I’ve always been intrigued by scenes of groups of people gathered together, captured in a photograph. They pose for the photographer, usually in an attempt to be formal and poised. But when taking a deeper look at these group photographs, there are often intriguing aspects to the photos that reward or amuse the viewer. Vintage photographs like these capture the details of life in a bygone era. I like to imagine the inner lives of the people depicted, putting a story to the image.
These photos are from my personal collection and from the archives at Sturgis Library, where I am the Director. I find myself looking at them again and again, hoping to find more interesting tidbits hiding in plain sight.
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/scan0096.jpg?resize=970%2C588&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/BCCA-GPN-192.jpg?resize=970%2C758&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/f81-3291bbf-1000.jpg?resize=928%2C534&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/IMG_5287.jpg?resize=970%2C615&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/kids-upstairs.jpg?resize=970%2C756&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/leonard.jpg?resize=970%2C666&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/p3-72453c-1000.jpg?resize=936%2C537&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/scan_20240327152112.jpg?resize=970%2C567&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/scan_20240327152135.jpg?resize=970%2C606&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/scan_20240327152157.jpg?resize=970%2C595&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/scan_20240327152227.jpg?resize=869%2C1230&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/scan_20240327152320.jpg?resize=970%2C714&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/viewfinders.io/wp-content/uploads/scan_20240327152254.jpg?resize=734%2C1230&ssl=1)
What stories emerge for you when viewing these images? What do you see that I might have missed?
See you soon. —lucy
I LOVE it when you share these older images. I find myself disappearing into thinking about past lives. Thank you. x
These are so interesting, Lucy. I wonder what secrets these people held and what joys and sadnesses they shared…