Three photos from the McManus Brothers studio. I cannot be certain, but I suspect all three are from the same family and the first two may be photos of the third, the latter taken when they were older. Luckily, the third photo has their names on the back.

All three are taken with the same backdrop, which appears to have a curtain next to a pilaster with a flower-filled urn.

The first photo has the child posing next to a velvet-upholstered chair with tassels.

The second photo has the child seated in a chair with tassels hanging from its arms. A rug and blanket next to the child almost certainly disguises a parent holding the child in place.

The third photo has written in pencil:

Blanche Lada Robertson

Frank Lada

 Blanche is seated in a chair with braid hanging from the arm and seat. A rug is visible behind the two children.

Frank Lada was born on 22 May 1895, the son of Joseph V. Lada and Anna M. Valish. He died on 16 January 1897 in Traverse City and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

His younger sister Blanche Lada was born on 15 June 1897 in Traverse City. She was married to Harry Alexander Robertson. She died on 11 January 1937 in Traverse City and was buried in Oakwood Cemetery.

Based on Blanche's birth year I think the photo was likely taken in 1898.

 

A second photo from the Traverse City antique store.

On the back is written "Boys Band Minstrels Feb 24/98." 

On the front is a line of nine men wearing tophats, carrying canes. Behind them are 14 men in band uniforms and another man in regular clothing. Behind them is a large number of people including two men with bicycles. They are standing in from of Julius Campbell's grocery store which offered "STAPLE'S FANCY GROCERIES."

Front of photo.
 

Back of photo.

A pair of newspaper articles reveal the performance was held at the City Opera House and raised money for the group, called the Hustlers.

Grand Traverse Herald, 17 February 1898, page 5, column 2.

Grand Traverse Herald, 3 March 1898, page 5, column 2.