Linwood Dyer Collection, Part 096
By Don Taylor
Introduction
The Scarborough Historical Society maintains several important photographic collections documenting people, places, and events central to the community’s history. Among these is the Linwood Dyer Collection, which continues to yield valuable genealogical and historical insights.
In this installment of Faces from the Past, I examine five additional photographs from the Dyer Photo Album, combining photographic analysis with documentary research to identify individuals and place them within their historical context.
Clifford W. Dyer (1851–1888)
Circa 1880–1888
Photo Type: Cabinet card studio portrait
Photographer: J. H. Lamson (reverse of card blank)
Format: Three-quarter length standing portrait
Inscription: Separate slip reading “Clifford W Dyer”
Description
A formal studio portrait of a young man, approximately 30 to 35 years old, posed in a composed stance typical of late 19th-century cabinet photography.
Research & Identification
- J. H. Lamson opened his Portland studio in 1871 and operated until 1910.
- The 1880 U.S. Census enumerates Clifford in Portland within the household of his father, Seth C. Dyer.
- Clifford married Florence May Perry on 4 October 1882; their son, Brainard Dyer, was born in 1883.
- The 1888 Portland City Directory lists him as “Dyer, Clifford W., (Sawyer & Dyer).”
Analysis
The subject’s apparent age, combined with Lamson’s period of operation and Clifford’s documented lifespan (1851–1888), strongly supports identification as Clifford W. Dyer.
Conclusion
This portrait represents Clifford in his prime—an established businessman, newly married, and active within Portland’s late 19th-century community.
Elwyn Rice Dyer (1873–1950)
Circa 1892–1898
Photographer: A. C. Lewis
Studio: 518 Congress Street, Portland, Maine
Inscription: “Elwyn Dyer, son of Charlie Dyer”
Description
A young man in a well-tailored suit with waistcoat and tie, appearing approximately 18 to 25 years old.
Research & Identification
- Elwyn Rice Dyer (1873–1950), son of Charles G. Dyer and Frances E. (Rice), is a strong match.
- The 1897 Portland City Directory lists Elwyn as a clerk boarding with his father in South Portland.
- He married Clymenia W. Butman in 1908.
Dating the Photograph
- A. C. Lewis operated at this address from 1892 to 1908.
- Elwyn would have been 18–25 between 1891 and 1898.
Conclusion
The convergence of inscription, age, and directory evidence supports identifying this portrait as Elwyn Rice Dyer, photographed in the mid-1890s.
Florence (Perry) Dyer (1857– )
Circa 1887–1889
Photographer: Anderson
Location: Haverhill, Massachusetts
Inscription: “Florence Perry, wife of Clifford Dyer”
Description
A formal studio portrait of a woman with upswept hair, a high-collared dress, and a composed expression, softly vignetted against a plain background.
Dating the Photograph
- Anderson operated in Haverhill, Massachusetts from about 1865 to 1900.
- The simple imprint without address and blank reverse suggest late 1880s production.
- The soft vignette and styling are consistent with 1885–1895 cabinet card conventions.
- Florence, born in 1857, appears approximately 30–32 years old.
Analysis
Florence married Clifford in 1882; this portrait likely dates several years into their marriage, reflecting her early adult married life.
Conclusion
The photograph is best dated to circa 1887–1889 and represents Florence during her early established years as a wife and mother.
Henry T. C. Hersey (1889– )
Circa 1891–1892
Photographer: H. M. Smith
Studio: 257½ Middle Street, Portland, Maine
Inscription: “Henry Jersey”
Description
A young child, approximately 2 to 3 years old, standing with support in a long white garment typical of the period.
Research & Identification
- Henry T. C. Hersey, son of Henry P. C. and Elizabeth (Milliken) Hersey, was born 7 August 1889 in Cape Elizabeth.
Dating the Photograph
- H. M. Smith operated at this address only between 1891 and 1892.
- A child born in 1889 would be 2–3 years old during this period.
Conclusion
The alignment of age, name, and photographer’s narrow operating window strongly supports identification as Henry T. C. Hersey, photographed circa 1891–1892.
Addie Dyer (Unidentified)
Circa 1892–1917
Photographer: Hanson
Studio: 12 Monument Square, Portland, Maine
Inscription: “Addie Dyer”
Description
A vignetted studio portrait of a woman, estimated to be 35 to 45 years old, wearing a high-collared, decorative bodice typical of late 19th-century fashion.
Research
- Hanson operated at this location from 1892 to 1917.
- Multiple individuals named Addie Dyer appear in census, vital, and directory records, including:
Possible Candidates:
- Addie A. Dyer (b. 1863) – Strong candidate
- Addie E. Dyer (b. 1869) – Strong candidate
- Addie M. Dyer (b. c. 1877) – Possible candidate
Eliminated Candidates:
- Addie H. Dyer (b. c. 1841)
- Addie S. Dyer (b. 1843)
- Addie S. (Bean) Dyer (b. 1843)
Analysis
Based on the estimated age (35–45) and studio dates, the subject was likely born between approximately 1847 and 1887. Narrowing by appearance and records leaves three viable candidates.
At present, the exact identity of this “Addie Dyer” remains unresolved. Additional photographic comparisons or family documentation may allow a definitive identification.
Conclusion
If any of the individuals shown here are familiar to you, I would be pleased to hear from you. Many photographs in the Scarborough Historical Society’s collections lack firm identification, and even a small detail can help restore a name or story.
My continuing goal is to reconnect these images with the families and communities to whom they belong—ensuring they are preserved, understood, and shared for future generations.
This article was researched and written by the author. ChatGPT was used as a research and drafting aid, and Grammarly was used for editorial review and copy editing.
