An unusual photograph.

The woman is unidentified, but the back of the photo has a date stamp- MAR 23 1891, with the date to be delivered 3/30 and the picture number  7730-3327. Besides providing an approximate date for the photograph being taken (and therefore, for the style of the mark used by McManus Brothers in 1891), the back matter also provides an idea about the ordering process.

Photograph was purchased from an Ebay seller in Florida.

Unidentified man. [nothing written on back, photo purchased from an Ebay seller in Florida]

Union Street. E. N. Moblo, Traverse City, Mich. (circa 1893-1910s).

Boy's Cornet Band.

The Boy's Cornet Band was

The same photo appears in an article in the Traverse City Record Eagle from 10 September 1966 (page 3, column 4). The band played a concert in August 1895.

The band was directed by Joe Rutner. Albert Peteryl was the drum major. Other members were Wilford Campbell, Andrew Vlack, Al Send, Albert Rezenka, August Bauman, Len Grayson, Morgan Paige, Elmer McCoy, Fred Monroe, Charley Germaine, Ed Newton, Wallis Campbell, and Fred Wurzburg. 

Knights of Columbus, Traverse City.

The Knights of Columbus is a Catholic family fraternal service organization. The Traverse City Saint Francis Council 13958 is still in existence.

The photograph was taken in the early 1900s to 1910s (the Smith & Price Studio operated between 1899 and 1925). Note the hitching posts along the street. I do not know which church is present- it may be the old St. Francis Church torn down in the 1970s, I will have to check on that.

Smith & Price, TRAVERSE CITY, MICH.

Interior, the Straub-Amiotte Candy Company.

An unusual interior view of the business office of the Straub-Amiotte Candy Company. The office appears to have a painted wooden floor, a pressed metal ceiling, and electric lights hanging from the ceiling, with a line leading down to a desk lamp. A telephone is mounted on the wall to the left. A fireplace is present at the back of the room,. A map of Michigan hangs on the rear wall next to a portrait of President William McKinley (president between 1897 to 1901). A typewriter is sitting on the desk to the right, with a small mantel clock on top.

Click photo to enlarge.

The photograph does not have a studio mark.

On the back are the names of the five people in the picture. At the back are Bertha Holcomb, Mae Bracken, and John G. Straub. Anton F. Straub is standing on the left. George Amiotte is seated at the desk.

The Straub Brothers and George Amiotte formed their company in March 1899. They trio's company was so successful that they enlarged twice before building the Big Daylight Candy Factory at 400 W. Front Street in Traverse City. In 2014, the building is the North Peak Brewing Company. The candy company was in operation until 1928.

Nelson E. Chatterdon's funeral flowers.

I occasionally see photographs of floral arrangements from funerals. I purchased this image from Ebay. It has two insets, one of a man's face and another of a document. The G.A.R. floral tribute indicated that this was a Civil War soldier. Under high magnification the name Chatterdon is visible on the document and as it turns out, Nelson Chatterdon died in Traverse City on 24 February 1900.

Most photographs from this time period were studio portraits. This one is probably the interior of the Chatterdon house on Washington Street. Visible furnishings include a dressing table with a mirror (covered), two end tables, a wicker stool, and two homemade stools covered with carpet scraps. The walls are covered with wallpaper, the floor has a commercially woven rug. An adjustable blind covers the window on the left.

Two wreaths, several bundles of flowers, and at least seven vases filled with flowers were present. Nelson died in February 1900, and it is interesting to see what flowers were available at the time. I can identify calla lilies, roses, carnations (the most popular), and some type of daisy. Many of the flowers are starting to wilt, suggesting the picture was taken a few days after the funeral, perhaps at the very end of February.


Click on the image for a larger view.

Smith & Price Traverse City.

And the answer about the flowers- in 1893 J. K. Gunton had a greenhouse and was providing cut flowers to the community (Grand Traverse Herald, 16 February 1893, page 5, column 5). The 1902 Traverse City city directory lists two men as florists- Frank M. Paine and Ernest F. Holcomb.

Nelson E. Chatterdon was born on 22 February 1847 in New York or Lenawee County, Michigan, son of (–?–) Chatterdon and May Dennison..

            Nelson was married first on 30 December 1865 in Washington County, Michigan  to Caroline Theyr [Thayer?]. ¹

            Nelson enlisted as a Private in Company A of the 17^th Michigan Infantry on 3 February 1864 at Detroit, Michigan. He was transferred to Company A of the  2^nd Michigan Infantry on 31 May 1865. He was mustered out at 28 July 1865 at Delaney House in Washington, DC.²

            On 22 June 1880, Nelson and his daughter May lived in Traverse City with George Upton. The two men were harness makers.³

            Nelson was married on 7 June 1884 in Grant township, Grand Traverse County to Jennie A. Skinner.⁴ Nelson was a harness maker in Traverse City in 1884.⁵ In 1890, Nelson lived in Traverse City.⁶

            Nelson applied for Civil War invalid pension in February 1896.⁷

            Nelson died on 24 February 1900 at his home on Washington Street from a cerebral apoplexy.⁸ In March 1900, Jennie applied for a Civil War widow’s pension.⁹

            Jennie died on 7 May 1954 in Traverse City.¹⁰ Nelson and Jennie are buried in Oakwood Cemetery.¹¹

Nelson and Caroline (Thayer) Chatterdon were the parents of one child:

i.          MAY B. CHATTERDON was born circa 1871 in Michigan.

---

¹Chatterdon-Theyr entry, Michigan Marriages 1822-1995 database, online at FamilySearch.org.

²Nelson Chatterdon entry, US Civil War Records and Profiles database, online at FamilySearch.org.

³George Upton household, 1880 US census, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, population schedule, Traverse City, ED 82, SD 2, sheet 18B, dwelling 140, family 166; NARA microfilm T9, roll 578.

⁴Grand Traverse County Marriage Records, Vol. 2:74.

⁵Michigan Western, 1884 Directory, online at Ancestry.com.

⁶Nelson Chatterdon, 1890 US census, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, population schedule, Traverse City, page 9, line 1; NARA microfilm M123, roll 21.

⁷Nelson Chatterdon entry, Civil War Pension Index, Application no. 803,377, Certificate no. 620,415.

⁸Grand Traverse County Death Records, Vol. 1:184.

⁹Nelson Chatterdon entry, Civil War Pension Index, Application no. 714,968, Certificate no. 494,407.

¹⁰Death Takes Grant Pioneer, Traverse City Record Eagle, 7 March 1954, page 9, column 6.

¹¹Oakwood Cemetery, 1^st Addition, Block 306, Lot 02, #9.

Thomas Brockway.

Another photograph from the Sluyter-Reynolds album.

McManus Brothers, Traverse City, Michigan.

Thomas Brockway was born in December 1822 in New York, son of Russell Brockway and Harriet Burgess.. He was married circa 1845 to Anna Lesley. Anna was born on 6 November 1824 in New York, daughter of Abner Lesley and Naomi King.

On 1 July 1850, Thomas and Ann and their four-yearold son Burgess lived in Oshtemo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan. He worked as a farmer. The couple owned $300 in property. Thomas’ parents lived nearby.

On 10 July 1860, the couple and their children Burg[?] and Emma lived in Schroeppel, Oswego County, New York. Thomas worked as a farmer. They owned $1,350 in real estate and $416 in personal property. Their eldest child had attended school in the last year. Their daughter Ellen was living nearby in the household of Berth and Almira Clough.5 The Brockways came to Traverse City in 1862. Thomas “made apple and flour barrels for Hannah, Lay & Co.” In 1864 it was reported that, “DIED- At Thos. Brockway’s, in Melville, on the 13th August, Clarance, son of Abner and Naomi Leslie, in the 15th year of his age.” In 1869, “Mr. T. B. Brockway saw a large bear a few days since, a short distance from Mr. Chantler’s place. Bruin was only a mile from town.”

On 22 August 1870, the couple and their three daughters- Ellen, Emma, and Adeline- lived in Traverse City. He worked as a farmer while Anna was keeping house. Ellen was teaching school while the two younger girls were attending school. The family owned $1,000 in real estate and $300 in personal property. Thomas was elected constable for Traverse township in 1871.

