Vintage Photos – Five unidentified images from Maine, Massachusetts, and England

Posted on November 23, 2025 by Don Taylor

Vintage Photos – Part 001
By Don Taylor

I encounter photos from many sources. Today, I look at five photos I recently came across.

Store with 17 people in front, Cornish, Maine, c. 1885-1895.

Photographer: Unidentified
Inscription: “G. H. Snip | Cornish, Maine”
Description: An apparently large staff of 17 people in front of a large general store. store
Research:

  • Based on the clothing, storefront design, boardwalk, and hitching posts, I believe the photo is circa 1885-1895.
Brightness and contrast edited for viewability.

I am providing this historic photo here; however, I have also shared it with the folks at the Cornish Historical Society.

Teamster Hauling Wood, Dover-Jackman, c. 1895.

Photographer: C. A. Smith Photo Co.
Inscription: None.
Description: A sepia photograph from the C.A. Smith Photo Co. shows a teamster on a wooden wagon loaded with firewood, drawn by two horses, before a classic New England farmhouse. Likely taken around 1890–1895 in the Dover–Jackman region, the image offers a rich glimpse into rural Maine life and invites further identification.

Gently edited for clarity.

Research:

  •  The back of the photo includes a note about a picture taken on June 15th, 1892, indicating this photo was taken after that date.
  • The Rockland Courier-Gazette has advertisements for C.A. Smith Photo Co. into 1897, but I haven’t found any mention of the company after that date.

I provide this historic photo here only.

Grocery Store Interior, Probably Allston, MA, c. 1895-1905.

Photographer: Commercial Photo Co., 14 Broadway Extension, Boston, Mass.
Inscription: Handwritten: allstn
Description: Professional interior of a grocery or dry-goods store. Ten men stand throughout the space. A sign in the back advertises “There is none better – Corner Stone Flour.”

Research:

  • Commercial Photo Co. operated in Buston during the 1890s to 1910s.
  • “Allstn” probably refers to Allston, a Boston neighborhood.
  • The gas lighting suggests the photo was taken before 1906.
  • Corner Stone Flour was made from the mid-1890s through about 1901.

I provide this historic photo here only.

Public House, Probably Pendleton, Salford, England, c. 1900-1908.

Photographer: Unidentified
Inscription: On back: This is the house you were born in Jan 3rd 1872 | John Holden.
Description: A corner pub with:

  • Street sign: Steers Street.
  • Banner Sign: Walkers Warrington Ales. Also, two window notices reading Walker’s Warrington.
  • Banner Sign: British and Foreign Wines

Research:

  • Walkers of Warrington was a brewery in Warrington, Lancashire, England.
  • This is likely a Walkers of Warrington Pub.
  • There was a Steers Street in Pendleton, Salford, (historically in Lancashire) near Manchester.

My initial search did not find a Holden family in Pendleton or Salford with a child born on 3Jan 3rd, 1872. Further research would be necessary to confirm the likely location.

I provide this historic photo here only.

Unidentified Man, Lewiston, ME, circa 1890

Photographer: Colpitts & Co. 52 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME.
Inscription: Mary A Smith | F-1109 | F-1295
Description: This is a classic late-Victorian cabinet card portrait of a well-dressed young man, taken in a professional studio in Maine. The combination of clothing, props, and printing style firmly places it around 1885–1895.
Research:

  • Colpitts & Company was operating by 1889 and moved by 1891 when I. L. Hammond & Co. operated at that location.
  • The 1890 Census – Veterans Schedules lists a Mary A Smith, the widow of John Smith, living in Auburn, Maine. However, I have been unable to determine the date of John Smith’s death.
  • My search of the internet failed to locate this photo.

I am unable to identify this young man.

Conclusion

I am sad that I was unable to positively identify any of these photographs. I would love to hear your reaction if you can identify any of these people or locations. If so, do you have a story you can share? If so, please use the comment form below. Ultimately, my goal is to reunite the pictures with the descendants of the people portrayed here.

Disclaimer:

Some of the research in this post was aided by AI and edited with Grammarly.
Posted in Vintage Photos, Photo Collections | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faces from the Past – Curtis, Daggett, McCluskey, & Sweeney

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Don Taylor

SHS Photo Collection – Part 008
By Don Taylor

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

Alan McCluskey, Falmouth HS, 1969.

Alan McCluskey, Falmouth HS, 1969.

Photographer: The Wendell White Studio, Portland, ME
Inscription: Alan McCluskey ‘69
Description: A black-and-white studio portrait of a teenage boy or young man, printed in a matte finish and mounted in a beige folder with blue border lines. The mount is stamped “The Wendell White Studio, Portland, ME.” The subject wears thick-rimmed rectangular eyeglasses, a striped suit jacket, a white shirt, and a patterned necktie. His haircut features a straight, even fringe across the forehead, typical of mid-1960s to early 1970s youth styles. The lighting is strong and even, with a plain, seamless background.
Research:

  • This photo of Alan Hugh McCluskey appears in the 1969 Falmouth High School Yearbook, The 1969 Crest on page 40. “Al” was involved with the Chess Club, the Debating Club, and several plays.

I include his photo here.

Newton Curtis, Westbrook HS, 1936.

Newton Curtis, Westbrook HS, 1936

Photographer: Albert
Inscription: June 12, 1936 W.H.S.
Description: A formal studio portrait of a young man, likely in his teens or early twenties. He wears a textured tweed suit jacket, a light dress shirt, and a patterned tie with large polka dots—typical of late-1930s or early-1940s fashion. His hair is neatly waved and parted, and the background is a softly blurred sepia studio backdrop. In the lower-left corner is a stylized photographer’s signature reading “Albert”. The warm tone and soft focus are characteristic of professional portrait work of the period..
Research:

  • A search of the Westbrook High School yearbook shows the same photo on Page 29. The person is identified as Newton G. Curtis. “Newt” was the secretary of the Stenographic Club (pg 46). class Vice-President and a football letterman.
  • Find a Grave has a profile for Newton Curtis, Sr., who was born 11 Sep 1918 and who died in Scarborough on 20 Jan 2012. It also provide information on his parents, wife, and two siblings.

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

Patricia Sweeney, Deering HS, 1951.

Patricia Sweeney, Deering HS, 1951

Photographer: Vantines
Inscription: Pat
Description: A bright, high-key studio portrait of a smiling young woman. She wears round wire-rimmed glasses, and her hair is styled in short, wavy layers pulled back above her ears. She is dressed in a light blouse with a lace-trimmed collar. The photograph is mounted in a cream-colored folder with corner tabs. The lighting and crisp grayscale tonality suggest a 1950s or early 1960s era portrait. The composition uses ample white space, focusing attention on her expression. A tag on the photo folder indicates “Class of 1951.”
Research:

  • A review of the 1951 Deering High School yearbook found the same photo and identified the person as Patricia Sweeney. “Pat” was a member of the school’s “Ramettes,” a girls’ pep-squad that supported school spirit at school athletic sports.
  • An obituary in the Portland Press Herald on December 15, 2019, indicated that Patricia Dawn Sweeney passed away on December 7th, 2019. She was born on June 21, 1933.

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

Albert Daggett, Inventor of a Road Rake, c. 1898.

Photographer: Unknown
Inscription: Albert E. Daggett, Inventor of the Road Rake – c. 1885-1900.
Description: A black-and-white outdoor photograph showing an older man with a full white beard seated on a wooden, open-frame wagon pulled by a team of two horses. The man wears a dark suit and a wide-brimmed hat. The wagon is fitted with large, spoked wheels and appears to be used for farm or hauling work. The background includes multiple farm buildings, stone walls, fields, and several houses on a distant hillside, suggesting a rural New England setting around the late 19th or very early 20th century. The photo has the soft contrasts typical of early gelatin-silver prints.

Albert Daggett, Inventor of a Road Rake, c. 1898.

Research:

  • The Portland Evening Express, dated Aug 28, 1895, page 1, confirms Albert Daggett, [of] Strong, [Maine] was the inventor of a road rake.
  • Find a Grave has memorial 39898857 for Albert L. Daggett, born 13 June 1827 in New Vineyard, Franklin County, Maine and died on 18 June 1916 in Strong, Franklen County, Maine. His parents were Capt. Plamentin and Hannah (Snow) Daggett. He married Sarah Montgomery Porter (1836-1886) and Ada Eldora Pottle (1853-1913) and had a least three children, Willie, “infant”, and Minnie.

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

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.

Disclaimer: The Photo Descriptions were generated using ChatGPT.

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

Donna Darling Takes Jacksonville: A 1923 Vaudeville Highlight at the Palace Theatre

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Don Taylor

by Don Taylor

In the rich tapestry of early 20th-century entertainment, vaudeville performers like my grandmother, Madonna Montran (aka 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 Florida Times-Union and Jacksonville Journal clippings documenting her performing at the Palace Theatre, Jacksonville.

Review

Display ad for the Palace Theater - B. F. Keith Vaudeville.
The Florida Times Union – Oct 31, 1923, page 4

On October 27th, The Jacksonville Journal reported, “Donna Darling and her musical comedy revue is expected to be one of the big hits of the season. Miss Darling is a musical comedy ingenue and is established in the theatrical world. And she is supported by a capable company.”

Performance Details

  • Venue: Palace Theatre, Jacksonville, Florida.
  • Dates: October 28-31, 1923.
  • Act: Donna Darling in Her Revue with her dancing fool—“Song and Dance Romance.”
  • Other Acts:
    • AMAC – “The Great Three-Card Illusion.”
      • Billy Dooley & Co., Assisted by Violin Boturba, in “Vaudeville a la Carte.”
    • George and Paul Hickman in “Darkness and Dawn.”

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: Genealogy Bank (Journal) and Newspapers.com (Times Union).

Posted in Newspaper Research, Vaudeville | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faces from the Past – Goddard, Mottram, Pendexter, & Simpson

Posted on November 14, 2025 by Don Taylor

SHS Photo Collection – Part 007
By Don Taylor

The Scarborough Historical Society has an extensive collection of photos featuring various individuals. Today, I examine four pictures from the Linwood D. Dyer Photo collection. Loring Studios operated in Portland, Maine, from 1947 to 1973. Vantines’ Studio operated in Portland, Maine, from 1956 to 1973.

Harold Pendexter, Deering HS, 1962.

Photo of Harold Pendexter, Deering HS, 1962
Harold Pendexter, Deering HS, 1962

Photographer: Loring Studio.
Inscription: … Yours Sincerely, Harold.
Description: An apparent high school graduation photo. Tag on inside cover says, “Class 1952.”
Research:

  • The 1952 Deering High School yearbook shows this same photo as Harold E. Pendexter, Jr, “Penny.” Harold was involved in the DHS Band, dramatics, and playing the piano.
  • Harold was born in Portland, Cumberland County, Maine, on 23 October 1934. He passed away on January 27, 2011, in Naperville, Illinois. He is buried in Brooklawn Memorial Park, Portland, Maine.
  • Harold’s parents were Harold Earle and Annie Sarah (MacLean) Pendexter.

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

Richard Mottram, Portland HS, 1957.

Photo of Richard Mottram, Portland HS, 1957.
Richard Mottram, Portland HS, 1957.

Photographer: Loring Studio.
Inscription: Sincerely, Dick Mottram.
Description: An apparent high school graduation photo – No date.
Research:

  • The 1957 Portland High School yearbook shows this same photo as Richard A Mottram.” Richard was involved in track and was known as “P.H.S.’s Mr. Tap Toe.”
  • The 1950 US Census enumerated Richard A Mottram living with his parents, Herbert and Alice Mottram at 57 Weymouth, Portland.
  • Ancestry Family Trees suggest that Richard Allen Mottram was born 27 Feb 1939 in Portland, Maine, and died on 18 Feb 1981 in Barre, Vermont. His mother was Alice E (Bridge) Mottram.

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

Jean Goddard, Portland HS, 1968.

Photo of Jean Goddard, Portland HS, 1968.

Photographer: Loring Studio.
Inscription: Love, Jeannie.
Description: An apparent high school graduation photo – Class of 1968.

Research:

  • The 1968 Portland High School yearbook shows this same photo as Jean Goddard.” Jean was involved in swimming, Keyette Club, and the ski club.

I include her photo here.

Sally Jean Simpson, Westbrook HS, 1971.

Photo of Sally Jean Simpson, Westbrook HS, 1971.
Sally Jean Simpson, Westbrook HS, 1971.

Photographer: Vantine’s Portland, Maine.
Inscription: … Love Sally.
Description: Description: An apparent high school graduation photo – Class 1971.
Research:

  • The 1971 Westbrook High School yearbook shows this same photo of Sally Jean Simpson. Sally was involved in the Dramatics Club and the planning board.

I include her photo 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.

Posted in Portland History, High School Yearbooks, Scarborough Historical Society and Museum, Maine High Schools, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Faces from the Past – Aceto, Bliss, Bourgeois & McNally

Posted on November 7, 2025 by Don Taylor

SHS Photo Collection – Part 006
By Don Taylor

The Scarborough Historical Society has a large collection of photos featuring various individuals. Today, I look at four photos from the Linwood Dyer Photo Collection.

Jean P McNally, Deering HS, 1956

Jean P McNally, Deering HS, 1956

Photographer: Vantines, Boston.
Inscription: Signed Love Jeanie McNally ’56.
Description: Apparent high school graduate photo of a young woman. A tag on the inside cover reads “Class of 1956.”
Research:

  • The 1956 Deering High School yearbook, page 36,  shows the same photo of Jean P. McNally “Jeanie”. Among her favorite things were Summers at Pine Point and dancing.
  • The 1950 US Census enumerated 12-year-old Jean P McNally, living with her parents, Frederick J and Marion E McNally.
  • Ancestry Family Trees indicate that Jean died on 19 Nov 2018.

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

Joan Aceto, Deering HS Class of 1956.

Joan Aceto, Deering HS Class of 1956

Photographer: Vantines’ Boston – Portland
Inscription: Signed, Joan.
Description: Graduation photo of a young woman with a tag saying “Class of 1956.
Research:

  • The 1956 Deering High School yearbook, page 22,  shows the same photo of Joan Tereasa Aceto “Jo.” Her favorite things included camp at O.O.B.
  • The 1950 US Census enumerated 11-year-old Joan Aceto, living with her parents, Samuel A & Edith E Aceto at 62 Read Street, Portland, ME.

I present this photo here.

Judith Bliss, Portland HS Class of 1962.

Judith Bliss, Portland HS Class of 1962

Photographer: Vantines’ Boston – Portland.
Inscription: “Giggles” Judy.
Description: High school photo of a young woman; a tag on the photo says “Class of 1962.”
Research:

  • The 1962 Portland High School yearbook, page 41,  shows the same photo of Judith Bliss. Page 57 informs us that Judith A. Bliss with involved with Hi-Lights and Red Cross. She was a Majorette and a Library aid.
  • The 1950 US Census enumerated Judith living with her mother Anna M. Bliss (29, Canada) and her grandmother, Annabelle Johnson (52 Canada) at 106 Park Street, Portland.
  • The 1964 Portland City Directory indicates that Judith Bliss married Richard L Charette.

I present this photo here.

Anne Carolyn Bourgeois, St. Joseph’s Academy, Class of 1965.

Anne Carolyn Bourgeois, St. Joseph’s Academy, Class of 1965

Photographer: Vantines’ Boston – Portland.
Inscription: Anne Carolyn Bourgeois.
Description: High school photo of a young woman, tag indicates “Class 65.”
Research:

  • The Portland Even Express, dated 26 June 1969, page 18, reported that Miss Anne Carolyn Bourgeois, St. John Street, announced engagement to David Allen Silvius, High Street. She is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Bourgeois, Millinocket. She graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, Class of 1965. A July wedding was planned.
  • The 1950 US Census enumerated the two-year-old Ann living with her parents, Clarence and Madeline Bourgeois in Millinocket.

I present this photo 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.

Posted in Portland History, Scarborough Historical Society and Museum, Linwood Dyer Collection, Faces from the Past | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment