Linwood Dyer Collection, Part 100
By Don Taylor
The Scarborough Historical Society’s photographic collections document the people, places, and events of our community. In this installment of Faces from the Past, I continue examining items from the “Hinkley Family Photographs – Margaret Kinney” photo album from the Linwood Dyer Collection.
Howard Hinkley Dana, circa 1938-1943.
Inscription: On the back, “Howard Dana”
Description: This is a formal studio portrait of a young man, likely in his mid-to-late twenties. He has neatly combed, light-colored hair swept back from his forehead, and wears wire-rimmed, round-lens glasses. The photograph is black-and-white with the soft, slightly warm sepia toning.
Research: From previous research, I learned that Howard Dana was born in Westbrook, Maine, in 1914, the son of Philip J and Florence (Hinkley) Dana.
- Howard Dana married Ann Clifford in 1939.
Dating the Photograph: Based on the photographic style, clothing, and eyeglass fashion, this portrait was most likely taken in the late 1930s to early 1940s. I estimate the young man is between 25 and 30 years old, dating the photo to roughly 1938–1943.
Eleanor Hinkley Kinney, circa 1928-1938
Inscription: Written on back of photo, “Eleanor Hinkley Kinney”
Description: This appears to be a woman in her late 50s to mid-60s. Her clothing suggests the 1920s or 1930s.
Research: In past research into the Hinkley Family, I have learned that Eleanor Tisdale Hinkley was born in 1871. She married Ernest Cogswell Kinney on 9 June 1909, and she died on 22 April 1943.
Dating the Photograph: A date of 1928 to 1938 for the photo would agree with her being from 56 to 66 years old.
Jordan-Dana Wedding — Portland Press Herald, September 10, 1939
This is a Society page clipping from the Portland Sunday Telegram and Sunday Press Herald, dated September 10, 1939. It features two photographs documenting the wedding of Frances Dana and Jack W. Jordan, which took place on Tuesday, September 5, 1939.
Headline: Scene Following Jordan-Dana Wedding And Bride’s Attendants
Transcription:
An informal photograph of the bride and her attendants at the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Jack W. Jordan (Frances Dana) which was solemnized Tuesday afternoon in the State Street Congregational Church.
At the left is the bride as she was cutting the cake at the reception which was held at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Dana, at Cape Elizabeth. Mr. Jordan is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Chester A. Jordan of Bowdoin Street.
In the group at the right, are, standing, left to right, the Misses Dorothy Payson, Anna Parkman, Margaret Gignoux, Katharine Jordan, Elizabeth Watkins of Short Hills, N.J., Mary Rines, and Theodosia Stark of Louisiana, Mo. Seated are, Miss Kate Hay (left), maid of honor, and Mrs. Howard Dana (Ann Clifford), matron of honor.
Wedding of Ann Clifford and Howard Dana – January 1939
Photographer: Jordan ‘39
Inscription: Wedding of Matilda Clifford[i] to Howard Dana
Description: This is a formal wedding party portrait, almost certainly taken at a private home given the elegant interior setting. It is a beautifully composed, large wedding party photograph typical of late 1930s New England society weddings.
Research:
- Howard Dana married Ann Clifford on 28 January 1939 at the State Street Congregational Church.
- Ann Clifford is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs Philip Greely Clifford of Carroll Street, Portland. She was born 21 March 1916, graduated from Waynflete School and from Smith College in 1937.
- Howard Hinkley Dana is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Philip Dana of Cape Elizabeth. He was born 26 January 1914 and graduated from Bowdoin College in 1936.
“Thanksgiving at the Hinkley Homestead” – 1927 Memoir of Marion Hinkley
This is a warm, vivid memoir written by Marion Hinkley in 1927, recalling annual Thanksgiving gatherings at the Gorham, Maine homestead of her grandparents, the Stephen Hinkleys. She describes the train journey from Portland, family traditions, pilgrimages, pillow fights, elaborate dinners, and parlor games spanning roughly 1868–1890.
There are many facts and anecdotal stories regarding the friends and family of the Hinkleys of Gorham, Maine, including:
- Stephen Hinkley [II], (1799-1867) – Grandfather
- [Eunice Welch] Prindle (1810-1895) – Grandmother
- Rufus Hinkley (1830-1900) (father of Marion)
- Mary Hinkley (1833-1903) – Aunt
- Sue Hinkley 1835-1911) – Aunt
- Stephen Hinkley, Jr. [III] (1838-1898) – Uncle
- Charles Hinkley (1843-1924) – Uncle
- John Hinkley (1848-1915) – Uncle
- Carrie Hinkley (1865-1872) – Cousin
- Maria Ethel Hinkley (c.1876-c.1876) – Cousin
- Susan King – Friend
- George Way Family – Friends
- “Rolfe girls” – Friends
Conclusion
These photographs and documents from the Hinkley Family album offer a rich portrait of interconnected Cape Elizabeth and Portland families across three generations. From Marion Hinkley’s 1868 Gorham Thanksgiving memories to the 1939 Dana-Clifford wedding, the collection illuminates the relationships, traditions, and social fabric of the Greater Portland Area community.
If the individuals or scenes shown here are familiar to you, I would be pleased to hear from you. My continuing goal is to reconnect these images and stories with the families and communities to whom they belong, ensuring they are preserved, understood, and shared for future generations.
Sources
- “Hinkley Family Photographs – Margaret Kinney,” Linwood Dyer Photo Collection, Scarborough Historical Society.
- Newspapers:
- Portland Press Herald 29 Jan 1939, page 30.
- Portland Press Herald 10 Sep 1939, Section B, Page 3.
- Ancestry.com family trees.
Disclaimer: This article was researched and written by the author. ChatGPT was used as a research and drafting aid, and Grammarly for editorial review and copyediting.
Endnotes:
[i] I am not certain why the back of this photo says “Matilda Clifford” and not Ann Clifford. Possibly it was written by mistake or possibly Matilda is a little-known middle name. In any event, I am quite certain this photo is of Ann and Howard’s marriage.
Discover more from Don Taylor Genealogy
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
