Small, Smith, Stokes, and Sweetser.

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Don Taylor

Ethel Wight Collection – Part 133
Photo Friday
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.This week, for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The envelopes typically contain the name of the person who paid for the photos, not necessarily of the individual portrayed in the image. It is vital to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the photos with family members who may have never seen the image.

Alwilda Small, circa 1934 (age 16)

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Alwilda Small, 316 Woodfords St #338.”

Photo of Alwelda Small, circa 1934.

Alwelda Small, circa 1934.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1934 Portland City directory lists Alwelda E Small, a clerk at 532 Congress and residing at 316 Woodford. Also at 316 Woodford is Walter W. Small.
  • The 1940 US Census lists Alwilda E Small as the 26-year-old daughter of Walter W and Lucy D Small. All were born in Maine.
  • Maine Birth Records indicate Alwilda Elliot Small was born on 4 Jun 1918 in South Portland.

I am confident this photo is of Alwilda E Small, taken in 1934 when she was about 16 years old.

Ancestry has seven public trees that refer to Alwilda Elliott Small (later Pearson) (1918-1999). Family Search has profile LY83-6K4 for Alwelda. I have uploaded a photo of Alwilda to her Family Search Memories.

Arline Smith (Nursing Student), circa 1935.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Arline Smith, Children’s Hospital #616.”

Photo of Arline Smith (Nursing Student), circa 1935.

Arline Smith (Nursing Student), circa 1935.

What I learned about this individual.

  • The 1934, 1935, and 1936 Portland City Directories do not include an Arline Smith in their directory of nurses.
  • The 1937 Portland City Directory indicates that an Arline E Smith married Philip L Morrill and moved to Windham.
  • The 1920 US Census lists an Arline E Smith, the granddaughter of Stephen R and Emily A Thurlow of Windham. Arline was six years old.
  • The 1930 Census lists sixteen-year-old Arline E Smith as a boarder in the household of Jeremiah J Tripp in Mechanic Falls, Maine.
  • Maine Marriage Index, 1892-1996, lists Arlene E Smith, who lived in Portland, marrying Philip L Morrell, of Windham, on 25 March 1936.

I don’t have anything that connects the nursing student, Arline Smith, in this photo to Arline Evelyn Smith (born on 14 Dec 1914 in Oxford). However, I suspect this to be the case. I would love it if any relatives of Arlene Morrill (née Smith) could confirm the person’s identity in the photo.

Ancestry has one public tree that refers to Arline Smith, the granddaughter of Stephen R and Emily Thurlow of Windham. Because I am not confident about the identification of this photo, I have only uploaded it here.

Margaret Stokes, circa 1934.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Margaret Stokes, 15 Stetson St #213 – DSCN4879P.”

Photo of Margaret Stokes, circa 1934.

Margaret Stokes, circa 1934.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1934 Portland City Directory lists Margaret Stokes as a waitress living at 15 Stetson. Also at 15 Stetson are Mrs. Nellie M Coolbrith and Mrs. Mary Burnham.
  • The 1930 US Census lists Margaret Stokes as a 14-year-old border in the household of Ernest and Nellie Coolbrith at 40 Maplewood St. Also in the household is a boarder, Mary Burnham.
  • In 1934, 19-year-old Margaret Henrietta Stokes married Darwood Belmont Hampton. Margaret was a waitress from Portland, Maine.

I am confident this photo of Margaret Henrietta Stokes was taken in 1934, about the time of her wedding to Darwood Hampton.

Ancestry has seven public trees that refer to Margaret Henrietta Stokes (1915-2006). Family Search has profile LKGD-BLD for Margaret. I uploaded a photo of Margaret to her Family Search Memories.

Virginia Sweetser, circa 1935.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Virginia Sweetser, 650 Forest Ave #646.”

Photo of Virginia Sweetser, circa 1935.

Virginia Sweetser, circa 1935.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Virginia C Sweetser as a music teacher at 650 Forest Ave, Room 7, and resided at 51a Oak.
  • The 193i US Census shows 25-year-old Virginia C Sweetser as the step-daughter of Arna S Chase. Virginia was a music teacher with her own music studio.
  • Virginia married Paul E Merrill in New York City on 24 Oct 1936.

I am confident this photo is of Virginia C Sweetser (1904-1982) about 1935 before she married Paul Merrill.

Ancestry has 16 public trees that refer to Virginia Clara Sweetser (later Merrill). Family Search has profile MWTK-CKC for Virginia. I uploaded one photo of her to her Family Search Memories.

Unknown child (probably Smith), circa 1935.

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Dolores Smith, 66 Elm St #689.”

Photo of an unknown child (probably Smith), circa 1935.

Unknown child (probably Smith), circa 1935.

What I learned about this individual.

  • I have been unsuccessful in finding Mrs. Doloris Smith or any Smiths at 66 Elm.

Alternate Individuals.

  • The 1940 US Census lists Dolores Smith (age 8) as the daughter of Joy V Smith. Joy was a 31-year-old widow. 1935 when this photo was taken, Dolores would have been about three years of age. However, the child appears to me to be between four and seven years old.

I have not identified the individual in this photos, so I only include the individual’s photo here.

Conclusion

  • I identified three of the five All three have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories.
  • I could not identify the individuals in two photos; I only uploaded those photos here.

I will 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.

Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Family Search are of a higher quality than the links here. I have linked to higher-quality images for those images I have not uploaded to Family Search.

For all postings of the Ethel Wight Collection, please see here.

Endnotes

[i] The Wight Studio was in Portland, Maine. Many thanks to Ethel Wight’s family for access to and permission to use the collection of their great aunt.

[ii] These images were converted to positives using a lightbox, a Nikon camera and computer software.

Posted in Ethel Wight Studio, Photo Friday | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Memories – City Council Candidate – #2

Posted on June 8, 2023 by Don Taylor

My Life
Those Places Thursday
Coon Rapids, MN

By Don Taylor

In Part 1 of “My Life – City Council Candidate,” I mentioned I was a political science major and had been a member of the Coon Rapids Economic Development Committee. So, it seemed that being on the City Council was a continuation of my service to the community. So, I ran for City Council in 1981.

My newspaper clippings from the Coon Rapids Herald include the following:

  • 25 Jun 81 – “Taylor tuns in two,” which included a photo of my (then) wife Pat, daughter Holly, and myself.
  • 31 Jul 81 – “Green, Taylor file, set up ward two election,” which included a photo of me and my opposition candidate, Sue Green.
  • 7 Aug 81 – “Four file for Mayor, set up primary.”
  • 28 Aug 81 – “Taylor names committee.” Sadly, this clipping also includes information that the AFL-CIO supported my opponent.
  • 16 Oct 81 – “City has ‘can do’ spirit – – Taylor” includes a photo of Senator Dave Durenberger and my meeting at a reception at Bob & Carolyn Voss’s home.
  • 23 Oct 81 – “Meet the Candidates.
  • 23 Oct 81 – “Aggressive leadership need.”
  • 30 Oct 1981 – “Candidates respond to cutbacks question.”
  • 30 Oct 1981 – “Voters to elect Mayor, councilmember,” includes my photo.

Dates Unknown.

Sadly, I didn’t capture the dates on all the articles. However, there are several more that I don’t know the exact date, but they all occurred between June and November 1981.

  • “Council Action Follows mediation failure.”
  • “Coon Rapids | Taylor….”
  • “Taylor fundraiser” (held on 13 September).
  • “Taylor backs crime prevention.”
  • “Taylor – ‘quality growth.’”
  • “Taylor backs housing issue.”
  • “Convenience store go-ahead-with conditions.”
  • “Council agenda.”

Newspapers.Com.

Newspapers.Com includes many newspapers from the Minneapolis papers. Some of those articles included:

Note: Links to these clippings require a membership or other access (via library subscription, free access weekend, etc.) to Newspapers.Com.

