angelo J & Stella F Salamone living at 284a Bracket.
A 1983 Obituary for Angelo J Salamone indicated he was survived by his wife, Stella (Ingerowski) Salamone, a son Ralph, and two daughters Anne Andrews of Scarborough and Caroline Flaherty of Kennebunk.
Ancestry Family Trees suggest the father is Angelo John Salamone (1910-1982) and the mother is Stella Frances (Ingerowski) Salamone. Their son, Ralph A Salamone was born 22 December 1931 in Portland, Maine.
I am confident this is a photo of Ralph A. Salamone about 1935 when he was about four years old.
Ancestry has three public trees that refer to Ralph A Salamone. Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Ralph, so I uploaded his photos to Dead Fred.
Confirmed to be Ralph by a granddaughter.
Conclusion
I identified six individuals from five photo envelopes. Three have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories. The other three did not have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their photos to Dead Fred.
I will love to hear your reaction if any of these photos are of your family member. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before.
Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Family Search, Dead Fred, and Flickr may have higher quality than those linked here.
For all postings of the Ethel Wight Collection, please see here.
Endnotes
[i] The Wight Studio was in Portland, Maine. Many thanks to Ethel Wight’s family for access to and permission to use the collection of their great aunt.
[ii] These images were converted to positives using a lightbox, a Nikon camera and computer software.
Welch-Harris Project
Welch-Robinson Line
By Don Taylor
When Harriet Marilla Robinson was born on 20 December 1861 in Limington, Maine, her father, David, was 24, and her mother, Malinda, was 23. She married Albert Wesley Welch in 1876. They had ten children in 15 years. She died on 14 December 1927, in Melrose, Massachusetts, at age 65 and was buried in Biddeford, Maine.
3rd Great-grandfather: David Boyd Robinson (1837-1916)
Birth
The United States was in turmoil when Malinda Jane (Huntress) Robinson was pregnant with her second child, Harriet Marilla. In April, the American Civil War began with the battle at Fort Sumter and Maine Regiments organizing to send young men to the fight. Harriet was born on 20 December 1861. She would grow up being known as Hattie.
Children of David and Malinda Robinson (Siblings of Hattie)
Name
Born
Married
Died
Ellen Jane
c. 1859
–
1873
Harriet Marilla
1861
Albert Wesley Welch
1927
Frank Leslie
1865
Carolina [LNU]
1925
Fred Oscar
1869
Helen Gladys Parker
1937
William Albert
1872
Annie Reid
1944
John Edwin
1879
Gertrude Louise Skimmings
1940
1870 Census
The 1870 Census found Hattie living with her parents, four siblings, and her grandmother, Dorcas Robinson. Her father, David, was a farmer.
Marriage
Hattie married Albert Wesley Welch in about 1877[1]. The couple had at least eight children, although they may have had ten.[2]
Albert & Hattie lived in Limerick during the 1880 Census, which was taken in June. Hattie was pregnant with Helen, who was born in July. Albert was farming.
1890s
In 1898, Hattie’s eldest child, Helen, married Frank Woodman. Albert & Hattie lived in Harpswell, Maine.
1900s
The 1900 census found Hattie as a “restaurant keeper” living in Brunswick, Maine. Her husband is a “brickmaster.” All of Hattie’s living children reside in the household. The eldest daughter, Helen, is a waitress, and her husband, Frank, is a law student. Sixteen-year-old Minnie is also a waitress. Frank and Harold are attending school.
In 1901, her eldest son, Albert Chester, married Eva Maria Clark.
Between 1901 and 1906, Hattie and Albert moved to the Wellington neighborhood of Medford, Massachusetts, as there were living there when daughter Emma married Robert McFarlane.
1910 Census
The 1910 Census shows Hattie lives with her daughter, Minnie Trafton, a lodging house keeper. Also in the household are two of Hattie’s sons, Harold & Willie. Hattie’s husband, Albert, lives in Boston, so it appears they were estranged.
1920 Census
In 1920, Hattie was living in Malden. Living with her is her 24-year-old son William, who is attending school. The census reports Hattie was Divorced, but I have not found a divorce record yet. Hattie’s (ex)husband was living in Biddeford, Maine, with his daughter, Emma, and her husband.
In December, Hattie’s (ex)husband died in Biddeford and was buried there.
Death/Burial, etc.
Harriet Marilla Welch (née Robinson) died on 14 December 1927 at the home of her daughter Minnie’s home in Melrose, Massachusetts. Her body was transported to her daughter Emma’s house in Biddeford, Maine. Rev. Royal Brown of Foss Street Methodist Church officiated the funeral service at Emma’s. Hattie was then buried at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Events by Location
Maine, Cumberland, Brunswick 1900-1901
Maine, Cumberland, Harpswell 1898
Maine, York, Biddeford Burial
Maine, York, Kennebunkport (unknown years – per obituary)
Maine, York, Limerick 1870-1880
Maine, York, Limington Birth.
Maine, York, Portland (unknown years – per obituary)
Harriet’s obituary indicates she was born on 20 December 1861 in South Limington.
