I collect photographs dating from the 1840s to the 1940s. I am drawn to these images as irreplaceable and almost magical glimpses into our collective history, time capsules of past moments preserved only on fragile glass and paper. These are not for sale. I’ve digitally imaged them here to increase the chance of their survival and to share them with others who may enjoy them as well. I’m not an expert, but I’ve identified people, places, and ages of the images to the best of my ability based on occasional notes on the backs, paper and printing, and on the contents of the images.

- Robert Beauford

 

1920-1930 Photographs

Pre-1920s to 1930s, "Claud & Mr. Jewel with the Old Cow" photograph. A kneeling man is milking a cow into a bucket, while another man stands nearby.

Pre-1920s to 1930s, "Claud & Mr. Jewel with the Old Cow" photograph. A kneeling man is milking a cow into a bucket, while another man stands nearby.

4 Children, 2 boys and 2 girls, are playing with a wooden toy 'Coaster' wagon. There were several brands of these made over a number of years, but the hubs of the wheels on this one are pretty consistent with 1920 to 1923 or so. Two of the children

4 Children, 2 boys and 2 girls, are playing with a wooden toy 'Coaster' wagon. There were several brands of these made over a number of years, but the hubs of the wheels on this one are pretty consistent with 1920 to 1923 or so. Two of the children have bare feet. It looks like there may be a garden to the back left, and fenced pasture or similar to the back right.

1927 photograph of what is almost certainly a newly married couple. He is wearing a corsage and she is carrying a bouquet and wearing a white or light colored dress with a flower in her hair. They are standing in front of a Model T. It appears to

1927 photograph of what is almost certainly a newly married couple. He is wearing a corsage and she is carrying a bouquet and wearing a white or light colored dress with a flower in her hair. They are standing in front of a Model T. It appears to be a 'touring' model from the 1920s. There are two notes on the back. "Lena(?) and Otto Burger" is written in pen. In a different hand, written in pencil, is "aunt Mary and uncle Wilbert." A Border Fox Tone photo developer stamp specifies San Antonio and 1927.

Photograph with 2 men, a skinny dog, and a mule, from San Antonio, Texas, in 1925. Photo developers 'Border Fox Tone' stamp on the back specifies 1925 and San Antonio.

Photograph with 2 men, a skinny dog, and a mule, from San Antonio, Texas, in 1925. Photo developers 'Border Fox Tone' stamp on the back specifies 1925 and San Antonio.

1925 photograph of a kneeling man and woman with their young daughter posing at the edge of a cotton field. The little girl is holding what appears to be a composition or porcelain black baby doll. Below the image is written "Ethel and Billy." On

1925 photograph of a kneeling man and woman with their young daughter posing at the edge of a cotton field. The little girl is holding what appears to be a composition or porcelain black baby doll. Below the image is written "Ethel and Billy." On the back, it says "Taken at Country Club, Raleigh, N.C. 1925" and "To Annie" The photographers imprint on the back says "Finished by Siddell Studio Raleigh N. C." Siddell Studio operated in Raleigh from at least 1918 to 1969.