Running for City Council was a fantastic experience. I met hundreds of people and learned what they considered important. It is an experience that I’m glad I had, but one I’d not care to repeat.

Endnotes:

A second copy of the clippings and a copy of the Newspapers.Com articles are available on my Google Drive, My Life directory

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Ancestor Sketch – Bernhart Trumpi (1817-1879)

Posted on June 6, 2023 by Don Taylor

Howell/Darling Research
Darling-Huber-Trümpi Line
By Don Taylor

Darling Ancestor #60

Following Bernhard Trümpi of Glarus, Switzerland, is somewhat difficult.

  • First, there is Bernhard (1891-1961), the brother of my wife’s great-grandmother, Bertha Barbara Trumpi (1884-1968).
  • Next is Bernhard (1844-1913), my wife’s 2nd great-grandfather.
  • Then there is Bernhard (1817-1879), my wife’s 3rd great-grandfather.
  • And Bernhard (1776-1848), my wife’s 4th great-grandfather.

Finally, there are many other Bernhard Trümpi who lived in Glarus, including:

  • Bernhard (1800-1806)
  • Bernhard (1871-1941)
  • Bernhard (1878-1947)
  • Bernhard (1911-____)

Disentangling them is always tricky. Additionally, I don’t read Swiss-German, making it difficult to find and follow my wife’s Trümpi ancestors. But here is what I think I know.

List of Grandparents

  • Grandmother: 7.  Florence Wilma Huber Darling (1908-1934)
  • 1st Great-grandmother: 15,  Bertha Barbara Trümpi Huber (1884-1968)
  • 2nd Great-grandfather: 30.  Bernhead Trumpi (1844-1913)
  • 3rd Great-grandfather: 60.  Bernhart Trumpi (1817-1879)
  • 4th Great-grandfather: 120. Bernhard Trümpi (1776-1848)
  • 5th Great-grandfather: 240. Fridolin Trümpy (1732-1801)
  • 6th Great-grandfather: 480. Johan Heinrich Trümpy (1704-1779)
  • 7th Great-grandfather: 960. Fridolin Trümpy (1658-1714)
  • 8th Great-grandfather: 1920. Hans Thomas Trümpy (1626-1694)

Bernhard Trümpy (1817-1879) is found in 27 Ancestry Public Trees[1] and is Family Search profile LTQV-JFS.

Birth

Arial photo of Glarus, Switzerland (today).
Arial view of Glarus, Canton Glarus, Switzerland Photo by Samuel Trümpy Photography
[CC 2.0]. No changes made.

Bernhard Trümpi was born on 9 February 1817 in Ennetbühls, Glarus Canton, Switzerland.  He was the youngest of five children of Bernhard and Anna Maria (Dürst) Trümpi. Bernhard was born during a time of unrest. The Swiss Civil War ended the Helvetic Republic, and a loose confederacy was reestablished with 22 cantons. An emigration of thousands of Swiss to the Americas occurred in 1817 as well. But the Trümpi family stayed in Glarus.

Children of Bernhard and Anna Maria (Dürst) Trümpi

NameBornMarriedDied
Fridolin1806Magdalena Trümpi1868
Rosin1808Status Unknown[2]1877
Tochter1811N/A1811
Joachim1814Status Unknown1892
Bernhard1817Anna Maria Oertli1879

Marriage of Bernhard Trümpi and Anna Marie Oertli[3]

Bernhard and Anna Maria Oertli married on 13 January 1844 in Enneda, Glarus Canton, Switzerland.

Children of Bernhard and Anna Maria (Oertli) Trümpi.

NameBornMarriedDied
Bernhard1844Regula Stüssi
Bertha Koch		1913
Maria Margaretha1846N/A1847
John Frederick1852Katherine Eubley1917

Adulthood

Bernhard was a textile printer in the Heinrich Brunner textile factory.

Death.

Bernhard drowned on 20 Mar 1879 in Ennetbühls, Glarus, Switzerland. The story about his death is that out of grief over an unjust dismissal from the Brunner factory due to a minor cause, he threw himself into the factory canal of Johannes Heer and drowned.

Events by Location

Ennenda is a former municipality in the canton of Glarus in Switzerland. In 2011, it became part of the municipality of Glarus. Ennetbühls is a hamlet in Ennenda. So, Ennetbühls, Ennenda, and Glarus are all now Glarus in the Canton of Glarus.

  • Switzerland, Glarus Canton, Glarus Birth (1817), Marriage (1844), and Death (1879).

I have found no records suggesting that Bernard ever left Glarus.

Conflicts

The Baltimore, Maryland, U.S., Passenger and Immigration Lists, 1820-1872 (Ancestry.Com) indicates that a Bernhard Trumpe arrived in Baltimore on 8 Jun 1843 aboard the ship Marianne. It indicates that Bernhard’s place of Origin was Forden. Wikipedia shows a Forden, Wales, but not any other places. (Except förden is the German word for fjord.) It also indicates that Bernhard is 21 years old, indicating his birthdate of 1821 or 1822, which is 4-5 years younger than my Bernhard. Finally, it showed his destination was Cincinnati. My Bernhard doesn’t have any known connections to Cincinnati. So, I do not believe this Bernhard Trümpi (1817-1879) is mine.

Some researchers suggest that Bernd Hinr Trimpe, who was baptized on 31 Mar 1823 in Bersengrück, Hannover, Germany, is this same Bernhard. However, the source record suggests his mother is Cathr Eisabein Trimpe. My Bernhard’s mother was Anna Maria (Dürst) Trümpi. This is probably an excellent candidate for the Bernard who went to Baltimore in 1843.

New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S., Passenger Lists, 1813-1963 lists a 28-year-old Bernh Trumpe who arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana on 6 Nov 1854 aboard the Heamann. Again, this Bernhard would be seven years too young to be my Bernhard.

Comments:

Geneanet Community Trees Index. Paris, France: Geneanet concurs with my findings regarding Bernhard Trümpi, which include the following:

  • He was born 9 Feb 1817 in Ennethbühis, Glarus, Switzerland.
  • His parents were Bernhard Trümpy and Anna Marie Dürst.
  • He married Anna Maria Oertli, and they had three children.
    • Bernhard
    • Fridolin (Fredrick)
    • Maria Magdalene
  • He died 20 Mar 1879 in Glarus, Glarus, Switzerland.

Sources

  • Patrick A. Wild, Descent of Mary-Alice Darling Howell from Charlemangne (Zurich, Switzerland, , 2021), Files, Page 13 – Bernhard Trümpy, Bernhard Trümpy, Anna Maria Dürst, & Joachim Dürst.
  • Family Search. Org, Family Group Record – Bernhard Truempy (LTQV-JFS)) Accessed 15 Dec 2018. https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LTQV-JFS.
  • Internet, Heather’s Ancestor Hunt –  Descendants of Benhart TRUMPE [LKWX-DPP]. https://heathersancestorhunt.weebly.com/trumpie.html Descendants of Benhart TRUMPE [LKWX-DPP].
  • Pennsylvania Death Certificate, Pennsylvania Death Certificate #109868 – Frederick Trumpe. Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission; Pennsylvania, USA; Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1965; Certificate Number Range: 107801-111110
  • Patrick A. Wild, Pedigree Chart for Shirley Elizabeth Darling: Following the Trümpy line in Glarus (, 2021), Page 002 – Bernhard Trümpy and 14 Ancestors, Including Anna Magdalena Becker.. Don Taylor Files.

Endnotes

[1] As of the date of this posting.

[2] Status Unknown means I have no record of a marriage, however, they did live to adulthood.

[3] Bernhard Trümpi’s mother was Anna Maria Dürst; his wife was Anna Maria Oertli. It is easy to confuse Bernard and Anna Maria with his parents, Bernard and Anna Maria.

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Photo Friday – Shuft & Silke

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Don Taylor

Ethel Wight Collection – Part 132
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.This week, for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The envelopes typically contain the name of the person who paid for the photos, not necessarily of the individual portrayed in the image. It is vital to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the photos with family members who may have never seen the image.

Alicia Silke, circa 1934.

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Alicia Silke, 37 Smith St #293.”

Photo of Alicia Silke, circa 1934.

Alicia Silke, circa 1934

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Alicia J Silke living at 37 Smith. Also at that address was Catherine, Widow of John W Silkie (who died 8 Aug 1934). Kathleen M Smith was also at that address. She was a clerk at the same place as Alicia (518 Congress).
  • The 1930 US Census listed the John W and Catherine Silke family living at 37 Smith Street. With them are three children; John E, age 24; Kathleen, age 20; and Alicia Silke, age 16.

I am confident this is a photo of Alicia J Silke (later McCarthy) taken in 1934 when she was about 21 years old. Alicia was born in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, on 16 Jun 1913.

Ancestry has 11 public trees that refer to Alicia. Family Search has profile LY9W-Z83 for her. I have uploaded two photos of Alicia J Silke to her Family Search Memories.

Kathleen M Silke, circa 1934.

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Kathleen Silke, 37 Smith St #291.”

Photo of Kathleen M Silke, circa 1934.

Kathleen M Silke, circa 1934.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Kathleen M Silke living at 37 Smith. Also at that address was Catherine, widow of John W Silkie (who died 8 Aug 1934). Kathleen M Silke was also at that address. She was a clerk at the same place as her sister Alicia (at 518 Congress).
  • The 1930 US Census listed the John W and Catherine Silke family living at 37 Smith Street. With them are three children; John E, age 24; Kathleen, age 20; and Alicia Silke, age 16.

I am sure this is a photo of Kathleen M Silke (later Murray) taken in 1934 when she was about 25 years old. Kathleen was born in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, on 25 Aug 1909.

Ancestry has five public trees that refer to Kathleen M Silke, daughter of John and Catherine (Fitzpatrick) Silke. Family Search has profile G667-JP3 for Kathleen. I have uploaded a photo of Kathleen to her Family Search Memories.

Donald Silke, circa 1935 (age 1).

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. John B Silke, 112 Sheridan St (Donald) #682.”

Photo of Donald Silke, circa 1935 (age 1).

Donald Silke, circa 1935 (age 1).

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists John B and Doris E Silke living at 112 Sheridan.
  • The 1940 US Census shows John and Doris Silke living at 131 Bolton. With them are three children, Mary F (age 7), Donald H (age 5), and Robert B (age 9/12). The three children were all born in Maine, and the family lived in the “Same Place” in 1935.

Because the envelope said “Donald” and that a child of the right age was in the household, I am confident this is a photo of Donald. Donald Herman Silke, the son of John Bernard and Doris (Anderson) Silke, was born in Portland, Maine, in 1934.

I have not found Donald in Ancestry trees. However, I have found his father, John B Silke, in 20 public Ancestry trees. Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Donald either, so I uploaded this photo of him to Dead Fred.

Confirmed to be Don by a nephew.

Mary Frances Silke, circa 1935 (age 3).

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. John B Silke, 112 Sheridan St (Mary Frances) #681.” Note: This photo was taken on the same day as the photo of Donald Silke (above).

Photo of Mary Frances Silke, circa 1935 (age 3).

Mary Frances Silke, circa 1935 (age 3).

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • This photo envelope indicates the photo is of Mary Frances.
  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists John B and Doris E Silke living at 112 Sheridan.
  • The 1940 US Census shows John and Doris Silke living at 131 Bolton. With them are three children, Mary F (age 7), Donald H (age 5), and Robert B (age 9/12). The three children were all born in Maine, and the family lived in the “Same Place” in 1935.

I am confident this photo is of Mary Frances Silke, born 20 May 1932 in Portland, Maine, to John B and Doris (Anderson) Silke about 1935, when she was about three years old.

Ancestry has eight public trees that refer to Mary Frances Silke (later Core). Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Mary Frances, so I uploaded this photo of her to Dead Fred.

Confirmed to be Mary by a son of Mary.

