The Linwood Dyer Collection, Part 083
“HRJ Classmates & Others”
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 looks at a set of photos that was bound by a ring of paper with the words, “HRJ (Helena Ruth Jackson) Classmates & Others.”
Priscella Ferguson – Portland High School, Class of 1923.
PHS Class 1923
Among the treasures in the Linwood Dyer Collection is this beautifully composed portrait of Priscella Ferguson, taken by Portland photographer Roger Paul Jordan. Jordan operated in Portland from the 1910s through the 1960s. His soft-focus style and careful lighting are evident in this striking sepia image.
A separate note with the photo says: “Priscella Ferguson – Grad 1923.”
The inscription offers a more personal glimpse into her school years:
“To Helena, The most wonderful captain of the most wonderful team. Here’s hoping she won’t forget. Yours truly and everything we’ve done from ’19–’23. – Pur”
Helena Ruth Jackson was the captain of the girls basketball team for Portland High School in 1923. Priscella also played on the 1923 PHS girls basketball team.
Florence Hamilton – Portland High School, Class of 1922.
This elegant portrait of Florence Hamilton was taken by noted Portland photographer Roger Paul Jordan, whose studio captured many students and community members during the 1920s. Jordan’s soft-focus technique, balanced lighting, and careful posing highlight the grace and poise of his subjects.
Florence appears in a dark satin dress trimmed with fringe, accessorized with a string of pearls. Her short, softly curled hairstyle reflects the new fashions of the early 1920s, a time when young women embraced modern styles of independence and expression.
Beneath the photograph is a handwritten inscription, offering a thoughtful reflection:
“In after years, when this you see, I wonder what your name will be? Florence”
A review of the PHS 1922 Class yearbook found a similar photo of Florence wearing the same dress.
Elizabeth Alphonsa O’Brien – Portland High School, Class of 1922.
This portrait, also taken by Roger Paul Jordan of Portland, is mounted on the same distinctive studio card stock as other Class of 1922 photographs, including Florence Hamilton’s. “Odie” P.H.S. ‘22”
She wears a dark jacket or dress over a lighter blouse, and her expression reflects both confidence and warmth. The mounting and style suggest a formal graduation portrait, but the handwritten inscription adds a deeply personal touch as she shares her camaraderie in a handwritten inscription:
“To ‘Spooks’ – May your future years at basketball be as successful as the past. Best of luck to you Spooks, Captain of the ‘Swifts.’ Lovingly, ‘Odie’ P.H.S. ’22.”
This young woman is captured in Jordan’s signature soft-focus style, her face illuminated against a subdued backdrop. Through both the photograph and the message, we catch a glimpse of student life and athletics at Portland High School just over a century ago.
Alice Maude Sturdivant – Portland High School, Class of 1923.
This portrait of Alice Maude Sturdivant was taken by Adams Studio, 515a Congress Street, Portland, Maine, and is mounted on its original studio card. Alice, a member of the Portland High School Class of 1923, appears in a dark sweater worn over a light blouse with a wide collar tied at the neck. Her softly waved hair frames her face, and the studio’s careful lighting highlights her gentle smile.
Like many graduation photographs of the period, this one was not only a keepsake image but also a vehicle for personal inscriptions exchanged among classmates. Beneath the portrait, Alice penned a note to a friend:
“To the wonderful captain of the 1923 team.
You’re a peach even if you did cut me out. Will you ever forget the time that you told me that Mr. Lowe wanted to see me and the many 20 minutes in Miss Swain’s room.
Loads of love
‘Al’ Sturdivant”
The humorous and affectionate tone of the message highlights the camaraderie of the Class of 1923, giving us a glimpse into student life, athletics, and friendships that went well beyond the classroom.
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.”
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