Week 3 of the 2024 series, "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks," is dedicated to "Favorite Photo." Sifting through my large photo collection, each snapshot resonates with its unique charm. The vintages from the 1800s to early 1900s breathe life into ancestral names, while the more recent captures cherished moments with kin (parents, grandparents, great-grandparents) or my own childhood.
This week's spotlight falls on a captivating photo from the 1940s, nestled within my great-grandmother, Nina Ada BALDRIDGE Dennis', album. The identity of the elegant lady pictured remains a mystery to our family. However, a strong intuition suggests her connection with Mama Dennis' youngest son. Regrettably, the writing on the back is partly obscured, leaving her story just out of reach.
I uploaded the photo to Steve Little’s Chatbot, Genealogy Eyes, and in the prompt asked it to describe the suit this woman was wearing circa 1940s. The description included the following: She was wearing a classic suit that was a staple of women's fashion around the era of the early 1940s. The jacket’s sharp, structured shoulders were popular due to the influence of military uniforms and popular during World Ward II. The blouse she wore (with a ruffled or lace collar) was another fashion element during the 1940s. The fullness of her hair, styled in soft curls, complements the overall look and reflects the hairstyles popularized by Hollywood actresses of the era. The accessories, while not overly prominent in the photo, were likely minimal, as the war years called for some austerity in fashion.
The
writing on the back of the photo is not clear. It’s smudged in placed, and
parts missing because of partially being glued down in the old photo album.
The
following is from Genealogy Eyes analysis:
- The top line is still quite obscured, likely by a smudge or a blot of ink. However, the word "affection" is partially visible, suggesting the message may be one of fondness or endearment.
- The phrase "Nouvel An" stands out more clearly now, confirming the New Year's connection.
- The date "1-1-1941" is unmistakable, serving as a temporal anchor for the message.
The rest, while still a tad cryptic, seems to include a name that could be followed by a signature or perhaps another short message. The handwriting style and the content suggest a personal note, typical of greetings exchanged during festive seasons like New Year's.
Ferrania's presence here as a watermark or a logo reaffirms the Italian origin of the photographic paper, which was indeed a popular medium of the era.
Can
you read the back parts of the photo that are legible? Is it French? Let me know in the comment box.
Did
I say I love photos? 😊 I’ll be watching the
blog posts of those that are participating in 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks.
I hope you enjoy the photo of this beautiful woman - whoever she is!
-Revis
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