Frank H. Raidt was born on August 25, 1851, in Watertown, Dodge County, Wisconsin. He was the fourth of twelve children by Thomas Raidt and Magdelena Wenker, both of whom were foreign-born.
By 1860, Frank was living with his family in Watertown, Jefferson County, Wisconsin, where he attended school. He remained in Watertown at least through 1870, and by the 1880 Census, he was married with a child and was recorded living on Cabbage Street in Watertown, working as a carpenter.
Around 1882, Frank moved to Minnesota, arriving there approximately thirteen years before the 1895 Minnesota State Census. Between 1884 and 1888, he worked as a carpenter in Minneapolis, Hennepin County.
Frank then built a long career as a building contractor in Minneapolis, an occupation he held from at least 1890 through 1930. Over the years, he resided at various addresses in Minneapolis, including:
1116 S. 7th(1883)
1505 S. 25th (1884)
2424 9th Ave. S. (1888)
1909 15th Ave. S. (1890)
613 12th Ave.S. (1893)
1621 11th Ave. South (1895)
1949 Oliver Ave. North (1898-1900), where he owned his home.
1623 Dupont Ave. North (1905–1920), owning his home free of mortgage.
808 West 53rd Street (1926–1931), where his final home was valued at $10,000 in the 1930 Census. This home was built in 1922.[i]
Frank married Catherine Frances “Kate/Katie” Justin between 1875 and 1879. Together, they had at least six children:
Arthur Raidt (1880-1885)
Sarina Frances “Rena” Raidt (1884-1933)
Stella Catherine Raidt (1887-1962)
Lucy Helen Raidt (1889-1971)
Burns Beno Raidt (1891-1892)
Gilbert Frank Raidt (1894-1974)
Frank passed away at home at 808 West 53rd Street, Minneapolis, on November 9, 1931, at the age of 80. His funeral service was held at the Church of Annunciation, and he was buried at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Minneapolis on November 11, 1931.
For sources and more information about Frank H Raidt’s (1851-1931) life, please see:
This week, I looked at my final three Adams Studio photos from the Linwood Dyer Collection. I also return to look at two more modern pictures of South Portland students. Thanks to the wonderful folks at the South Portland Historical Society, identification was possible.
Graduates Featured:
Vaughan Clifford, Deering HS, Class of 1917.
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (4¼ x 2¾”)
Studio: Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Imprint: Deering High School – ’17 (on the cover).
Inscription: “Vaughan Clifford, “Lest You Forget.”
Research Notes:
The (Portland) Evening Express identifies S. Vaughan Clifford as a presenter at the senior class banquet.[I]
The Portland Sunday Telegram, Jan 24, 1917, Page 29, shows a thumbnail of this same photo of Vaughan Clifford.[ii]
Family Search has profile L7Q3-9WC for Steward Vaughn Clifford (1899-1981); I posted this photo to his profile.
Butler Mathews Eames, PHS Class of 1917.
Photo Type: (4” x 6”)
Studio: The photo holder is from Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME.
The (Portland) Evening Press, dated June 21, 1917, page 6, lists the graduates of Portland High School, including Butler Matthews Eames.[iii]
FamilySearch has profile LQTH-JDF for Butler Mathews Eames (1898-1896); I posted this photo to his profile.
John Milford? John Wilford? 1918.
Photo Type: (4” x 6”) Graduation Photo
Studio: The photo holder is from Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME.
Imprint: None.
Inscription: From John Lin Milford, Baron Friday Sysner – Peter – Patrick – Peter Pins Alliaceous Eames V.B.D. ’18.
Research Notes:
The (Portland) Evening Press, dated June 24, 1918, page 6, does not include any person named John with a surname ending in “ford.”The Portland Evening Express, dated Jun 25, 1918, Page, does not include any person named John with a surname ending in “ford.”
I was unsuccessful in finding anyone named John Milford or John Wilford.
I’m not confident about my transcription of the From line, the school, or the meaning of the inscription. As such, I only posted this photo here. If you have any information that can help identify this person, I’d love to hear from you.
Patricia O’Reilly, South Portland HS, Class of 1955.
Photo Type: (3¾ x 5¾”) Graduation Photo
Studio: The photo holder is from Jackson-White, Portland, ME.
Cover: SPHS is printed in the bottom right corner. Inside Tag: Class of 1955.
Inscription: To Miss Jackson and Mrs. Nissen, To two of the greatest people I have ever known. Your help in any matters as been greatly appreciated. It doesn’t seem possible that it is almost time for graduation, and that I have been with you since the subprimary. The enjoyment that I have gotten from dancing out and all the wonderful friends I have made at Three Arts will never be forgotteon. Best of luck to you both, as you really deserve the best. Patty
Research Notes:
I didn’t have access to a South Portland High School yearbook. As such, I asked the staff at the South Portland Historical Society if they could review their materials and make an identification. They indicated it was Patricia O’Reilly.
The Portland Evening Express, dated Oct. 8, 1958, page 19, indicates that Miss Patricia Ann O’Reilly, daughter of Eugene Vincent O’Reilly, of Angell Ave., South Portland, had a kitchen shower. She will marry Marvin A Clifford, son of Mr. & Mrs. Guy I. Clifford of Beverly Terrace, Cape Elizabeth.
The Portland Press Herald, dated 30 March 1958, reported Mr. & Mrs. John V. O’Reilly of Angell Ave., announcing the marriage of Patricia to Marvin Arnold Clifford.
The 1956 Portland City Directory lists John V. (& Florence) O’Reilly living at 88 Angell Ave., South Portland. Patricia A O’Reilly, a clerk, is also residing at that address.
I am confident this graduation photo is of Patricia Ann O’Reilly of South Portland.
Linda Louise Allen, South Portland HS, Class of 1967.
Photo Type: (3¾ x 5¾”) Graduation Photo
Studio: The photo holder is from Jackson-White, Portland, ME.
Cover: South Portland High Schoolis printed on the bottom right corner.
Inside Tag: Class 67.
Inscription: Mrs. Nissen, I could never forget all the help you’ve given me through the years. The Experience in all the speaking engagements has been invaluable. Speech and dramatics lessons have been the greatest contribution to my life. I can’t thank you enough for the excellence of your instruction. You certainly have patience to put up with the three of the Allen Family! You’re a wonderful person to know. Fondest wishes always. Love, Linda.
Research Notes:
I didn’t have access to a South Portland High School yearbook. As such, I asked the staff at the South Portland Historical Society if they could review their materials and make an identification. They indicated it was Linda Louise Allen.
The 1966 South Portland High School Yearbook shows the officers of the French Club. The photo there, identified as Linda Allen, appears to be of the same young woman,
I am confident this 1967 photo is of Linda Louise Allen of South Portland.
Conclusion
This project is about more than photographs—it’s about restoring connections across generations. These portraits capture moments of pride and promise, and for many families, they may be the only formal photo of a loved one at that pivotal time.
If you recognize someone in these images or they are part of your family history, I welcome your contact. I’d be happy to share the personal inscriptions found inside the folders—words written by the people themselves more than 60 years ago.
These portraits are available for personal genealogical use. Please credit – Photo courtesy Scarborough Historical Society, Scarborough, Maine.
Endnotes
[i] Evening Express (Portland, Maine) · Jun 19, 1917 · Page 4 – “D. H. S. SENIORS TO HOLD THEIR BANQUET TOMORROW EVE’G.” [ii] Portland Evening Telegram – Jun 24, 1917, Page 29 – “Students Deering High School Graduating.” [iii] Evening Express (Portland, Maine) – June 21, 1917, Page 6, AMERICA THEME P. H. S. EXERCISES – Class Graduated Is Second Largest In History.
Two of the photos, from this group are 7” x 3” and bear an imprint reading “Portland High School – ’18.” The other three are a 4½” x 3” and bear an imprint reading “Portland High School – ’19” on the cover. A all taken at Adams Studio located at 515A Congress Street in Portland. Most feature handwritten notes identifying the individual.
The Portland Sunday Telegram, dated 22 June, 1919, has thumbnail photos and the name of the 243 graduates from the first class to graduate from the new Portland High School.[i]
Graduates Featured:
Florence Neal Trott, PHS Class of 1918.
Florence Trott
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (3” x 7”)
Studio: Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Imprint: Portland High School – ’18.
Inscription: “Yours in 1918, Florence N Trott.”
Research Notes:
The Evening Express’s list of 1918 graduates includes Florence Neal Trott.[ii]
FamilySearch has profile L5ZM-5TQ for Florence Neal Trott, (1902-1991)
I posted this photo to her FamilySearch profile.
