Karen Versackas

A photo of Andrew Feiertag and Emilie Geske - Wedding Photo

A photo of Janet Morello Trezza, daughter of Victor Romano and Rose Zecca Morello

Toby Wing (1915-2001) - American Actress was born as "Martha Virginia Wing" on 14 July 1915 in Amelia Courthouse, Virginia. Her parents were photographer, Paul Reuben Wing (1892-1957) and equestrian, Martha Gillis Thraves (1893-1981). Toby's film career began aged nine, when her father was working as an assistant director for Paramount Pictures and her mother was employed as a Hollywood stunt rider. After about ten uncredited juvenile roles Toby became one of the first "Goldwyn Girls" in "Palmy Days" 1931.

Toby Wing appeared in more than forty feature films and fourteen short subjects from 1924 to 1938. She was memorable, though uncredited as the "young and healthy" blonde in "42nd Street" 1933. Among other low budget features, she starred in "Silks and Saddles" 1936. Her last movie was "The Marines Come Thru" filmed in 1938 and released again in 1942 as "Fight On, Marines!". She also appeared on Broadway in the Cole Porter musical "You Never Know" 1938. In 1939 she toured with Rita Rio and her "All Girl Orchestra" to help raise money for charity.

Toby Wing retired from films aged 23 after her marriage to aviation pioneer, Henry Tyndall "Dick" Merrill (1899-1982) in 1938. The couple had two sons, Henry Tyndall Merrill Jr. (1939-1940) and Richard Wing Merrill (1940-1982). She was an ardent member of the church, had a second successful career in real estate and died on 23 March 2001 in Mathews, Virginia aged 85. Toby Wing has a star recognising her contribution to the Motion Pictures Industry on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame" at 6561 Hollywood Boulevard.

additional information -

Her father Paul Reuben Wing (1892-1957), an army officer in WWII was captured by the Japanese and survived the "Bataan Death March". Her sister Gertrude Madison "Pat" Wing (1914-2002) was also an actress and chorus girl. Her brother Paul Reuben Wing Jr (1926-1998) was a successful businessman involved in real estate. Her son Richard Wing Merrill (1940-1982) was murdered in the family Miami home in 1982 aged 42. His death was reportedly related to a drug smuggling operation, though the case is still listed as unsolved.

Edge of photo says "Georgia Spitzer 1918" Not much known of her. Found in photo collection of someone that lived in the Sumner county, Kansas area.

A photo of Leon Gaune - Found in A W Henson's photos.
People in photo include: Leon Gaune

A photo of Armistice Day in Indianoplis, Indiana (Banner reads: To Hell with Kaiser BIll - We Made You Take a Bitter Pill)

A photo of Armella Simon with husband John Palmer on their wedding day

I've "rescued" an old photograph of Roy, Olga, and Alta SMITH which was taken at the W. J. Reynolds Studio in Nevada, IA. The photograph appears to have been taken in the 1880's with the three children from infant to 5 years old at the time. Based on limited research I know the following about this family:

Olga Alga SMITH was b. in 1888 in Story Co. IA to parents Dr. Francis “Frank” Salmaron or Salmeron SMITH (1853-1943) and Ellen Mary WELLS (1853-1889). Olga was one of three children born to this couple including, Roy Wells; Alta; and Olga SMITH, all born between 1883 and 1888. Olga’s Father remarried after her Mother’s death to Amanda Sarah WELLS (1867-1955) and two additional children were born including, Ella Salmeron SMITH MCCONNELL (1891-1987); and Lt. Col. Donald Wesley SMITH (1899-1973). Olga married twice, first to J. K. WEAVER and then to Claud Harmon STUDEBAKER Sr. (1885-1934) and she died in 1918 in Scranton, IA and is buried in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery in Nevada, IA.

Her sister Alta SMITH BOYD was b. 13 Jul 1885 in Nevada, IA and married George Douglas BOYD (b. 7 Oct 1874 in Ames, IA) on 4 Sept 1912 in Nevada, IA. Alta and George had 4 children including, Robert Henry; Donald Frank; Margaret Ruth; and Stanton Wells BOYD, all born between 1913 and 1918 in Iowa and South Dakota. Alta died 28 Jan 1965 in Seattle, WA and is buried in the Sunset Hills Memorial Park Cemetery in Bellevue, WA.

Census records provide the following details:

1900 census of Nevada, IA:

Dr. F. S. SMITH, age 46, born Jul 1853, married 10 years, born PA, parents born NY/Canada, a Medical Doctor
Amanda SMITH, wife, age 32, born Jun 1867, married 10 years, 5 children/5 living, born IL, parents born IL
Roy W. SMITH, son, age 16, born Dec 1883, born IA, parents born PA/IL, at School
Alta SMITH, dau, age 14, born Jul 1885, born IA, parents born PA/IL, at School
Olga SMITH, dau, age 12, born Oct 1888, born IA, parents born PA/IL, at School
Ella SMITH, dau, age 7, born Nov 1892, born IA, at School
Donald H. SMITH, son, age 1, born May 1899, born IA
+1 Housekeeper

1910 census of Nevada, IA:

F. S. SMITH, age 56, 2nd marriage 20 years, born PA, parents born NY/Canada, a Physician
Amanda SMITH, wife, age 42, 2nd marriage 20 years, 2 children/2 living, born IL, parents born IL
Alta SMITH, dau, age 25, born IA, parents born PA/IL
Olga SMITH, dau, age 22, born IA, parents born PA/IL, a Public School Teacher
Ella SMITH, dau, age 18, born IA
Donald SMITH, son, age 10, born IA

I am hoping to locate someone from this family so that the photograph can be returned to their care. If you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact me.

Thanks,
Shelley

A photo of Absolon family taken in Bohemia (Austro-Hungarian Empire) in early 1900s. Cecilia Benda (née Absolonová) standing in the dark dress on the right.

I've "rescued" an old photograph identified as Luther MEDLEY'S Baby which was taken at the Sextus Ross Studio in Marshall, IL. The photograph appears to have been taken in the early 1900's with the baby about 1 year old at the time the photograph was taken. I believe that this is a photograph of Luther's daughter Eleanor E. MEDLEY. Based on limited research I was able to gather the following information regarding this family:

Eleanor E. MEDLEY was b. abt 1909 in Wabash Township, Clark Co., IL to parents Martin Luther MEDLEY (b. 26 Aug 1877-d. 18 Jun 1927 in Marshall, IL – son of George MEDLEY and Elizabeth CHISLER) and Estelle “Stella” MORGAN or CRUMRINE (1872-1932). Eleanor’s father Martin Luther was a Storekeeper in Marshall, IL when he registered for the draft in 1918. He is buried in the Livingston Cemetery in Marshall, IL.

Census records provide the following details:

1880 census of Sugar Creek, IN:

George MEDLEY, age 41
Elizabeth MEDLEY, age 39
Alice MEDLEY, age 15
Benjamin MEDLEY, age 12
Callie B. MEDLEY, age 9
Martin L. MEDLEY, age 2

1900 census of Wabash, IL:

George MEDLEY, age 60, born Dec 1839, married 38 years, born IN, parents born IN, a Farmer
Elizabeth MEDLEY, wife, age 55, born Jul 1844, married 38 years, 4 children/4 living, born PA, parents born PA/VA
Benjamin MEDLEY, son, age 32, born Oct 1867, born IN, a Farm Laborer
Arabell MEDLEY, dau, age 28, born Dec 1871, born IN
Martin L. MEDLEY, son, age 22, born Aug 1877, born IN, a Farm Laborer

1910 census of Wabash, IL:

