Faces from the Past – Bridges, Brown, Fielding, Harrison, Pedneault, and Four Jack Jr. HS Students

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Don Taylor

SHS Photo Collection – Part 002
By Don Taylor

The Scarborough Historical Society has an extensive collection of photos featuring various individuals. Today, I look at five photos from that collection.

Annie B Harrison, c. 1895-1898.

Photo of Annie Harrison, circa 1897
Annie B Harrison, c. 1895-1898

Photographer: Lamson, 5 Temple St., Portland, Me,
Inscription: Annie B Harrison, Machiasport, Me.
Description: The image depicts a young woman in her late teens or early twenties. The portrait is vignetted, which was used in the late 1880s and 1890s.
Research:

  • Lamson Photographic Studio operated at 5 Temple St from approximately 1892 to 1905.
  • Based on Lamson, photo type, and the woman’s clothing and hairstyle, estimate the date circa 1892 to 1898.
  • The 1900 US Census lists Annie Harrison, who was born in July 1876 in New Brunswick. She arrived in the US in 1895. She lived at 13 Pearl, about 4 blocks (0.3 miles) from Lamson Photography.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

William Fielding, SHS Class 1938

Photo of William "Billy" Fielding, Scarborough High School Class of 1938
William Fielding, SHS Class 1938

Photographer: Unidentified
Inscription: William Fielding ‘38
Description: An apparent high school graduation photo of a young man.
Research:

  • The Scarborough High School Yearbook, The Four Corners, shows the same photo of William James Fielding, Jr. “Billy” was born November 23, 1920

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Mable Evelyn Bridges – West Brooklin, Maine

Photo of Mable Evely Bridges, June 1919.
Mable Evelyn Bridges, June 1919.
(Image Enhanced by ChatGPT)

Photographer: Unidentified
Inscription: Mable Evelyn Bridges – West Brooklin, Maine, June 1919
Description: A woman with a flower bouquet, in a white dress, in her 20s.
Research:

  • Ancestry.com research revealed that Mabel was born on February 20, 1900, in Brooklyn, Hancock County, Maine.
  • She married Hermann Chatto in 1921
  • She died in Castine, Hancock County, Maine, on 5 Aug 1984.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Marie Louise Brown & Charles Pedneault, 1936

A man and a woman in their 60s standing outside.
Marie Louise Brown & Charles Pedneault, 1936
(Image enhanced by ChatGPT)

Photographer: Unidentified
Inscription: On back, “Taken 1936, Marie Louise Brown, Charles Pedneault.”
Description: Two people, probably in their 60s.
Research:

  • The Portland Evening Express, dated October 11, 1940, reported the death of Marie Louis Brown, the wife of Charles Pedneault, in Westbrook on October 9th. She was 71.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com and tagged it to both Marie & Charles.

Bertalan, Buckley, Handy, & Lerman, April 1957

“Hansel & Gretel” Jack Junior High

Photographer: Unidentified
Inscription: On back in several different hands– Jean Buckley, Elliot Lerman, Ilona Berthan [sic], John Handy – J Jr H.S., and stamped Express, APR 2, 1957.
Description: This photo shows four Jack Junior High students in the play “Hansel & Gretel.” They are identified as Jean Buckley, Elliott Lerman, Ilona Bertalan, and John Handy.  The photo was taken in 1957.

Four student in a play
Ilona Bertalan, Jean Buckley, John Handy, & Elliott Lerman in “Hansel & Gretel,” Jack Jr. High School, April 1957


Research:

  • Jean Buckley graduated from Portland High School in 1961.
  • Elliott A Lerman graduated from Deering High School in 1961.
  • Ilona Bertalan appears in the 1961 Portland High School yearbook and went on to the University of Maine at Portland, 1965.
  • John Handy graduated from Portland High School in 1961.

I present this photo here only.

Conclusion

I would 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. Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the pictures with family members who may have never seen the image.

Posted in Maine History, Maine High Schools, Genealogy Research, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Letter from the Past – Florence Darling to Bertha Huber, 1934

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Don Taylor

Introduction

Family letters often provide insights that census records and vital statistics cannot capture. They reveal the daily rhythms of life—health struggles, household chores, and the bonds of family and friendship. This letter, written by Florence Darling to Bertha Huber on September 3, 1934, offers such a glimpse into family concerns during the 1930s. A separate note that accompanied the letter mentions that Florence died the following month (October 5, 1934) in Pittsburgh. Florence was 27 years old.

