Genealogy Chat

Hi David: Don't know what we use -- but my son knows quite a bit about computers; I'm sure he will be able to help once we both have time to sit down together. Thank you for your help; will use other's knowledge if we can't figure things out.

Lisa Many thanks, but sorry to hear you are having problems viewing the photographs. Are you using Internet Explorer? If so I may be able to help. If not, perhaps a fellow GC member may be able to assist. There are several computer whizzes who pop in and out of this board regularly. Alternatively, please feel free to e-mail me direct through GC and I'll do what I can to help you. David

Hi David: Thank you very much for you help. Unfortunately, there isn't a date or marking on the photograph. Someone years ago wrote "Billy's First Christmas 1923" on the back and "Billy XMas 1923" on the front. I tried to view your site, but as has happened in the past, I'm unable to view your photographs (I think I need a plug-in, or something. I'm sure my older son will be able to help me do that.) I was trying to "blow up" the photograph in order to see the photographs in the background. My son wisely got out our magnifying glass and surprisingly, it did help. I am almost certain the unidentified person is a man. I spoke to my mum tonight and also sent her a copy of the photograph -- she thinks the man's clothes are very similar to her father's (Canadian) uniform from WWI (don't know that I agree, however). (My dad is in the hospital and at this time would not be able answer any questions I have about the photograph.) With the use of the magnifying glass, we were able to see that another photograph was one of a VERY large dog, with a man crouched or sitting behind it. (The dog looked like a cross between a Great Dane, German Shepherd and Retriever!) Think I've been researching a little too long without getting results -- I was actually excited and thrilled to have discovered the man and the dog! Thank you so much for your help, David. As soon as we are able to view your site I shall give it another try.

Lisa You might (might) get an idea about the date from my site at http://uk.geocities(.)com/ancestralpast - don't forget to remove the brackets. If not, does the photograph have the name of the photographer and an address? If so, please let me have the details and I'll see if I can find any further information for you. David

Janet: Tried the website; haven't found a similar photo yet (still many to look through) -- but it is a fantastic site -- thank you! Seems as if my background photograph may be that of a man, since the website's photographs of women don't begin to compare with my photograph. Thanks so much for your help!!! I shall resume searching tonight!! Geoff: I have a photograph from my mum's side -- how correct you are! I have to remember that times were rough back then, my ancestor came to Canada when she in her teens, most likely by herself (due to the potato famine), and had 11 children. Guess I would look a little rough around the edges if I had lived her life!

Unfortunately, in family groups taken about 100 years ago the women all look like dodgy female impersonators.

Lisa There's a site about Victorian and Edwardian photographs which helps date them. I've found it very useful. Give this a try:- www(.)rogerco(.)freeserve(.)co(.)uk Don't forget to remove the brackets.

Note: My dad's photograph was taken in Ontario, Canada. His parents belonged to the Church of England, so the large photograph in the background most likely isn't one of a priest.

I only have two photographs of my dad's parents........All of my grandparents passed away before I was five years old.........(So genealogy means a lot to me -- one way of identifying with those I never knew or don't remember).........While I was cleaning out my dad's apartment on Sunday, I found a photograph of him, taken in 1923. In the background are at least four photographs; one is rather large and looks like it could be a grandparent (too old for his parents). Can't tell if the person is a male or female, as the hairstyle is rather "severe". The person looks like he/she is wearing a dark, plain outfit, with a white collar circling the neck. Would anyone have any suggestions for dates the photograph may have been taken? Or if it sounds like it is a male or female? Appreciate hearing any ideas -- thank you.