Scotch-Irish-L Archives
Archiver > Scotch-Irish > 1998-02 > 0888618576
From: <>
Subject: Sordid details and sour pusses
Date: 27 Feb 1998 18:29:36 EDT
Thanks to EVERYONE who replied to my querie about the dour expressions
found on the old pictures of our ancestors. The information that a
metal brace was used to steady the head, the need for perfect stillness
during a long pose, the possibility that our ancestors might have had
bad teeth (and still be a ladies' man??), the contemplations by the new
bride of the many hardships and losses awaiting her life as a mother,
and the solemnity of the wedding affair, all seem very probable causes
for the unhappy looks.
I now wonder if anyone has pictures of smiling ancestors, especially if
your picture is a tintype.
Connie
This thread: