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.