Mary Elizabeth Cook, PHS Class of 1919.
Photo Type: (4.5” x 3”)
Studio: The photo holder is from Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME.
Inscription: “The actress of P.H.S. In memories of many hours to gather in Room 111, Mary Cook ’19.”
Research Notes:
Mary E. Cook appears in the second row of photos in the list of graduates in the Portland Sunday Telegram. That photo is at a different angle (face on rather than profile), but the girl in the photo appears to be wearing similar clothing.
There is only one Mary Cook in that graduating class.
FamilySearch has profile GS7V-JPV for Mary Elizabeth Cook (1901-?), the daughter of Harry C and Nellie Woodbury (Hodgdon) Cook.
Studio: The photo holder is from Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME.
Inscription: “To the girl I always argue with, Eli C. Livingston”
Research Notes:
The (Portland) Evening Press, dated June 23, 1919, page 1[iii] includes an article “BOOM PORTLAND THE KEYNOTE OF P.H.S. PROGRAM – Graduation Feature is Presentation of Memorial Picture,” mentions the seniors of the class of 1919 who were awarded Brown medals. Among the 10 recipients was Eli Charles Livingston. He is mentioned again on page 12.
Family Search suggests that Eli C Livingston was born on 23 July 1901 to Samuel and Etta Livingston.
FamilySearch’s Family tree seems to be containing an error wherein his name there is Eli Silas Livingston, but several sources indicate his name as Eli Charles Livingston as well as Eli Silas Livingston.
Because of that, I decided to post this photo to Dead Fred rather than FamilySearch.
Ruth W Tucker, PHS Class of 1919.
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (4.5” x 3”)
Studio: The photo holder is from Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME.
Imprint: Portland High School – ’19.
Inscription: “To the girl who calls me a ‘modern sensationalist’ Sadie, Dear what are you.” Ruth
Research Notes:
Page 16 of the Sunday Portland Sun Telegram.[iv] identifies four Ruths in the class:
Ruth E Maw – 4th row, last person. Does not appear to be the same girl and is wearing different clothes.
Ruth M. Cook – 5th next to last person. Does not appear to be the same girl and is wearing different clothes.
Ruth Haley – 7th row, 1st person, Does not appear to be the same girl and is wearing different clothes.
Ruth M. Brandon – 7th row, 3rd from right. Does not appear to be the same girl and is wearing different clothes.
Page 17 of the Sunday Portland Sun Telegram.[v] identifies four more Ruths in the class:
Ruth Boynton – 2nd Row, 6th from left. . Does not appear to be the same girl and is wearing different clothes.
Ruth Allen – 2nd row, 8th from left. Does not appear to be the same girl and is wearing different clothes.
Ruth W Tucker, 5th row, 5th from left. Appears to be the same person and is wearing the same style of clothes.
Ruth Wilson, 6th row, 3rd from left. Does not appear to be the same girl and is wearing different clothes.
I believe this is very likely Ruth Whitmore Tucker, born on 6 Feb 1902 in Portland, Maine, to Frank Newton and Ellen L (Whitmore) Tucker. I am reasonably confident because the hair style, facial structure, eyebrows, eyes, and mouth are consistent. However, I am not 100% confident. As such, I will posted her photo to DeadFred and will ask several Ancestry members who have Ruth in their family tree if they have a higher quality photo of Ruth for comparison.
“K” – PHS Class of 1918.
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (3” x 7”)
Studio: Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Imprint: Portland High School – ’18.
Inscription: “To my friendly scrapper – ‘K.’”
There is insufficient information to have an opinion regarding the identification of the person in this photo.
Conclusion
This project is about more than photographs—it’s about restoring connections across generations. These portraits capture moments of pride and promise, and for many families, they may be the only formal photo of a loved one at that pivotal time.
If you recognize someone in these images or they are part of your family history, I welcome your contact. I’d be happy to share the personal inscriptions found inside the folders—words written by the people themselves more than 60 years ago.
These portraits are available for personal genealogical use. Please credit – Photo courtesy Scarborough Historical Society, Scarborough, Maine.
ENDNOTES
[i] Portland Sunday Telegram (Portland, Maine) – Sun, Jun 22, 1919, pages 16 & 17 – “First Class to Graduate from the New Portland High School | Sends Out Two Hundred Forty-Three Young Men and Women.”