 ——-

Letter Transcription

Sept. 3, 1934
423 Charles St,
Pitts(10) Pa.

Image of Florence Darling Letter - page 1

Dear mother:

Received your letter with the $2.00. Thanks loads. I am going to buy Shirley’s winter stockings and two pairs of underwear. I’m not buying any more toys because Christmas isn’t far away & Betty usually buys toys for Christmas. Anyway she has plenty to keep her going.

I’ve had two [decaying] teeth pulled in two weeks. My face looked like a football – nice. They are getting on O.K. now. It effected my heart pretty bad,

Image of Florence Darling Letter - page 1b

which reminds me Mrs. Walsh was telling me she is subject to gravel in the kidneys and keeps them dissolved with olive oil – have you ever tried it. She says a tablespoon 3 times a day.

It sounds great to hear you are getting electric it will reduce your labor loads. I’m so glad you are getting a washer. I think of you every wash day and the way you have to rub clothes. I just wouldn’t like any clean clothes if I had to do it. I pay only $3.00 per month on mine which I figure no one would do four washings for.

Image of Florence Darling Letter - page 2

I’ve just told Shirley she can print something for you – she thinks it’s great fun.

I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU GRANDMA
Shirley

Can you read it? Not so bad for a four year old do you think? I spend quite a lot of time teaching her but I get a kick out of such a little mite doing such things. She also reads small words. Very much interested in the funny papers.

Image of Florence Darling Letter - page 2b

Did I tell you Gerry expects a baby soon. She was four months when she married you know – A shotgun wedding. She married a nice fellow. He’s a chef [unreadable].

Well she’s been real nice to me since I’ve been married.

It’s rather cool tonite. I dread winter. I wish I could go south. I need a winter coat. I’m trying to figure out how to get [unreadable]. I could make quite cheap.

Uncle Harold is home again out of work of course things are always more slack during the summer I think. It’s been rather slack

Image of Florence Darling Letter - page 3

too for about 6 weeks but with cool weather coming again it will O.K. I think. Next spring we are going to try & get a place in the country.

Well do write soon & let me know how you like electricity.

With love,
F.

What the letter and note tell us:

  • Three generations of family identified:
    • Bertha Huber – Matriarch – getting electricity and a washing machine.
    • Florence Darling – 27-year-old daughter & author of the letter.
    • Shirley [Darling] – Four-year-old daughter of Florence
  • Uncle Harold – Out of work – [Must be Florence’s husband’s uncle Harold Lane.]
  • Mrs. Walsh – Unknown. [Probably a friend.]
  • Gerry – Unknown – pregnant, married to a chef. [Probably a friend.]

Locations

  • Florence lived at 423 Charles Street, Pittsburgh, PA in September 1934.
Posted in Darling-Huber, Letters from the Past | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

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

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Don Taylor

SHS Photo Collection – Part 001
By Don Taylor

The Scarborough Historical Society has an extensive collection of photos featuring various individuals. Today, I look at four pictures from that collection.

Eugene Allen – SHS Class 1938

Graduation Photo of Eugene Allen, SHS Class of 1938.
Eugene Allen, 1938

Photographer: None
Inscription: Eugene Allen, SHS Class 1938.
Description: High school graduation photo of Eugene Allen
Research:

  • The 1938 Four Corners yearbook confirms Eugene Woodbury Allen “Gene” was born on October 30, 1920.
  • Ancestry Trees suggest Eugene died on May 25, 2003, in Hesperia, San Bernardino County, California.

