Faces from the Past – Hinkley, Monroe, Baines, and Blair

The Linwood Dyer Collection, Part 084
Photo Friday
By Don Taylor

This remarkable collection encompasses hundreds of images, documents, and genealogical records of people who lived in Portland, Scarborough, South Portland, and Cape Elizabeth, Maine. My mission is to connect these historical photographs with descendants who may have never seen these images of their ancestors. This post examines a set of loose photos discovered in the Linwood Dyer “white room.”

---

Philip Hinkley – U.S. Army Major, 1918.

A formal sepia-tone studio portrait of Philip Hinkley, this photograph shows him in uniform with the collar insignia “U.S.R.” — indicating his service in the United States Army Reserve during the World War I period. His composed expression and upright posture are typical of military portraits of the era. The uniform suggests he held an officer’s rank, possibly a major, based on the oak leaf insignia visible on the shoulder epaulet. His hair is neatly parted, and his uniform bears the stylistic hallmarks of the 1917–1919 timeframe.

Studio: Not identified
Estimated Date: Circa 1917–1919
Service Branch: U.S. Army Reserve (USR)

I’ve encountered photos of Philip Hinkley [Hinckley] in my Linwood Dyer Genealogical Collection previously. He was born on 30 Oct 1881 in Portland, Maine, went into active service as a captain on 15 Aug 1917, and was promoted to Major on 15 Feb 1918. His parents were Rufus Henry and Frances Elizabeth (Prindle) Hinkley. This photo was likely taken shortly after his promotion to Major.

I have added his photo to his FamilySearch profile, LV61-F53, and my Ancestry family tree.

---

Annie Monroe & Young Woman Fishing.

This image captures Mrs. Annie Monroe alongside a younger woman (possibly a relative or family friend), standing on a rocky shoreline, likely along the coast of Maine. The older woman is dressed in a dark coat and sturdy shoes, carrying fishing line. The younger woman, outfitted in a sailor-inspired blouse and skirt with a belt, holds a tackle box and two freshly caught fish. A serene body of water and distant tree line form the backdrop.

Studio/Photographer: Unknown
Estimated Date: 1915–1925

My Linwood Dyer Genealogical Collection suggests this is Annie J. (Fearns) Monroe, the wife of George H Monroe and the father of William Harris Monroe. A “memory” with the group of photos mentions that Bill Monroe’s mother was Winslow Homer’s housekeeper for years.

I have added this photo to my Ancestry family tree gallery.

---

Annie Monroe at the Beach with Friends or Family.

Likely from the 1930s or 1940s, this beachside photo features Mrs. Annie Monroe (center, in a floral print dress) surrounded by four other adults. A woman in a polka-dot dress and lace overlay stands to her left, with three men behind—including one in a fedora and another in a flat cap. This casual, candid group setting evokes a family outing or reunion. The back notes, “Hugh Gunnison,” suggest the possible presence of Gunnison friends or relatives.

Photographer: Unknown snapshot
Estimated Date: 1930s–1940s

I have added this photo to my Ancestry family tree gallery.

---

Ethel Baines – Mitchell’s Studio, Portland, Maine

File Name: Ethel Baines – Mitchell’s Studio, 559 Congress St. Portland, ME.jpeg

This delicately posed studio portrait features Ethel Baines, whose name is recorded on the back. She wears a white high-necked lace dress and bonnet, gently holding the ribbons. Her hairstyle is voluminous, popular during the Edwardian era. The portrait was professionally taken at Mitchell’s Studio, once located at 559 Congress Street, Portland, Maine.

Studio: Mitchell’s Studio, Portland, ME
Estimated Date: Circa 1900–1910

I am unable to identify Ethel Baine positively. I have uploaded her photo to Dead Fred.

---

 Sarah Blair – Shea Artist Studio, Boston, c. 1875

This cartes des visites presents Sarah Blair, a young (apparent) African American woman, in a formal pose. The image was taken by Shea Artist, a portrait studio located at 194 ½ Hanover Street, Boston, Massachusetts, during the 1870s. Her dignified expression and simple attire reflect the understated strength and grace of many 19th-century sitters. This portrait is likely from the 1870s–1880s, based on the vignette style and card mount.

Studio: Shea Artist, Boston, MA
Estimated Date: 1875–1885

I have not been successful in determining Sarah’s identity other than her name; I uploaded her photo to Dead Fred.

---

Connection Invitation

I would be delighted to hear from anyone who recognizes these individuals as their ancestors, particularly if these photographs represent previously unseen images of your family members. Please feel free to incorporate these photographs into your genealogical research, citing “Photo Courtesy: Scarborough Historical Society.”