CMS Research & Genealogy

Have you ever seen a mysterious photograph and you don’t know what the story about it is because you have no context? Yeah, we have too; we all have. In our various travels, we see a lot of vintage and antique photographs that have nothing written on the back of them. No names, no dates, no locations, no clues. Well, sometimes we can figure out some clues just by looking at the photograph, but there is still much that remains unknown. We would love to share some with you. Please note that we are not experts in photography, so we will try to use context clues to find out more about these photographs of unknown origin. Have a seat, get comfy and let’s explore a little together.

Onto our first example:

This photograph has no date or location, but written on the back of the photograph is “I love you truly. – Louie”. It can be assumed that the handsome and dapper gentleman pictured is “Louie.” The location can’t really be deciphered. The date, judging by the clothing worn by this man, is probably sometime between 1920-1950. However, possibly the most burning picture is: Who was Louie and who did he give this photograph to with such a sweet message. We may never know.

Moving on:

Here’s a good looking graduate. Apparently someone else thought so too. Look at the back of the photo.

And the back of the photo:

Ooooo, lipstick kisses. So, this looks like another no location, no name photograph. It also appears to be another photo from about 1920-1950. One thing can be said for certain though: someone really cared for this man.

So, we’d like to introduce you to Gertrude.

So, Gertrude’s name is written on the back of this photograph, but no last name is given. Also on the back of the photo is the name of the photographer’s studio: Brigden in Cleveland, Ohio. At the very least, we know that Gertrude visited Cleveland once. No date is given, but this photograph looks like it probably came from the late Victorian Era (1870-1901). What do you think?

This child looks like it’s on the edge of a breakdown.

This photograph has nothing written on the back. No name, no date, no location. Obviously, finding the name and location is moot, but it appears that this photo was taken sometime between 1920-1945. That is a guess. The baby carriage seems like it may be little older than that, maybe a hand- me-own. Regardless, that is a cute kid.

Sometimes you come across a picture with no name, no date, no location and no context clues like this one:

What an amazing and personal photograph. Maybe we will one day know who she is. Until then, she is, literally, another pretty face. While her name and location is unknown, given her hairstyle and clothes, it can be said that this photograph was taken sometime in the first half of the 20th century, probably circa 1925. Just wish we knew who she was: her dreams, what happened in her future. Hope she had a good life.

Not all pictures are of people, but still may tell a story. Here are some good examples:

This is the Idlewild. She’s a beauty, isn’t she? This photograph was taken July 28, 1929 in Peoria, Illinois. From the writing on the front and back of this photograph, this is all that can be gleaned at first glance. But wait, a quick Google search tells us more. We won’t try to recreate the wheel on this one as much has been the Idlewild, but check out these links to learn her fate. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belle_of_Louisville,

https://www.waterwaysjournal.net/2021/10/17/steamer-idlewild-was-built-to-last/,

https://www.waterwaysjournal.net/2020/06/26/the-incredible-idlewild/

Next, we have a photograph marked on the back as the New York City skyline and a date given of July, 1930.

What do you glean from this photograph? Recognize any of the buildings? Here’s a hint for you: This photo was taken on the East River side of Manhattan. Let us know in the comments below what you think.

Here is another fun one:

It would have been easy for someone familiar to this location to ascertain where this location is (like us), but thankfully, for those who don’t know, the location is written on the bottom of this picture.

Spoiler alert: The Auto Log still exists and is still a popular attraction in the Sequoia National Park in California. Google it or visit it sometime, it’s a fun place.

This may be the an ongoing series of articles. If you enjoy this sort of thing, let us know in the comments below. Thank you for joining us and we hope to see you again!

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