Every Friday The Psychogenealogist shares a "Pic of the Week." The intent is to encourage thought and imagination about the spaces where psychology, genealogy, and history converge.
Here is another probably late 1800s cabinet photograph that I picked up at a used book store. This well dressed man was a unique image to me. I hadn't seen images like this with someone carrying what appears to be either a suitcase or some sort of work bag.
The only marking was a stamped name and location on the back.
The name was easy enough to read as "Mr. Bert Doyle". I enlarged and highlighted the stamp to decipher the rest.
Mr. Bert Doyle of Somewhere, Michigan
I am fairly confident that the second half of the location says "Mich" for Michigan. The city seems impossible to read. Even under a light and magnifying glass I couldn't make it out. If I was forced to make a guess I would say possibly "Bay City" but I wouldn't bet much money on that.
It has been a long week so I am going to leave the rest to you. Here are some questions I invite you to think about. Please feel free to share your answers - I would love to hear what you find.
QUESTIONS:
- Who was Mr. Bert Doyle?
- Where was he from and where did he live?
- What was his profession? Is he carrying a doctors bag?
- If they are just suitcases, why would someone pose for a photography carrying them?
- If they are suitcases, where is he going? Where has he been?
- There was some pretty severe mold or mildew markings on the photo. Can that be cleaned? What is the best way to do that?
- What do you think, wonder, and feel as you look at Mr. Bert Doyle?
- What is his story?
- Does Bert have any living family that might appreciate this photo being sent to them?
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