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