Daughter of Ruth Shuft (?), circa 1934.

This negative envelope says, “Ruth Shuft, 207 Congress St #299.”

A Photo probably of the Daughter of Ruth Shuft, circa 1934.

(Probably the) daughter of Ruth Shuft, circa 1934.

What I learned.

  • The 1933, 1934, and 1935 Portland City Directories do not list a Ruth Shuft or any similar name I’ve found.
  • Also, the 1933 and 1934 Portland city directories list Charles Leventhal, Mrs. Anna Knudsen, and Walter Horne living at 207 Congress Street—No Ruth.

I have failed to identify her or this child; although the photo is likely Ruth’s daughter, I’ve included a copy of the envelope text. If your view of the name differs from mine, I’ll be happy to look at whatever name you suggest it might be.

Scan of negative envelope showing the name of the person who ordered the photos.

Negative envelope showing name & address. Can you help me read this? 

Conclusion

  • I identified four of the five individuals in this photo set. Two have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories. Two did not, so I uploaded their photos to Dead Fred.
  • I could not identify the mother or child in the fifth photo set. As such, I only uploaded the image here.

I will 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.

Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Family Search, Dead Fred, and Flickr have higher quality than those linked here.

For all postings of the Ethel Wight Collection, please see here.

Endnotes

[i] The Wight Studio was in Portland, Maine. Many thanks to Ethel Wight’s family for access to and permission to use the collection of their great aunt.

[ii] These images were converted to positives using a lightbox, a Nikon camera and computer software.

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Selberg, Semple, Severence, & Severino

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Don Taylor

Ethel Wight Collection – Part 131
Photo Friday 
By Don Taylor

Photo of Don Taylor with cat Nasi.This week, for Photo Friday, I identify the people in five more envelopes from the Ethel Wight Studio Collection[i]. The envelopes typically contain the name of the person who paid for the photos, not necessarily of the individual portrayed in the image. It is vital to analyze the pictures and information to identify the individual therein.[ii] Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the photos with family members who may have never seen the image.

Nurse Josephine Severino, circa 1935.

The envelope this negative was in says, “Miss Josephine Severino, ME Gn Hospital #843.”

Photo of Miss Josephine Severino, circa 1935.

Nurse Josephine Severino, circa 1935.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1935 and 1936 Portland City Directories list Josephine Severino as a student Nurse at 22 Arsenal (Maine General Hospital).
  • The 1934 Portland High School Directory lists Josephine “Jo” Nancy Severino as a Senior whose college preference was Maine General Hospital School of Nursing. The photo appears to be of the same young woman.
  • The 1939 Portland City Directory lists Josephine Severino as a nurse who married James A Maiorano.
  • Ancestry Trees indicate that Josephine Nancy Severino was born on 30 October 1916 and married James Anthony Maiorano on 18 September 1938.

Ancestry has 16 public trees that refer to Josephine Nancy Severino, daughter of Agrippino and Maria (Olivetta) Severino. Family Search does not appear to have a profile for Josephine. I uploaded a photo of Josephine to Dead Fred.

Phyllis Semple, circa 1935 (high school photo).

This negative envelope says, “Miss Phyllis Semple, 31 Kellogg St (P. H. S.) #1094.”

Photo of Phyllis Semple, circa 1935 (high school photo).

Phyllis Semple, circa 1935.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1936 Portland High School Yearbook shows the same photo of this girl as Phyllis Mae Semple “Jimmie.”
  • New Hampshire Certificate of Marriage shows that Phyllis Mae Semple, of South Portland,” married Russell Alfred Oates on 30 September 1938. Phyllis was 20 years old, the daughter of Samuel James and Ethel (Thornton) Semple.
  • Ancestry Public Trees indicate this is Phyllis Mae Semple, born on 20 January 1918 in Portland, Maine.

Ancestry has six public trees that refer to Phyllis Mae Semple (later Oates). Family Search has profile LVHC-B1Q for Phyllis. I have uploaded a photo of Phyllis to her Family Search Memories. I also uploaded three additional pictures of Phyllis to my Flickr PhotoStream.