I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Carrie Blaine

Photo of Caroline "Carrie" Blaine, September 1899.
Caroline “Carrie” Blaine, 1899

Photographer: Choicenter, 62 Main St., Tauton, Mass.
Inscription: Don’t forget Monday Morning – September 11, 1899, Carrie Blaine.
Description: A middle-aged woman dressed in style common to the late 1890s.
Research:

  • The 1880 US Census lists Caroline B Blain, the 24-year-old daughter of Jeanette H Blain, a widow.
  • The 1892 Boston City Directory lists Carrie Blaine living at 16 Longmeadow. Also living at 16 Longmeadow is Mrs. Jeannette H Blaine. At 18 Longmeadow is James W. Blaine, a roofer.
  • The 1900 US Census lists Carrie J.B. Blaine, a nurse living at 46 Pleasant in Taunton, Bristol County, Mass. She was single, age 42, born in March 1858 in Scotland. She immigrated to the US in 1861.
  • The 1914 Taunton, MA City Directory lists Carrie Blaine boarding at 68 Dean.
  • The 1930 US Census lists Carrie Blaine, living with her sister Jessie H Blaine, at 178 Westminister Ave, Arlington, Middlesex, Mass. She was 75 years old, Scotland born, and immigrated in 1860.
  • The Boston Globe, October 20, 1949, reported that Caroline J Blaine, 97, a retired nurse, died on October 16th.

I am quite sure this photo is of Caroline J Blaine, taken in 1899. I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

Mr. & Mrs. John Bragdon & Orville Varney

Photo of John & Georgianna Bragdon & Orville Varney, circa 1900
John & Georgianna Bragdon & Orville Varney (c. 1900) (ChatGPT Enhanced)

Photographer: None.
Inscription: Mr. & Mrs. John Bragdon & Orville Varney.
Description: The man and his wife appear to be in their 50s to early 60s. The child appears to be 3 to 5 years of age. The clothing, furniture, & wallpaper suggest the photo was likely taken circa 1890-1905.
Research:

  • Ancestry Trees identify Orvilla Linwood Varney, born 24 May 1895 in Scarborough, Maine.
  • The 1900 Census list 51-year-old John Bragdon and his wife Georgianna living in Scarborough, Maine. John’s Daughter-in-law, Mamie E Trip lives with them. The next family on the page is Albert & Annie Varney, with their 5-year-old son, Orville L (born May 1895).
  • Ancestry trees suggest the Bragdons and the Varneys are not related.

I am quite certain that this photo shows John and Georgianna Bragdon, along with the neighbor’s child, Orville Varney, about 1900. I added this photo to SHS Photos – 2025 on Ancestry.com.

House at High & Spring, Portland, ME, 1899 (Louise Armstrong in foreground

Photo of Louise Armstrong, 1899, and house at the SW corner of High & Spring, Portland, Maine.
House at corner of High & Spring St., Portland, ME

Photographer: None.
Inscription: Aug 16, 1899, SW cor High & Spring, Louise Armstrong.
Description: A young woman walking with a house in the background.
Research:

  • The 1900 US Census lists 19-year-old Louise Armstrong living with her parents Walter & Charlotte Armstrong at 78 High Street, Portland, Maine. The house at the SW corner of High & Spring Street would have been about a block away from where she lived.

Since Louise’s face is not visible in this photo, I will only post it here.

Conclusion

I would 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. Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the pictures with family members who may have never seen the image.

 Sources

Disclaimer
This post was aided by the use of ChatGPT and edited with Grammarly.

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

Donna Darling at the Palace Theater – Superior, WI (April 1924)

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Don Taylor

by Don Taylor

In the rich tapestry of early 20th-century entertainment, vaudeville performers like my grandmother, Madonna Montran (also known as Donna Darling), carved out vibrant careers that often went unrecorded beyond local newspaper archives. Recently, I discovered a fascinating glimpse into her professional life through Evening Telegram clippings that document her performances at the Palace in Superior, WI.

In the News

Newspaper photo of Donna Darling and Boys
The Superior Wisconsin Evening Telegram, April 29, 1924, Page 7.
(Image enhanced by ChatGPT )

The accompanying news clipping is a review of Donna Darling’s show Song and Dance Romance. It praises Donna and her two male partners for their lively performance, highlighting her warm personality, singing, and the dancing of all three. The reviewer notes that whether the audience is captivated by Donna’s charm, her voice, or her energetic dancing, the result is the same—people enjoy it from start to finish and regret its end. The piece also mentions that Donna wears attractive costumes and that the show features elaborate and appealing stage settings.

Performance Details

  • Venue: Palace, Superior, Wisconsin
  • Dates: April 28 – May 1, 1924
  • Act: “Donna Darling & Co., In a Song and Dance Romance”
  • Other Acts:
    • Bill, Vic and Dell “Fun and Music”
      • Jean & Jack “Songs, Smiles, Syncopation
    • Paul Mix “An Unusuality”

This archival discovery adds another rich detail to understanding the dynamic world of 1920s vaudeville performance, showcasing the creativity and artistry of traveling entertainment troupes during a transformative period in American show business.

