Unidentified Family Pictures

Unidentified and undated probably Tressler pictures.

If you can help, the email me at pdfero@gmail.com.

Pictures:

This photo was not identified. This antique portrait, featuring a baby in a Victorian-era gown, is an original cabinet card from the late 19th century. 

The photograph was taken at the Smith Studio in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Based on historical listings for similar cabinet cards from this location, the photographer is identified as R.M. Smith, who was active in Indiana, PA, during the 1890s. 

Grandpa and grandma lived in Dixonville, PA , 1898-1900, which is only 20 minutes away from Indiana.

1900 census:  

Winifred is two-years old in the 1900 census; therefore, the baby in the picture is Winifred in 1898.

A Wesleyan Methodist church still stands in Dixonville.

The card features distinctive branding at the bottom:

Monogram: A stylized "SB" or "RS" monogram in the center.

Location: "INDIANA, PA.".

Tagline: "EXTRA FINISH," which was a common marketing term used by 19th-century photographers to denote a higher quality of development or mounting. 

About the Format

Cabinet cards were a popular style of photographic portraiture used from approximately 1866 to 1914. They typically consisted of an albumen print mounted on a rigid piece of cardboard, often measuring 4¼ by 6½ inches. The elaborate graphic branding on the front or back of the card was a standard way for regional photographers to advertise their work. 

The studio mark identifies R.M. Smith, a prominent regional photographer based in Indiana, Pennsylvania, during the late 19th century. Records from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) archives indicate that Smith was part of a thriving photographic industry in the area during this era. His cabinet cards are noted for their distinctive "Extra Finish" branding and elaborate monograms, which were hallmarks of higher-end studio work at the time. 

Victorian Portraiture Techniques

The style and composition of this photo reveal several common practices of 19th-century photography:

"Hidden Mother" Photography: In the 1800s, exposure times could range from 30 seconds to several minutes. To keep squirming infants still, a mother or assistant would often hide behind a draped cloth or chair to hold the child steady. In your image, the soft, draped background behind the baby likely conceals a parent or a support structure.

Long Gowns for All Infants: It was standard Victorian custom for both baby boys and girls to wear long, white "christening-style" gowns until they reached toddlerhood.

Dating the Card: The scalloped edges and dark, elaborate ink used for the photographer's logo are strong indicators that this card dates specifically to the 1890s. (Information about picture comes from Gemini.)

Identified pictures:

 Kathy Tressler Hoover has identified this picture as the Potter family. The lovely lady on the far right being Ellen Potter.

Ellen was born in 1880. Assuming she is about 20 in this picture, the date is circa 1900.

Left to right, back row: Joe Potter, Catherine Potter, Tom Potter, Arthur Potter, Winnie Potter. Front row: Mayme Potter, Mother Potter, Victor Potter, Dad Potter, Ella Helen Potter.

Kathy Tressler Hoover has identified this individuals as

 Isaiah Tressler, Robert Lee Tressler and Isaiah Jack Tressler.

(If we can get the birth date of Robert Lee, we can date this photo fairly closely.)

Diane Denoyer, a Rogers descendent, has identified this couple as Evalina or Evalena R. Rogers Clark (1872 - 1952) and Edward E. Clark, Rev. (1869-1941). Many thanks to Diane.