[ii] Evening Express (Portland, Maine) · Mon, Jun 24, 1918 · Page 1, continued on page 6 – “Record Class Last to Graduate from Old P. H. S. Building.”
[iii] Portland Evening Express & Daily Advertiser, (Portland, ME), Page 1, “BOOM PORTLAND THE KEYNOTE OF P.H.S. PROGRAM – Graduation Feature is Presentation of Memorial Picture.”
[iv] Portland Sunday Telegram (Portland, Maine) – Sun, Jun 22, 1919, pages 16 & 17 – “First Class to Graduate from the New Portland High School | Sends Out Two Hundred Forty-Three Young Men and Women.”
[v] Portland Sunday Telegram (Portland, Maine) – Sun, Jun 22, 1919, pages 16 & 17 – “First Class to Graduate from the New Portland High School | Sends Out Two Hundred Forty-Three Young Men and Women.”
This set of photos, from the Linwood Dyer Photo Collection, contains 18 photographs, all taken at Adams Studio located at 515A Congress Street in Portland. Today, I’ll look at five of them more closely. The pictures bear an imprint reading “Portland High School – ’18.” Most feature handwritten notes identifying the individual, and many confirm 1918 as the graduation year.
I initially searched for 1918 yearbooks but was unsuccessful in locating copies. However, The Portland Evening Express, dated June 24, 1918, lists the names of all 230 seniors who received diplomas from Portland High School that year. With this comprehensive graduation list, I can positively identify most of the students.
Graduates Featured:
Lloyd Graham Hay, PHS Class of 1918.
Lloyd Graham Hay
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (3” x 7”)
Studio: Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Imprint: Portland High School – ’18.
Inscription: “‘Yours in the happy days of Room L.” Lloyd.
Research Note: Only one person with the first name of Lloyd received a diploma from PHS in 1918. That was Lloyd Graham Hay.[i]
I posted this photo to his FamilySearch profile, LBDV-7SD.
John Angus McKay, PHS Class of 1918.
John Angus McKay
Photo Type: (3.5” x 4.5”)
Studio: None, but in a photo holder from Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME.
Inscription: “Sincerely, Angus McKay, ’18.”
Research Note: This full-length photo was folded on both sides to create a 2.5” x 4.5” image. I confirmed that John Angus McKay graduated from Portland High School in June 1918.[ii]
The 1920 Census lists a 19-year-old Angus McKay living with his aunt and uncle, Sarah B. & Harry B. Mills. Angus was born in New York, and his parents were born in New York.[iii]
Pennsylvania Birth records list a John Angus McKay, born on February 12, 1900, in Scranton, PA, to Robert H and Anna (Holden) McKay.[iv]
Robert H McKay, who married Anna E Holden, had a sister, Sarah McKay, who married Harry Boyd Mills in 1913.
I am sure this is John Angus McKay, son of Robert H and Anna (Holden) McKay.
Lawrence Freeman Merrill, PHS Class of 1918.
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (3” x 7”)
Studio: Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Imprint: Portland High School – ’18.
Inscription:” ‘To Sadie, Remembrance ’18, L, F. Merrill.”
Research Note: I confirmed Lawrence Freeman Merrill received a diploma from PHS in 1918.[v]
Ella Stacey Rowe, PHS Class of 1918.
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (3” x 7”)
Studio: Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Imprint: Portland High School – ’18.
Inscription: “‘I thought, I thought, I thought in vain, at last I thought I would write my name.’ Ella S Rowe.”
Research Note: I confirmed Ella Stacey Rowe received a diploma from PHS in 1918.[vi]
“Little Eva,” PHS Class of 1918.
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (3” x 7”)
Studio: Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Imprint: Portland High School – ’18.
Inscription:” ‘That’s what cousin Harry says.’ Little Eva, Class Play ’18.”
Research Note: I was unable to find anyone named Eva in the list of Portland High School graduates from June 1918.[vii]
Conclusion
This project is about more than photographs—it’s about restoring connections across generations. These portraits capture moments of pride and promise, and for many families, they may be the only formal photo of a loved one at that pivotal time.
If you recognize someone in these images or they are part of your family history, I welcome your contact. I’d be happy to share the personal inscriptions found inside the folders—words written by the people themselves more than 60 years ago.
