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.

This woman’s downward stare is melancholy and intense. She’s forlorn. perhaps in mourning. Her face and eyes hint at an emotional story. What could it be?

The photographer stamp on the back says I.N. Hays of Greenville, Ohio. Along the left side the woman appears to be identified as “Maggie Mead”. It is not clear to me what is written on the right. I’ll rotate the image for easier viewing.

“Your rich aunt you’ll get 25¢ from” seems possible but I am not certain. If that is what it says it certainly seems like the kind of story I would like to know!

Questions:

• Who is Maggie Mead and what is her story?

• Who is writing on the back of the photo?

• What do you make of her outfit, jewelry, or hair?

• Who might she be mourning?

• What is the meaning of the writing on the back?

• What can you tell us about the photographer?

• When do you think the photo was taken?

• What do you feel and wonder about as you consider Maggie’s life?

I would love to hear your thoughts about these questions or other ideas that occur to you about the photo. Please feel to leave a comment below!

Featured Tag: Women