Second Chance: First Impression

[alycewilson]

A tintype of four men

Four men in rough suits
sit stiffly. Eyes clear
of coal dust, but mouths
set like workers. The man
with deep-set eyes,
neat combed hair, his
light eyes possibly
blue. Taller than his
(brothers?) At first
glance, I see that face
and know this must be
the great-grandfather
I'd only seen in one
other photo. Those deep-
set eyes. Those wide
ears, that face, shaped
a bit like mine.

---

In case you're interested, this is the only photo I can identify with complete confidence as my great-grandfather, Jonathan Hinkle. In the photo is my great-grandmother, Senora Hinkle, and the first two of their children who survived, Jenny (standing) and Hattie (sitting in Senora's lap). I actually knew Hattie! She was a cheerful, sweet octogenarian when I was a teenager.

ETA: I believe the tintype image is reversed, which was not unusual with early photography. That would explain combing the hair to his right instead of his left, and also if you'll notice, in the print with Senora, his left eye is a bit smaller -- or the right as you look at the image. The smaller eye is on the reverse side in the tintype. Interestingly, my left eye is also a bit smaller than my right.

Comments

[reidharriscooper]

What amazing photos and also quality reflections.

[alycewilson]

Thanks, Reid. I'm lucky I have so many. Just wish I could identify more!

[itsjustc.livejournal.com]

He's very recognizable in the first photo isn't he! Great photos and an insightful piece.

[alycewilson]

Thank you! I've become very good at noticing those facial features that can identify people across various ages. My mom left behind hundreds of photos, some of them very old, that lacked identification. I've been fortunate enough to find a few extended family members who could identify some individuals for me, like one who just recently helped me identify my second great-grandmother's brother. Both my 2x great-grandmother and her brother lived into their 90s and therefore, we have photos of them when they were quite old.

[adoptedwriter]

I treasure old family photos like these. Getting your picture taken was such a big deal and cutting-edge technology back then too.

[alycewilson]

Considering they didn't have a lot of money, my mother's maternal side took full advantage of the opportunities they had to take photos. In addition to all the photos of grown-ups, I have a ton of portraits of babies. Of course, babies are nearly indistinguishable from each other, so I doubt I'll ever make much progress identifying them. Super cute, though!

[oxymoron67]

Love this. We have a bunch of old family photos like this, too.

Usually, someone identified the people in them, but a few of them... we're all "who are these people?"

[dmousey]

Goodness these are interesting! Could look at pics like this all day! Happy New Year! .❄⛄😊🎉🎀🎄 May it being you peace and joy!

[zaichikarky]

Amazing. I work with these types of old photos all the time, but none have remained with my family. I'mean not even sure they took photos going back to my great grand parents' families. My maternal grandma's family lived deep in the Russian Countryside and my paternal great grandparents were a large and poor Jewish family. I've only seen one great grandmother, the on I was named after. Not sure if photos exist of other ones.

[bleodswean]

What great images! I love these! And yes, I think you're right about the reversal. Such amazing faces!

[babydramatic_1950]

A magnificent piece of family history. I have one photo of my maternal grandparents, which I treasure.

[tonithegreat]

I was lucky to meet and know six of my great grandparents. I often wonder what they would think of things now. Your photos are a nice shot of something different here.

[the_eternal_overthinker]

This is wonderful and nostalgic :) I like the idea and what a great way to compile the two. Nice !

[static_abyss]

I always love being able to find pictures of family. Iy keeps us connected to our past, even if we don't always know who everyone is.