Category Archives: Genealogy Research

Faces from the Past – Allen, Blaine, Bragdon, & Varney

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Don Taylor

Explore four remarkable photos from the Scarborough Historical Society collection, featuring Eugene Allen (SHS Class of 1938), Caroline J. Blaine of Taunton, Massachusetts, John & Georgianna Bragdon with young Orville Varney, and a house in Portland, Maine. This post uncovers the stories behind the faces and connects them with family history records. Continue reading →

Posted in Photo Identification, Maine History, Scarborough Historical Society and Museum, Genealogy Research, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Case of Mistaken Identity? Mrs. Montran (or Montrose?) in Vicksburg, 1901.

Posted on August 11, 2025 by Don Taylor

Montran MondayBy Don Taylor As part of my ongoing Montran Monday series, I search historical newspapers for any mention of individuals bearing the Montran surname. Each brief reference is another clue in the larger puzzle of my maternal grandmother’s elusive … Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy Research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Joseph A. Holdsworth: A Tangle of Business, Bankruptcy, and Betrayal.

Posted on June 2, 2025 by Don Taylor

The story of great-grandma Ida’s third husband, Joseph A. Holdsworth, is a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century business and scandal. From managing a major paint company’s expansion to facing bank fraud charges and bankruptcy, Holdsworth’s tale is a lesson in ambition, deception, and downfall. Continue reading →

Posted in Newspaper Discoveries, Genealogy Research | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Preserving Legacies: Blackstone, Bourgoin, Johnston, Skillings, & Stevens

Posted on May 30, 2025 by Don Taylor

Linwood Dyer Collection (Part 069)By Don Taylor Continuing with the Linwood Dyer Photo Collection, two photos are from “High School Graduation Portraits.” I have a handful of other pictures from that group that require further work to identify, because the … Continue reading →

Posted in Maine History, Genealogy Research | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Donna Darling’s Surprise Appearance in Portland, Oregon – May 26, 1924.

Posted on May 26, 2025 by Don Taylor

An exciting discovery from The Oregonian (May 26, 1924)!
My grandmother, Madonna Montran—also known as Donna Darling—was a surprise addition to the vaudeville lineup that week, performing alongside her two male dance partners. Described as “a darling maid,” Donna’s act was full of lively steps and charming group songs. It’s always a thrill to uncover new stories from Donna’s 1910s-1920s showbiz days! Continue reading →

Posted in 1924 - Donna Darling & Earle, Genealogy Research, In the news, Vaudeville | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment