Duke & Diane

As a rule, I don't show the decorative borders found on many old photographs.  Most are pretty much the same and unless a particular border is unique, I kind of figure, if you've seen one, you've seen them all. 

So, information on the back of the print.  "Dec. 27, 1935.  Duke & Diane Andrews. Taken at 1228 S. Wisconsin Ave. Berwyn, Ill.  9-7 years."  Let's start with the obvious, the helmet Duke is wearing is probably a Christmas present.  Football, would be my best guess, though in an era that was mad about aviation, it could also be a flyer's helmet.  The leather jacket was also the type of clothing worn by early, open cockpit aviators, so perhaps Duke wanted to be like his hero Charles Lindbergh.  There is a dark blob against the wall that I think could be a dog.  I tried looking up the names on line but pretty much struck out.  Diane Andrews is too common of a name.  Also, if she got married, any mention would have probably been by her married name.  Duke is probably a nickname which doesn't really help, though there is a Duke Andrews basketball league in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.  A connection?  Perhaps, but impossible to tell.  And finally, Berwyn is a suburb of Chicago. 

Bold choice for an amateur photographer, taking a picture next to light patterns from the window, which is very difficult to print. 

A Creepy Cabinet Card

Take a close look at the second girl on the left.  Her eyes seem, at least to me, to be kind of lifeless.  Too, it looks like she's being held up by the rest of her family.  The child on her left is holding on to the dress, meanwhile we can see a hand on her right that looks well placed to hold the child upright.  In the nineteenth century, a time of high childhood mortality, a rather creepy photographic service was being offered; photo portraits with the dead kids.  There's no way it can be proved, but I think second on the left was dead when this picture was taken.

There's nothing on the back of the card, and the slight impression on the card front doesn't really scan.  It's difficult to see, but I was able to make out Ottawa, Kansas.  The photographer's name, however, well, I'm not really sure.  I think it's C Wain, though maybe not.

Higgins' Pocket Gallery 9

And so it comes to an end with a criminal nicknamed Pickles.  And let's be honest, he looks a bit like a pickle.   Click on Higgins Pocket Gallery in labels to bring up the whole lot.

Higgins' Pocket Gallery 8

Alright, I know I promised I'd find out more information about Honest Jimmy Higgins, but it looks like, not so much.  I'm headed out to the California desert to do some hiking and camping, I haven't had as much time as I had hoped, so here goes.  James Higgins was a reformer, yes he was honest and introduced forensic, scientific policing to Buffalo.  That's it, I just was too backed up to dig up more.   As usual, click on Higgins Pocket Gallery to see more.

Bus #4

This has to be from somewhere along the beach.  I bought it in Los Angeles, so maybe Venice or Santa Monica.  I really like that guy on the far left, looking back behind him.  Perhaps he had to jump out of the way of whatever number 4 was.  It's clearly not a full size bus but is probably one of those small local transports taking people from attraction to attraction.  Stamped on the back, 'JUL 21 1926."

Higgins' Pocket Gallery 7

I know.  It can be confusing.  Criminal number 6 is in post number 7. Click on Higgins' Pocket Gallery to see more.

Higgins' Pocket Gallery 6

The second on our list who managed to get arrested in Pittsburgh before showing up in Buffalo.  So, did these guys move to Buffalo to commit more crimes or for a second chance?   Click on Higgins Pocket Gallery in labels to see more.

Higgins' Pocket Gallery 5

Finally a hat!  Spongy the larcenous tailor.  Click on Higgins Pocket Gallery in labels to see more.

Interesting

I bought it because I thought she had an interesting face,  Not beautiful, interesting.

Higgins' Pocket Gallery 4

I've established that Honest Jimmy Higgins was the Buffalo, New York Chief of Police.   I have to wonder if the pocket Gallery was only distributed in Buffalo.

Yet again, click on Higgins Pocket Gallery to see more.

Let It Snow

It's been raining in Los Angeles, and snowing in the mountains above the city.  I bought this picture in the L.A. area, so it was likely taken in the Angeles National Forrest.  For all you White Christmas fans.  It's the only Christmas movie I can watch over and over.

In the Camps

Three Asian ladies, standing in the snow, looking none too happy.  I almost passed on buying this photo, then I turned it over and looked at the military censorship stamp.  I couldn't help but wonder if this snapshot was taken in one of the World War 2 Japanese interment camps.  Certainly places like Tule Lake in northern  California and Heart Mountain in Wyoming were more then cold enough for lots of snow.

Higgins' Pocket Gallery 3

Chemist is an odd profession for a criminal.  While reading the descriptions of these people's criminal lives, I couldn't help but notice that they all had connections to Buffalo, so I did another search for Honest Jimmy Higgins, this time as Buffalo Police Chief James Higgins and I found him.  What few details I found will follow in future posts.  As usual, click on Higgins Pocket Gallery for more info.

Higgins' Pocket Gallery 2

Blink, what a great AKA.   Click on Higgins Pocket Gallery in labels to see more.