George W. MEDLEY, age 71, a widower, born IN, parents born NC/KY, a Farmer
Luther MEDLEY, son, age 33, married 6 years, born IN, parents born IN/PA, a Farm Laborer
Estella MEDLEY, dau-in-law, age 34, married 6 years, 1 child/1 living, born IL, parents born IL
Elner E. MEDLEY, granddau, age 1 year and 11 months, born IL

1920 census of Wabash, IL:

Luther MEDLEY, age 42, born IL, parents born IN/PA, a Grocery Store Clerk
Estella MEDLEY, wife, age 46, born IL, parents born NC/IL
Eleanor MEDLEY, dau, age 11, born IL

I am hoping to locate someone from this MEDLEY Family so that I can return the photograph to their care. If you are a member of this family, or you know someone who might be, please contact me.

Thanks,
Shelley

Currier & Ives was a New York City printmaking business that operated between 1835 and 1907 and advertised itself as "the Grand Central Depot for Cheap and Popular Prints". Shown here is one of their lithographs celebrating a New Year circa 1876.

A photo of New Year's Eve in a cafe circa 1910 - 1915.

A photo of a Christmas tree for horses in 1918. In addition to the Christmas tree which was hung with apples, ears of corn and other horse dainties, well filled nose bags were provided.

A photo in a New York City store after Christmas shoppers have left.

A photo of the Hauck Christmas tree that was found in the Library of Congress. It's estimated that this photo was taken between 1910 and 1935. This photo was a gift to the LOC by Herbert A French in 1947.

Children Nigel Cholmeley-Jones and Jeanette Cholmeley-Jones with poet Walt Whitman. The children were the niece and nephew of Jeannette Gilder, editor of The Critic and a friend to both Cox (the photographer) and Whitman. Gilder had delivered the frail poet to the photographer’s studio. He had just given a lecture on Abraham Lincoln.

Best known for Leaves of Grass, Walt Whitman was a man of his times: complex, active, and with an interesting view of life. This photo was taken 5 years before he died.

In a newly discovered letter from Whitman to Gilder, he wrote:
328 Mickle Street
Camden New Jersey Sept. 13 Evn’g

Cox’s photos: came today & I have written my name on them & sent them back (addressing the package to William Carey, Century office)—All are good, but the one I like best is a head with hat on, the photo marked No 3—the pictures with the children come out first-rate—Give my love to the dear girl & boy & tell them I remember them well—I am here like an old hulk driven up on the sand or floating with spars & rigging all gone, & no more voyaging—Love to Watson and Joe
Walt Whitman

You can see other photos from this same sitting by clicking on his name in the upper right.

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress
People in photo include: Nigel Cholmeley-Jones and Jeanette Cholmeley-Jones

A photo of Rosa, Robert, and Rudolf de Beer (children) with their mother and a nurse. Rosa was only 8, Robert was only 23 months & Rudolf was only 4 years when they were sadly murdered at Sobibor on July 2, 1943.

A photo of Santa Claus, Zachariah Thomas Mackey Hargis, and maybe Shirley Temple(?) taken by American Photo Service, Hollywood, California #AP-5512. Zack was in some older movies, posed for painters, worked circus and sideshows. I have tried to identifly the little girl from family photos and found her not to be a family member. I have wondered if this was Shirley Temple sitting on his lap.

If any one can identify the little girl or the clown, please let me know, or even if a date range may be given. Thank you.

This photo was in a box belonging to Andrew Franklin "Frank" O'Barr (1887-1938). It is believed this photo was from his time living in Montana. He was in Montana because of his service in the Army. He was in Montana between 1914-1923.

He married Lila Pauline Harvey on 19 September 1916 in Livingston, Park, Montana.

Their daughter, Harriet Genevieve, was born 29 April 1917 in Big Timber, Sweet Grass, Montana.

They divorced on 31 January 1919 in Livingston, Park, Montana.

If you know any details about this photo, please share. We have no information since the box was found after Frank's death.

What place, who in in the photo, any details.