Today I am sharing with you four of the old photos I have.  None of the four have names on the back – such a shame.  This first is of a lovely lady dressed simply but attractively, standing in front of a small table holding a silver pot with plant.  She holds a small flower in her hand.  There is such a wistful look on this woman’s face, as if she were far away in thought.  The photo was taken in Copenhagen, Denmark.  Hansen and Weller, the photographers, were located at 28 Bredgade 28 at the Schimmelmann’s Palais.  A little research turned up an interesting tidbit.  The Schimmelmann’s Palace was built 1751-1755.  In 1762 it was purchased by Heinrich von Schimmelmann, thus giving it its name.  Heinrich’s son, Ernst, inherited the mansion in 1782.  The house became a centre of a colorful cultural life when  Ernst and his wife Charlotte gave many parties and soirees in evidence of their love of the arts.  In the next century the house must have been divided into offices and studios – one becoming the photography studio of Hansen and Weller.

This photo I could not resist because of the gorgeous hair, beautifully braided and wrapped around this woman’s head.  Her jewelry is quite interesting, also!  She wears a brooch at her neck, in addition to a necklace.  If you look closely you will see it is a cameo – and I believe the earrings match the necklace.  This photo was taken at Denison’s Photographic Parlor, 13 & 15 North Pearl Street, Albany, New York.

Such a shame that the photo of this man gives us no clues to who he might be or even where the picture was taken.

Finally, this full-length photo of a lady taken by Hermann Ramm at the Amerikanisches Photographic Atelier, Cellerstr.57, Hannover, Aufuahren ber jeder Wittering.  Was this an American woman visiting Germany who had her picture taken?  Or is she German?  Her attire is quite unique.  I love the ruffled additions to her skirt, and her fringed jacket.  Her hair and bonnet are very attractive, also.

I can’t imagine parting with an old photo – or one taken recently, for that matter!  In this age of digital cameras, cameras on our phones, etc., we usually have an overabundance of photos of our loved ones – which I think leads to a blase attitude towards them.  And most are on our hard drives and SD cards – not printed.  Think of the feeling of pride and affection in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when a photo was received – perhaps the first ever taken of a loved one!  And if that person lived a good distance away, with only occasionaly visits, that photo was a link, a tangible tie to look at again and again!  What an exciting time in our history!