William’s birth record and Emma’s and LeForest’s marriage records indicate Harriet was born in Limington.
Minnie’s birth record indicates her mother was born in Limerick, as does William’s marriage Record and her obituary that ran in the Portland Evening Express.
Finally, her son Howard’s marriage record indicates Hattie was born in Kennebunk, Maine.
Note that Limerick and Limington are two townships that border each other.
Further Actions / Follow-up
Search church records for evidence of Harriet’s birth.
Search for records of Harriet living in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Search for records of Harriet living in Portland, Maine.
Search for Minnie Jane (Welch) (Trafton) Couch’s death record.
Sources
1870 Census, Family Search, 1870 – David Robinson – Limerick, York, Maine, Page 13. “United States Census, 1870”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M6DH-8DS : 29 May 2021), David Robinson, 1870.
1880 Census, Family Search, 1880 Census – Maine, York, Limerick – ED 197, Sheet 385B. “United States Census, 1880,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFQC-69T: 14 January 2022), Wesley Welch, Limerick, York, Maine, United States, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), FHL microfilm. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MFQC-69T.
1900 Census, 1900 – Albert W Welch. “United States Census, 1900”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MMLD-FB4 : 9 March 2022), Albert W Welch, 1900.
1910 Census (NARA, 1910), 1910 – Minnie I Trafton – Massachusetts, Suffolk, Boston Ward 11 ED1419
1920 Census, Various, 1920 – Hattie M Welch. “United States Census, 1920”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MX1Q-GBQ : 1 February 2021), Hattie M Welch, 1920.
Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, Family Search, Birth – Leforest Temple Welch – 1 May 1896 – Kennebunkport, Maine. “Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KC6S-X2P : 2 March 2021), Leforest Temple, 1 May 1896; citing Kennebunkport, Maine, United States, multiple sources, Maine; FHL microfilm. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KC6S-X2P.
Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, Family Search, Birth – Minnie Jane Welch – 23 April 1883. “Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2HKQ-C13 : 2 March 2021), Minnie Jane Welch, 23 April 1883; citing Kennebunkport, Maine, United States, multiple sources, Maine; FHL microfilm. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2HKQ-C13.
Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, Family Search, Birth – William Robinson Welch – 14 June 1894 – Kennebunkport, York, ME. “Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KC6S-76V : 2 March 2021), William Robinson Welch, 14 June 1894; citing Kennebunkport, Maine, United States, multiple sources, Maine; FHL microfilm.
Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, Family Search, Marriage – Frances Asbury Welch & Julia Anna Daley – 11 June 1917. “Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q24J-6MFZ : 2 March 2021), Frances Asbury Welch and Julia Anna Daley, 11 June 1917; citing Biddeford, York, Maine, United States, multiple sources, Maine; FHL microfilm.
Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921, Family Search, Marriage – Robert A McFarlane & Emma B Welch – 18 August 1906. “Maine Vital Records, 1670-1921,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q28Q-DK1Z : 22 July 2021), Robert A McFarlane and Emma B Welch, 18 August 1906; citing Portland, Cumberland, Maine, United States, multiple sources, Maine; FHL microfilm.
New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947, Family Search, Albert C. Welch & Eva M. Clark – 1901. “New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLZP-82H : 1 August 2022), Albert C. Welch and Eva M. Clark, 1901.
New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947, Family Search, Harold L Welch & Mary Eison – 1912. “New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLZP-DM2 : 1 August 2022), Harold L. Welch and Mary Islon, 1912.
New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947, Family Search, Helen M. Welch & Frank W. Woodman – 1898. “New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLFL-6YH : 1 August 2022), Frank W. Woodman and Helen M. Welch, 1898.
New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947, Family Search, Wilford A. Couch & Minnie A. Trafton. “New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL8M-RBJ : 1 August 2022), Wilford A. Couch and Minnie A. Trafton, 1913.
New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947, Family Search, William Robinson Welch & Beulah Carrie Eisan – 1921. “New Hampshire Marriage Records, 1637-1947”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL84-YLR : 1 August 2022), William Robinson Welch and Beulah Carrie Eisan, 1921. https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FL84-YLR.
[1] The 1900 Census indicates Albert & Hattie had been married for 23 years. [2] The 1900 Census indicates that Hattie had 10 children, 8 of whom were living. [3] Ibid. [4] Ibid.
Ethel Wight Collection – Part 128
Photo Friday
By Don Taylor
This week, for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The envelopes typically contain the name of the person who paid for the photos, not necessarily of the individual portrayed in the image. As such, it is vital to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the photos with family members who may have never seen the image.
Dorothy Ryder, circa 1934.
The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Dorothy Ryder, 12 Quincy St #432.”
Dorothy Ryder, circa 1934.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Dorothy L Ryder as employed at 307 Cumberland and residing at 12 Quincy. Also, at 12 Quincy lived Mrs. Estora L Ryder and Roy M Ryder.
The 1930 US Census listed Dorothy L Ryder, age 16, living with her parents, Fred & Estora Ryder. Also in the household is Dorothy’s brother Roy M Ryder.
I am confident this is Dorothy L Ryder, born 17 Feb 1914, about 1934, when she was 20.
Ancestry has 26 public trees that include Dorothy L Ryder, the daughter of Frederick & Estora (Doughty) Ryder. Family Search has profile GSCY-7FR for Dorothy. I have uploaded two photos of Dorothy to her Family Search Memories.
[She] “looks like Aunt Dot,” says a nephew.
[She is] definately Aunt Dot,” says another nephew.
Hilda V. Rush, Queens Hospital, Portland, ME, circa 1935.
This negative envelope says, “Miss H. V. Rush, Queens Hospital #558.”
Hilda V. Rush, Queens Hospital, circa 1935.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Hilda V Rush, a student nurse at 218 State (Queen’s Hospital).
The 1940 US Census lists Hilda V Rush as a registered nurse at a doctor’s office. Hilda was 28 years old and born in Maine.
The 1930 US Census lists Hilda V Rush, the 18-year-old daughter of Harry & Anne Rush, living in Millinocket, Maine.
I identify this photo as showing Hilda Veronica Rush (1911-1988), the daughter of Henry “Harry” and Anne (Whalen) Rush.
This negative envelope says, “Miss Sylvia Rowell, 163 Neal St. #645.”
Sylvia Rowell, circa 1935.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Sylvia S Rowell as a music teacher working and residing at 163 Neal. Also at 163 Neal are William B, Frances E, and Gilbert R Rowell.
Ancestry Family Trees suggest this is Sylvia Sherman Rowell, daughter of William B and Frances (Rounds) Rowell. She is also the sister of Gilbert R Rowell. Sylvia was born on 10 Jun 1913 in Portland; she married Waldo Earle Harwood, Jr on 17 Jun 1939.
I am confident this photo is of Sylvia in 1935 when she was a music teacher.
This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Napoleon Roy, 76 Emery St #426.”
Probably Aline Roy, circa 1935.
What I learned about this individual.
The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Napoleon and Alexina Roy living at 76 Emery. Also living at 76 Emery is Rita B Roy, who works as a maid.
The 1930 US Census indicates that Napoleon and Alexina Roy lived at 55 Atlantic Street in Portland. They have three daughters, Germaine, Rita, and Yvette. Yevette was nine years old in 1930, making her about 14 years old in 1935 when this photo was taken.
The 1940 US Census indicates that Napoleon and Alexina Roy lived at 72 Park Avenue. Besides Yvette, they have a nine-year-old daughter, Aline. In 1935, when this photo was taken, Aline would be about four years old. Four seems a bit young for the girl in this photo.
The girl in this photo appears to be about six or seven to me, so I’m not confident this is Aline. I think it is more likely for this photo to be of Aline than a photo of Yvette.
I have not found Aline in Ancestry trees; however, I have found her father, Napoleon Roy, in seven public Ancestry trees. I have not identified the individual in this photo sufficiently to upload Dead Fred, so I only include the individual’s image here.
I would really like to hear from you if you can confirm the child’s identity in this photo.
Virginia Carlstrom, circa 1936.
This negative envelope says, “Virginia Rowan, 785 Congress St. #1028.”
Virginia Carlstrom, circa 1936.
Why I believe this to be the individual.
The 1940 US Census lists a Virginia Carlstrom living with her mother, Gertrude Rowan, at 54 Adams. Virginia is 19 years old, and Gertrude is 50. Both were born in Maine.
Ancestry Family Trees suggest that Virginia Carlestrom is the daughter of James and Gertrude (Curran) Carlestrom. Gertrude later married John Rowen.
Virginia Carlstrom was born on 12 Mar 1921 in Portland to James and Gertrude (Curran) Carlstrom. and died on 3 Mar 1944 in Portland, Maine. Virginia Carlstrom married Alexander Grimaldi on 1 Sep 1941 and died on 3 Mar 1944.
Virginia Carlstrom is found in five Ancestry public trees. Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Virginia, so I uploaded a photo of Virginia to Dead Fred.
Conclusion
I identified four of the five Three have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories. One did not have a Family Search profile, so I uploaded her photo to Dead Fred.
I could not confidently identify one individual; her photo is only uploaded here.
I will love to hear your reaction if any of these photos are of your family member. Especially if this photo is of a loved one for whom you hadn’t seen this photograph before.
For all postings of the Ethel Wight Collection, please see here.
Endnotes
[i] The Wight Studio was in Portland, Maine. Many thanks to Ethel Wight’s family for access to and permission to use the collection of their great aunt.
[ii] These images were converted to positives using a lightbox, a Nikon camera and computer software.
“In the News” is my reporting of discovered newspaper articles and advertising regarding ancestors I am researching. NYS Historic Newspapers is one of my favorite websites. I am trying to see if my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka Donna Montran, Donna Darling, Donna Clark, & Donna Kees), has a new article posted from her time in New York. I also like to occasionally find out if another ancestor of mine might be in the NYS Historic Newspapers. Today, I took a look for Nelson Barnes, my 2nd great-grandfather.