On 12 June 1880, the couple and their daughter Ada lived in Traverse City. Thomas worked as a farmer, Anna was keeping house, and Ada was teaching school.

On 7 June 1900, the couple lived at 402 Wadsworth in Traverse City. SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY. MR. AND MRS. BROCKWAY HAS HAPPY CELEBRATION. Yesterday Was Also Mr. Brockway’s Eighty-Third Birthday- Mrs. Geo. Lutman is Only Living Child. The sixtieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Brockway of 332 West Ninth street was observed yesterday at the home of the aged couple, who, as young lovers plighted their vows sixty years ago before an altar in New York. The aged couple are the great grandparents of the little infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Anderson. Yesterday was also Mr. Brockway’s eight-third birthday so the occasion was doubly happy. On account of Mrs. Brockway’s health, the day was quietly spent. Four children were born to the couple but Mrs. George Lutman is the only living one. There are nine grandchildren.

Anna died on 31 March 1907 at 332 W. 9th Street in Traverse City from old age.

Thomas died from cancer of the hand and old age on 20 January 1909 at 348 W. 9th Street in Traverse City.

The couple is buried in Oakwood Cemetery.16 Their tombstone reads: BROCKWAY THOMAS B. ANN L. 1822-1909 1824-1907

Thomas and Anna (Lesley) Brockway were the parents of five children (only one alive in 1900):17 were the parents of five children (only one alive in 1900):

i. BURGESS LAFAYETTE BROCKWAY was born on 18 October 1846 in Oswego, Oswego County, New York. He died on 5 October 1860. A foot stone grave marker for this child is present in Oakwood Cemetery.18

ii. ELLEN ELDORA BROCKWAY was born on 8 August 1851 in Oswego, Oswego County, New York. She was married on 15 October 1875 in Traverse City to William Samuel Anderson.

iii. BURTON ABNER BROCKWAY was born on 17 October 1854 in Oswego, Oswego County, New York. He died on 2 May 1855 in Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York.

iv. EMMA LOUISA BROCKWAY was born on 26 January 1857 in Schroeppel, Oswego County, New York. She was married on 19 April 1877 to Charles W. Howard. She died on 11 August 1880 in Long Lake township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan.

v. MARY ADELINE BROCKWAY was born on 19 February 1863 in Kasson, Leelanau County, Michigan. She was married to George D. Lutman. 3Thomas Brockway

Luella Rickerd.

Another photograph from the Sluyter-Reynolds photo album. Luella Rickerd was born on 5 October 1870 in Traverse City, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, daughter of Harrison Rickerd and Mary Eliza Lesley. She was married on 15 September 1897 in Traverse City to William R. Johnson (1868-1937). Luella died in Traverse City on 14 January 1944.

McManus Brothers, Traverse City, Mich.

Minnie Nicholson. [written on back of photo]

A few years ago I purchased a set of photographs on Ebay that originated from the Wait and Nicholson family.

McManus Bros. Traverse City, Mich.

Thwo unidentified photographs.

McManus Brothers, Traverse City, Mich.

McManus Bros. Traverse City, Mich.

Rob Reynolds and John Reynolds, cousins.

 This photographs below are from the Sluyter-Reynolds photograph album. The Boswell studio operated between circa 1900 to circa 1906.

Rob Reynolds and John Reynolds.

Wm. Boswell, Photographer, TRAVERSE CITY, MICH.

Rob Reynolds

Wm. Boswell, Photographer, TRAVERSE CITY, MICH.

Rob Reynolds is wearing the same tie in both photos and his hair looks the same, probably indicating that the photos were taken on the same date. It is interesting to note that the Boswell studio was using different cards.

Willimina Youker. 2 yrs.

Haven't been able to identify this young girl. The photograph was probably taken after 1900.

Embossed mark McManus Bros. 

Curtis Otwell Reynolds and his wife Eliza Ellen (White)(Reynolds) Welborn. Eliza was married second to John Curtis Welborn, who had previously been married to Curtis' sister Louisa.

