The Little Gardener

In this photo is my grandmother Virginia's Uncle Joe, Joseph Russell Irons. Isn't he sweet with those long curls, pushing his tiny wheelbarrow? For artwork using this photo, click here.

Gone to the Dogs

Celluloid Numbers

When I acquired these celluloid numbers several years ago, I was told they had belonged to an antique Bridge set. Like most celluloid objects of the period (such as manicure sets), the numbers are backed and edged with what is now a matte, dark amber color.

Erlanger Theatre

Among my grandmother's mementos, I found a small, red velvet pouch. Inside were this lovely brass ticket and paper ticket stub from the Erlanger Theatre's inaugural performance in 1927. I've often imagined what that evening was like for her. (Her evening out inspired a piece of artwork earlier this year, viewable here.)

The Erlanger Theatre was erected in 1927 and sadly, demolished in 2007. For photos and a history of this theater, visit:http://www.buffaloah.com/a/del/120/index.html

1918 Waterfront Pass

Grandmother Virginia's Uncle Joe, pictured on his 1918 Port of Buffalo waterfront pass. Has that Prohibition / "Untouchables" feel to it, doesn't it?

Tintype & Digital Collage

For this digital collage, I used the above tintype, an Ambrotype frame, and cherub head clipart.

Lace Sepia Print

One of my mother's experiments - sun printing pieces of antique lace. The fabric prints were originally indigo in color; she made a vest out of most of them but then chemically altered a few of the leftovers with phosphate, resulting in this pretty sepia color.

Birdcages

1918 Report Card

My grandfather's high school report card. He later became a physician and served in WWII.

1865 Promissory Note

"Fancy Dry Goods"

(blank on back, undated)

1920, "A Toothsome Catch"

Shells Souvenir, 1909

Friendship Postcard

My Grandmother's Aunt Nellie loved pretty postcards. Nellie's parents owned the general store and post office in Noblestown, PA 100 years ago, which I imagine fueled her love for these diminutive pieces of art. This one has always been one of my favorites.

Antique Frame

This antique frame image was isolated from an Ambrotype case. It holds up well to re-sizing; I've used it in both my blog banner and blog badge.

1792 Farm Sale Document

In Allegheny County, PA in the year 1792, the grand sum of one hundred and twenty pounds was enough to buy a farm, including: four cows, three calves, two bay horses, seven sheep, two sows, twelve shotes, three feather beds and bedding, furniture, and the crops in and out of the ground. Back then, they were setting their "seals" to documents, just as we do today - note the hand-drawn "seal" in the lower right-hand corner.

Welcome to my new blog!

For my first post, I'd like to share one of my favorite tintypes. The original is unusually large, and the photo looks as if it was taken in a barn. I'm still researching to identify this lovely family, but believe they are McEwens or Stewarts. These fine folks make me smile; I'll bet they never imagined they would one day be touring the world on a blog banner!

(updated post 8/11 : replaced with lightened photo to aid in printing)