“...a concentrating pianist, an enthusiastic
observer...” Alan wrote beneath his weekly prompt.
Goodness,
I thought I’ve got that covered!
I immediately went on my Sepia
Search: up the stairs, into the big storage space under the eaves, hauling
cardboard boxes out into the light and pawing through them like a madwoman,
looking for this specific photo – funny how we Sepians know exactly what we’re looking for
sometimes!
This is a cyanotype of my grandfather,
Gardner S. Gould (1886) and his youngest sibling, Margaret (1899) in the living
room at the family home on Boylston
Street Boston
I love the big bow in her hair,
the look of fascination on her face.
And I like the detail here: his
sweater and belt, the fact that he’s wearing a necktie, his white collar, the
slight blur of his right hand over the keys. And how she’s tucked up against
his chest, safe and secure; her lovely, lovely profile.
I have a vague recollection of
the mirror over the mantel (it might have been in my grandparents’ home when I
was young) and the tilt-top table to the left of the fireplace, but I have no idea
whatever happened to the piano, the stool, the rest of the rather imposing
artwork, the other stuff in the room.
They had a special relationship, these two.
Not too many years after this
photo was taken, Margaret, in her nightgown, ventured too near this same living
room fireplace; her gown caught fire, and she was quite badly burned on her
legs. Skin grafting was quite new then, but my grandfather was willing: doctors
took strips of skin from his thighs, grafted them onto hers.
All went well; the grafts took,
and she was home in about two weeks.
Every time I look at this photograph, I
smile; I can almost hear the music!
To see what other Sepians have found, visit:
Yes, a lovely photograph of such a sweet moment. It takes my breath knowing that at that moment they didn't know what we now know.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect explanation of what happens to me when I look at old photos! You're right, Wendy -- they don't know what we know...and it takes my breath away, too!
DeleteThat's a great photo, perfect for this week's theme. The fact that it's your family makes it extra special.
ReplyDeleteIt's one of my favorites, really. There's something so sweet about this one...breaks my heart.
DeleteA wonderful photograph, and a lovely story of what happened later and the happy outcome. You are so right about knowing when you have an appropriate photograph, the problem often lies in finding where it is hiding!
ReplyDeleteDo you have to tear your house apart, too, Jo? Sometimes I know right where it is, but at other times, I'm on an expedition for it!
ReplyDeleteThat is indeed a beautiful photo and a special story. Wouldn't it be nice if we could hear them too?
ReplyDeleteIt would indeed, Mike! I don't remember him ever playing the piano when I was little -- I barely remember what he sounded like, although I do know he had an infectious chuckle!
ReplyDeleteA special photo & a special story - thankfully with a happy outcome. And it does cause a pause in your breathing when you look at an older photo with knowledge, now, of what you didn't know then.
ReplyDeleteI look at him and realize that, at roughly 17, he has no idea of my existence...has not yet married (although he knows his future wife), not had children (my father being one), does not know that I will be his granddaughter. Amazing...
DeleteI enjoyed your story about the special relationship between brother and sister. It looks a very modern photograph to me :) even though it is over 100 years old.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Anne. I think it's because it's framed so well; it also has such clarity! And this is a cyanotype (it's bright blue) on flimsy paper! If it had been a black-and-white glass plate print, it would have been even more beautiful!
DeleteA lovely photograph and you conveyed the detail in it so beautifully to highlight the close relationship of brother and sister. The postscript of Margaret's accident made such sad reading, but again surmounted by close family.
ReplyDeleteSad, but all well in the end. I remember Margaret clearly -- she was one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen; had white hair by the time I was aware of her, lovely skin and a fabulously wicked grin...
DeleteA wonderful photograph and story, and so well described. You are absolutely right, Margaret feels secure and happy with her big brother; that shines through.
ReplyDeleteIt must be a family trait: I was always secure and happy with MY big brother, too -- still am!
DeleteWow, I wasn't expecting that final paragraph. What an amazing story. I'm glad you were able to locate the photo for us.
ReplyDeleteIt was pretty amazing. I don't know much about skin grafting, but I know it was in its infancy back then. She was lucky, indeed!
DeleteWonderful picture - a perfect match for the theme. I am glad I set you off in search of it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Alan, for providing prompts that give me such wonderful opportunities to connect with my family history -- I'm a devoted Sepian!
DeleteWonderful post...you had the theme picture for sure, and a story of healing through their love also! Amazing.
ReplyDeleteSomeday I'll post a picture of them as adults...they remained close throughout their lives.
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