Conat, Photographer, Traverse City, Mich.

The Conat studio operated in 1892 in Traverse City under the direction of Charles W. Conat. This studio probably only lasted a year or two, I have seen only a few pictures taken there.

Three unusual unidentified group photos. [none are marked on the back]

All are from the Himes Studio, which operated in Traverse City between 1894 and 1900. Although open for about six years, the studio used at least three different maker's marks on the photographs they produced.

The first and second photographs were purchased at the same time on Ebay. They may represent young men in costume, for a party or play.

R. B, Himes Cor. Front and Park Traverse City, Mich.

R. B, Himes Cor. Front and Park Traverse City, Mich.

The third photograph shows two men posed with their bicycles. Bicycles became popular in the 1890s throughout the United States.

HIMES Traverse City, Mich.

An unidentified couple.

The E. N. Moblo Studio operated between 1893 and sometime past 1913. This is probably a wedding photograph.

E. N. MOBLO, ENM Studio, Traverse City, Mich.

An unidentified family, circa late 1880s to 1890s.

The McManus Brothers studio posed many people in front of this back drop- I have at least four including one dated 1 January 1888.

McManus Brothers, Traverse City, Mich.

Two unidentified women. [nothing written on the back of these photos].

Both were taken at the studio of  McManus Brothers, Traverse City, Mich. in the 1890s. The same proprs and back drop were used.

As I purchase dated or dateable photographs, I hope to accumulate enough information on the props, back drops, and studio marks to be able to better date individual photos.

Addie Hobbs. Back of photograph: Addie Hobbs, Mayfield, Mich.

McManus Brothers, Traverse City, Mich.

Addie Hobbs was born in May 1875 in North Carolina, daughter of John W. Hobbs and Elmina Macy. She was married on 24 March 1900 in Mayfield, Grand Traverse County, Michigan to Hezekiah Stockfish. He was born in April 1874 in Canada.

In June 1900, the young couple lived in Paradise township. Hezekiah worked as a farm laborer.

On 21 April 1910, the couple and their four children- Dollie, Alvin, Theron, and Rena- lived in Paradise township. Hezekiah worked as a farmer.

The family moved to Canada by 1916.

An unidentified Catholic nun. [nothing written on back]

An unusual purchase from Ebay. The book she is holding is probably a Bible. She had a rosary and a nun's cross on her left side. The prop table has a crucifix with a small skull at the base of the cross.

McManus Brothers, Traverse City, Mich.

Two unidentified men. No writing on the back of these photographs.

Wm. Boswell, PHOTOGRAPHER. TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. (circa 1900-1906).

A. J. Bradshaw Photor. Traverse City. Late 1890s (studio in operation in 1897).

Naaman Harry Dowd. The back of the photo has "Naaman Harry Dowd, Monroe Center, Michigan," and "Seath Dowd".

Smith & Price, TRAVERSE CITY (this studio operated between 1899 and 1925).

Naaman Harry Dowd was born in December 1869 in Birdsall, Alleghany County, New York, son of Paul Constant Dowd and Celinda Gregory. On 7 July 1870, Naaman lived with his parents and siblings Harriette, George, and Louis in Birdhall, Alleghany County, New York. Naman's father was working as a farmer.

On 5 June 1875, Naman lived with his parents and siblings Hallie, George, Louis, and Ida in Birdsall, Alleghany County, New York.

On 10 June 1880, Naman was living with his parents and siblings Hariett, George, Louis, Ida, and Ada in Birdsall.

In June 1900, Harry lived with his sister Hattie, her husband Joseph Saunders, and that couples' children Roy Saunders and Oscar Andrews. Harry was working as a farmer. 

On 3 April 1910, Harry and Vida and their sons Bryce and George lived in Grant township. Harry worked as a thresher while Vida was a dress maker.

Harry was married on 5 November 1903 in South Lyon, Oakland County, Michigan to Vida A. Swainston. Elton M. Calkins, a Justice of the Peace, conducted the ceremony, which was witnessed by Carrie R. Calkins and Lillian Terwilliger. At the time of the marriage, Harry worked as an engineer. Vida was born on 4 April 1880 in Kingsley, Grand Traverse County, daughter of George Swainston and Cornelia West.