These portraits are available for personal genealogical use. Please credit – Photo courtesy Scarborough Historical Society, Scarborough, Maine.
ENDNOTES
[i] Evening Express (Portland, Maine) · Mon, Jun 24, 1918 · Page 1, continued on page 6 – “Record Class Last to Graduate from Old P. H. S. Building.” [ii] Ibid. [iii]1920 US Census; Census Place: Portland Ward 7, Cumberland, Maine; Roll: T625_640; Page: 5B; Enumeration District: 50 [iv] “Pennsylvania, Births and Christenings, 1709-1950,” FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HH2B-D3PZ : 15 February 2020), John Angus McKay, 1900. [v] Evening Express (Portland, Maine) · Mon, Jun 24, 1918 · Page 1, continued on page 6 – “Record Class Last to Graduate from Old P. H. S. Building.” [vi] Ibid. [vii] Ibid.
This set of photos, from the Linwood Dyer Photo Collection, contains 18 photographs, all taken at Adams Studio located at 515A Congress Street in Portland. The pictures bear an imprint reading “Portland High School – ’18.” Most feature handwritten notes identifying the individual, and many confirm 1918 as the graduation year.
I initially searched for 1918 yearbooks but was unsuccessful in locating copies. However, The Portland Evening Express, dated June 24, 1918, lists the names of all 230 seniors who received diplomas from Portland High School that year. With this comprehensive graduation list, I can positively identify most of the students.
Graduates Featured:
Florence Gertrude Barteau, PHS Class of 1918.
Irene Isabel Bailey, 1918
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (3″ x 7″)
Studio: Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Class: Portland High School – ’18.
Inscription: “Yours in Room S, Florence Barteau”
Research Note: I confirmed Florence Gertrude Barteau is listed as a 1918 graduate.[i]
Gladys Louise Corthell, PHS Class of 1918.
Gladys Louise Corthell, 1918
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (3″ x 7″)
Studio: Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Class: Portland High School – ’18.
Inscription: “‘Are not school days after all the dear old days, Gladys Corthell.”
Research Note: I confirmed Gladys Louise Corthell received a diploma from PHS in 1918.[ii]
Irene Isabel Bailey, PHS Class of 1918.
Photo of Irene Isabel Bailey, 1918
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (3″ x 7″) Studio: Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Class: Portland High School – ’18.
Inscription: “‘What have I done! Irene Bailey, PHS ’18.”
Research Note: I confirmed Irene Isabel Bailey l received a diploma from PHS in 1918.[iii]
Olevia Josephine Browning, PHS Class of 1918.
Olevia Josephine Browning, 1918
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (3″ x 7″)
Studio: Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Class: Portland High School – ’18.
Inscription: “Yours in the class of ’18, Olivia J Browning.
Research Note: I confirmed Olevia Josephine Browning received a diploma from PHS in 1918.[v]
“Bobbykins” (Possibly Robert Landers), PHS Class of 1918.
“Bobbykins” 1918
Photo Type: Graduation portrait (3″ x 7″)
Studio: Adams Studio, 515 A Congress Street, Portland, ME
Class: Portland High School – ’18.
Inscription: “Dear Lady, I assure you I am in ecstasy, Bobbykins.
Research Note: I assume “Bobbykins” is a diminutive form of Robert. The graduation list includes two Roberts in the PHS Class of 1918[vi]. They were:
Carl Robert Turner
Robert Edmund Landers
I suspect this is probably Robert Landers; however, I am not certain. If you have photos of either, I would love to compare them.
Conclusion
This project is about more than photographs—it’s about restoring connections across generations. These portraits capture moments of pride and promise, and for many families, they may be the only formal photo of a loved one at that pivotal time.
If you recognize someone in these images or they are part of your family history, I welcome your contact and confirmation of the identification. I’d be happy to share the personal inscriptions found inside the folders—words written by the people themselves more than 100 years ago.
These portraits are available for personal genealogical use. Please credit – Photo courtesy Scarborough Historical Society, Scarborough, Maine.
ENDNOTES
[i] Evening Express (Portland, Maine) · Mon, Jun 24, 1918 · Page 1, continued on page 6 – “Record Class Last to Graduate from Old P. H. S. Building.” [ii] Ibid. [iii] Ibid. [iv] Ibid. [v] Ibid. [vi] Ibid.