Inga Selberg, circa 1934.

This negative envelope says, “Miss Inga Selberg, 66 Devon St #162.”

Photo of Inga Selberg, circa 1934.

Inga Selberg, circa 1934.

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1936 Portland City Directory lists Inga E Selberg living at 62 Devon. Also at 62 Devon are Hilda E, Peter G, and Robert W Selberg. Ernest and Katherine Selverg live at 66 Devon.
  • The 1935 Deering High School Yearbook lists Inga E Selberg. The school photo appears to be of the same young woman as is in this photo.
  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest this in Inga Fredericka Selberg, born 31 March 1917 in Portland, Maine. Note that although the yearbook and city directory indicate her middle initial is “E,” it appears her middle name was Fredericka.

Ancestry has 18 public trees that refer to Inga Fredericka Selberg. Family Search has profile LYQB-8XR for Inga. I have uploaded two photos of Inga to her Family Search Memories.

Eileen Severence, circa 1936 (age 5)

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. C. I. Severance, 176 Danforth St, #1013.”

Photo of Eileen Severence, circa 1936 (age 5)

Eileen Severence, circa 1936 (age 5)

Why I believe this to be the individual.

  • The 1936 Portland City Directory lists Charles F and Helen L Severance living at 176 Danforth. Also at that address is Harry J. Severance.
  • The 1935 Portland City Directory lists Charles and Helen D Severence living at 12 Gray. No other Severances are listed living at 12 Gray (or Danforth).
  • The 1939 and 1940 Portland City Directories list Charles F and Helen B Severance as living at 24 May. A Charlie L and Mary E Severance are residing at 12 Wescott.
  • The 1934 Bangor City Directory lists Charles F and Helen D Severance living at 16 Broadway, Bangor. Also at 16 Broadway are Harry J and Ethel L Severance.
  • Eileen Severance was born on 2 December 1931 in Lincoln, Penobscot County, Maine. Her parents were Charles F and Helen D (Lunt) Severance.
  • This photo was taken in 1936 when Eileen would have been about five years old. The girl in the picture also appears to be between four and six years old, so I believe this photo is of Eileen Helen Severance (1931-2000).

Ancestry has two public trees that refer to _Eileen Severance, born 2 Dec 1931. Family Search has profile KW84-7GL for Eileen. I have uploaded one photo of Eileen to her Family Search Memories.

Three unidentified women.

Photo of the back of the envelope showing "Mrs. Sherman - July 1941 - Mrs. L.E. Sherman, 317 Jostram St, Providence R I."

Crop of envelope information.

This negative envelope says, “Mrs. Sherman – July 1941 – Mrs. L.E. Sherman, 317 Jostram St, Providence R I.”

What I learned.

My search for a Jostram or similarly named street in Providence failed to find such an address. The closest I could find was a Joslin street. The written address provided doesn’t fit that street.

Photo of three unidentified women.

Three unidentified women.

I did not find a Mr. L. E. Sherman in Providence from 1940 to 1942. There was a Loretta E Sherman, wife of Herbert W Sherman. In 1940 and 1942, they lived at 29 Desoto. Loretta was born about 1907, making her only 33 years old in 1940. Much younger than any of the women in this photograph.

So, I have not identified the individuals in this photos, so I only include the image here.

Conclusion

  • I identified the people in four of the five photographs. Three have Family Search profiles, so I uploaded their images to their Family Search Memories. One did not have a Family Search profile, so I uploaded her photos to Dead Fred.
  • I was unable to identify the three individuals in one photo. I uploaded that photo only here

I will 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.

Due to software limitations, the images uploaded to Family Search, Dead Fred, and Flickr have higher quality than those linked here.

For all postings of the Ethel Wight Collection, please see here.

Endnotes

[i] The Wight Studio was in Portland, Maine. Many thanks to Ethel Wight’s family for access to and permission to use the collection of their great aunt.

[ii] These images were converted to positives using a lightbox, a Nikon camera and computer software.

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