On 7 January 1920, the couple and their three children- Bryce, Geor, and Gllenmagnia lived in Blair township, with Harry working as a farmer.

In April 1930, Harry and Vida and their three children- Bruce, George, and Glenagene- lived in Blair township. They owned their home, valued at $2,500, but did not have a radio. Harry was working as a grain thresher while his two sons were farm laborers.

Naman died on 19 February 1955 in Grawn. Naman Harry Dowd, 91, resident of Grawn, died at his home following a lingering illness. Naman Dowd was born Dec. [??] 1864 in Birdsall, New York, the son of Paul and Celinda Dowd. He came to Michigan in 1888 and settled in Grawn where he lived up until the time of his death. On October 3, 1902 he was united in marriage to Vida Swainston of Kingsley, and to this union were born four children. Mr. Dowd was a millwright and shingle thresher and also farmed for some years. He attended the Methodist church in Grawn and was a member at one time of the Monroe Center IOOF. Surviving besides his widow Vida are two sons Bryce of Mesick and George of Grawn, one daughter Mrs. Kevin[?] Amidon of Grawn, six grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. One son preceded him in death. The body was removed to the Smith funeral home in Kingsley where it will repose until Tuesday noon. Funeral services will be held from the Grawn Methodist church at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, Rev. Philip Jaquish will officiate and interment will be made in the Memorial Gardens cemetery, Traverse City.

Vida died on 29 September 1969 in Traverse City. Resident of Grawn Dies. GRAWN- Mrs. Vida A. Dowd, 89, of Grawn died Monday afternoon at Grand Traverse Medical Care Facility in Traverse City after a long illness. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Smith funeral home in Kingsley, Rev. Marion Nye officiating, with burial in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Down was born April 4, 1880 at Kingsley, the daughter of George and Cornelia Swainston. For many years she operated a family care home at Grawn and she had belonged to Grawn Methodist Chuarch before entering the medical care facility six years ago. On October 5, 1902 she was married to Naaman (Harry) Dowd, who preceded her in death. Surviving are: two sons, Bryce of Mesick and Garr (George); a daughter, Mrs. Jean Amidon of Grawn; six grandchildren and three great- grandchildren; two sisters, Cora White and Nellie Briggs of Muskegon; and a brother, George Swainston of Muskegon. Besides the husband, a son, a sister, Mrs. Lulu Warren, and two brothers, Lloyd and Orin Swainston, preceded Mrs. Down in death.

The couple is buried in Garden of Gethsemane and Sermon on the Mount section of the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens in Traverse City.

Naaman and Vida (Swainston) Dowd were the parents of four children:

i. BRYCE B. DOWD was born in 1904 in Grand Traverse County.
ii. GARR "GEORGE" SCOTT DOWD was born in 1905 in Grand Traverse County.
iii. HAROLD EMERSON DOWD was born in 1905 in Grand Traverse County.
iii. GLENAGENE V. DOWD was born circa 1917 in Michigan. 

Two unidentified photographs.

UNION ST., TRAVERSE CITY. E. N. Moblo, Michigan. (1890s)

McManus Bros. TRAVERSE CITY, MICH.

Tom Shane Feed & Sale Stable, Cook and Benton Livery, circa 1905-1912.

Like most images, you can clock on the image to see a large version.

The date of the picture is based on advertisements in Traverse City newspapers. The Queen City Implements Company was in operation in 1905 and the Cook and Benton Livery in 1912. The occasion for the photograph is not known.

Harvest Dance, 4 August 1882.

An unusual item, an invitation for a harvest dance held at Griner & Brother's Hall.

Two Himes photographs marked "Cor. Front & Park Himes Traverse City, Mich."  R. B. Himes operated his studio in Traverse City between 1894 and 1900. The two photographs were purchased at the same time and likely were family members or friends. The sofa appears in both photos.

