But what were their names?
This afternoon, during our monthly history group meeting, some pondered on what it would be like to go back in time. What would you do? What might you learn? I’ve got a very specific wish.
Let me into the secrets of your photo albums. I have my own photo sets, but they’re not really old (except to my kids). There are very few pictures, extant, from the time of my grandparents and great-grandparents. I’d love to have a sit down session, where we could look at the old albums. Unlabeled, for the main part, because you recognize everyone, but bear with me.
I’d want to know about the who, and the when, and the where. Who lived in that house? Was this a special occasion, or did you just keep the camera around for the usual? Were there visitors, that day?
We had a selection of older photographs, this afternoon. Some faded, others in wonderful matte mounts. Occasionally, names on the rear. But so much of our local history is beyond the curtains of time. If only we could bring a record forward, for a real sense of posterity.
If you have a box of photos, in your cupboard, take some time and apply ID to those who no longer can supply their own. We don’t have time travel. Probably never will. But you can save the next generation from the curse of the mysterious faces. Don’t wait for “when I get old”, just in case. What seems so familiar today won’t, years from now. And without your help, those pictures just lost a huge portion of their value.