Research credit: Newspapers.com

Posted in Song & Dance Romance, Donna Darling & Co., In the news, Vaudeville | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Faces from the Past – Bloomer, Brown, Curtis, Fearns, Monroe, & Rhonehart

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Don Taylor

The Linwood Dyer Collection, Part 085
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.”

Annie Monroe, c. 1910s

These two photographs show an older woman standing in front of a white, two-story house with shuttered windows and a picket fence. She is dressed in a light-colored, long-sleeved blouse and an ankle-length skirt, typical of early 20th-century fashions (likely between the 1910s and 1920s).

The matte finish and candid style indicate an amateur snapshot rather than a formal studio portrait. Such casual family photographs became increasingly common when Kodak and similar companies marketed cameras for household use during the 1910s and 1920s.

Previous research in the Linwood Dyer Collection identified this woman as Annie (Fearns) Monroe (1858–1947), widow of George H. Monroe. George died before 1910.

Mollie Bloomer, C. H. Brown, Kate Curtis, Ada Fearns, Annie Monroe, & Miss Rhonehart.

Both photos are dated October 1, 1922.

The first photo is identified as: Ada Fearns, Kate Curtis, Mollie Bloomer, Annie Monroe, C. H. Brown.

Ada Fearns, Kate Curtis, Mollie Bloomer, Annie Monroe, C H Brown – Oct 1st 1922 (improved using ChatGPT)

Mollie Bloomer

Photo of 61 Upland Ave, Portland, Maine, circa 1910s.
61 Upland Ave, Portland, Maine, circa 1910s

The 1910 U.S. Census lists William H. and Mollie Bloomer living on Upland Avenue, Portland, Cumberland County, Maine. Mollie was age 30 at the time.

Among the associated photos is a house marked 61 Upland Ave. on the reverse. This strengthens the identification of Mollie Bloomer in the group photographs. Based on her age and appearance, she is likely the woman in white with the broad smile.

C. H. Brown

The 1920 U.S. Census lists Clarence B. Brown, age 60, boarding with Annie J. Monroe and her brother John A. Fearns at 75 Elm Street.

The writing on the back of the photo identifies a “C. H. Brown,” but this is likely a mis-entry and should be “C. B. Brown.” He is the only man in both group photographs.

Kate R. Curtis

The 1920 U.S. Census records Kate R. Curtis, a 41-year-old widow, living at 49 Alba Street, Portland, with her 15-year-old daughter, Cordelia M. Curtis.

The 1923 Portland City Directory notes that Kate R. Curtis, widow of Albert, had moved to Boston. In the photographs, she is likely the woman wearing a dark stole and broad-brimmed hat.

Ada Fearns

John A. Fearns married Ada J. Maxwell on 22 May 1883 in Boston, Massachusetts, when both were 22 years old.

John and Ada Fearns appear together in the 1932 Portland City Directory at 75 Elm Street. Ada is identified in the photographs as one of the women present, likely holding a purse.

Annie Monroe

The 1920 U.S. Census lists Annie J. Monroe, age 62, living with her brother John A. Fearns at 75 Elm Street. In the photographs, she appears with glasses perched on her hat.

Miss Rhonehart

The photos list a “Miss Rhonehart,” but research has not confirmed her identity. No individuals with the surname “Rhonehart” or “Rhinehart” appear in Portland records during this era. She may have been a visitor or relative from away. She is possibly the taller woman in white.

Photo of five people, 1922, Portland, ME
C.H. Brown, Annie Monroe, Mollie Bloomer, Miss Rhonehart, & Kate Curtis – Oct 1st, 1922 (Image improved using ChatGPT)

Ages in 1922 (approximate)

  • Mollie Bloomer – 42 (probably in white, smiling broadly)
  • C. B. Brown – 62 (only man present)
  • Kate R. Curtis – 43 (likely in dark stole and hat)
  • Ada Fearns – 61 (likely holding purse)
  • Annie Monroe – 64 (glasses on hat)
  • Miss Rhonehart – unknown (possibly taller woman in white)

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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