Written on back: Mable Shelder

Mabel Shelder was born on 10 August 1881 in Paradise township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, daughter of Charles Shelder (born Canada) and Sarah Duffey (born Ohio). Her parents were living in Paradise township in June 1880. She had two older sisters, Marion A. (born 30 August 1877) and Ada V. (born circa 1878/1879), and a younger brother George Walter (born 12 August 1883).

Mabel's sister Ada Shelder was married on 1 April 1896 in Paradise township to Adam F. Chappel. Adam was born circa 1854 in Perth, Canada, son of William H. Chappel and Susan Westerdirck. Adam had been previously married to Margaret Elizabeth Sly, who died in 1892. Adam and Margaret were the parents of Emma, Edward, James, Franklin, Charles, and Adam. Adam and Ada were the parents of William and Benjamin.

Written on back: Florence and Edward Chaple Travers City Mich.

Edward was born on 20 June 1874 in Paradise township, Michigan. He died on 12 January 1940 in Garfield township, his death certificate noting that he was divorced. Edward was married first on 25 April 1904 in Grawn, Grand Traverse County to Julia (Seymour) Bartz. Julia was born circa 1874 in Michigan, daughter of Harlow Seymour and Sarah Anthony. By 1920, Edward was married to Annie (--?--). Annie was born circa 1886/1887 in Canada.

Florence remains unidentified. There was a Florence Chappel working as a servant in Traverse City in 1900. She was born in May 1882 in Michigan, to parents born in New York. It is uncertain (and probably unlikely) that this is the Florence in the photo. 

Sidney Atwood Mills and Lucia Holliday Mills, May 1894.

Sidney and Lucia Mills were the children of John Payson Mills (1846-1905) and Margaret "Maisie" Bell Vance (1849-1907).  Sidney was born on 26 May 1889 in Michigan. Lucia was born about 1879 in Illinois or Michigan.

Lucia was married on 27 May 1902 in Flint, Monroe County, Michigan to Otto C. R. Peles. She died on 14 October 1943 in Monroe, Monroe County, Michigan.

WEST UNION STREET, E. N. Moblo, TRAVERSE CITY MICH.

Unidentified man. Back of photo does not have any writing. Note the stand behind the man, used to help hold him still while the photograph was taken.

UNION STREET, E. N. Moblo, Traverse City, Mich.

The Moblo studio operated from about 1893 until after 1913.

Anthony John Maresh and Mary Ilene Nemecek. These photographs were purchased on Ebay at separate times.Unfortunately, I haven't kept track of who I was buying photos from. It was only after I laid my photos out that I realized three of them were of Mary (Nemecek) Maresh.

The first photo is almost certainly their wedding photograph. Anton Maresh, age 27 and the son of Jacob Maresh and Mary Eskstoyn,, was married on 5 June 1899 to Mary Nemecek, age 24 (her parents were not listed on the marriage record). The wedding took place at Provemont, Leelanau County, Michigan. Both were natives of Bohemia. Anton worked as a farmer and lived at Gills Pier, while Mary was a housekeeper living in Traverse City. Alex F, Zugolder, a priest, conducted the ceremony, which was witnessed by John Kolarik and Mary Novotny of Gills Pier.

Back of photo reads:

Mary Ilene Nemecek

Anthyony John Maresh

married @ PRUDMONT

June 5, 1899

Bradshaw, Traverse City, Mich. (late 1890s) Nothing written on the back, but this is clearly Mary (Nemecek) Maresh.

Bradshaw, Traverse City, Mich. (late 1890s) Nothing written on the back, but this is clearly Mary (Nemecek) Maresh.

Anthony Maresh was born in June 1872 and died in 1957. Mary (Nemecek) Maresh was born on 13 October 1874 and died on 3 June 1973. They are buried in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in Gills Pier.

Mary's obituary appeared in the Traverse City Record Eagle on 4 June 1973, page 6, column 4.

Two unidentified pictures. Neither have writing on the back.

Unidentified woman. Wm. Boswell, Photographer, Traverse City, Mich. (circa 1996-1906)

Unidentified man. Boswell, Artist, Traverse City, Mich. (circa 1900-1906)

Unidentified woman. McManus Bros. Traverse City, Mich. Nothing written on back of photograph.

Traverse City High School Commencement Program, 1930.