Friday, October 30, 2020

The Times They Are A'Changing Weekly Link Round-Up


 
It is Monday as I write this. When Denis left for work, I went out in my normal uniform of capri pants and tank top and got a shock-- I was almost cold! 65°F. is the forecast high today, and it's been a long time since the high has been that low. (I know, it's not low to some of you folks in different climes.) At least the air conditioner is finally getting a well-deserved rest.
 
The "highlight" of the week has been the cutting down of the huge Aleppo pine tree by our driveway. It was one of many victims of Phoenix's hottest summer in recorded history. I'll probably share some photos of the removal process in the near future.

Since this is just before Halloween and Día de los Muertos, I thought I would share something I found in the mound of family photos I've been going through. It is an example of a type of photography that I'm glad has passed out of fashion.

Clark William Brookshier 1906-1909
 
This is the only photo taken of my grandfather's older brother, Clark. A bit creepy, isn't it? Post-mortem portraits were popular during the Victorian Era and the first part of the twentieth century due to a much higher mortality rate. Clark was playing in a large dirt pile in the farmyard. He liked to dig mine shafts and play at being a miner. He couldn't be seen from my great-grandfather's seat on the wagon. The team of horses shied, and the wagon backed over the pile of dirt, crushing little Clark. This all happened on April 1, 1909, and is the reason why my family has never played April Fool's jokes.
 
And on that somber note, I'm going to head on out to the link corral. Head 'em up! Moooove 'em out!


►Books & Other Interesting Tidbits◄


 
►Channeling My Inner Indiana Jones◄
 
►Channeling My Inner Elly Mae Clampett◄
 
►The Happy Wanderer◄
 
►Fascinating Folk◄
 
►Crafty Little Gems◄
 
►I ♥ Lists & Quizzes◄

That's all for this week! Don't forget to stop by next Friday when I'll be sharing a freshly selected batch of links for your surfing pleasure.

Stay safe! Stay healthy! And don't forget to curl up with a good book!

17 comments:

  1. I’ve come across a few of those post mortem photos. There is a UK show called Still Dead set in the 1880’s which features a post-Mortem photographer which I’m planning to watch

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    1. I watched three or four episodes, and it just didn't grab me.

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  2. To be honest, Cathy, I'm glad that type of 'photo isn't popular anymore. It's so interesting how those used to be so common. It's a fascinating part of your family history, so thanks for sharing. I'm glad it's cooled down where you are. It has here, too, and I couldn't be happier about it. Now, I'm gong to go check out that monastery!

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    1. These cooler temperatures still feel very strange!

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  3. Your post mortem family photo and story was interesting.
    Recently watched an Acorn TV production Dead Still - Set in 1880s Ireland in the Victorian era heyday of 'postmortem photography' the six-episode period drama follows a renowned memorial photographer who is drawn into a series of apparent murders which appear to be linked to his work. Think this is the one shelleyrae noted above.
    It was good, and a unique subject for sure, but not something that compelled me to binge watch.
    Have a nice weekend. Ev

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    1. I lost interest in the third or fourth episode, I'm afraid.

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  4. Ah, yes, I'm glad that those photos are not done anymore as well. Don't think I ever found any in the family photos I've been through, but I've certainly found some pictures of very solemn, unsmiling people - very stiff and proper looking. Ha! But pictures of funeral things - uh, no. Hope your weekend is nice. Enjoy the cooler air for now. We've had to turn the heat on for a few days. No promises that the A/C won't be back on before long though. Ha!

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    1. The main reason most of those people look so grim and uncomfortable was due to the length of time they had to remain absolutely motionless. Photography was for the determined back then!

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  5. Wow, I haven't seen a post mortem pic with a child until today. When I think of them, I usually think of those old West pics, where they lay out the bad guys they killed and sell postcards and such with their deceased body.

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  6. I've read a couple of mysteries featuring postmortem photographers, and I did enjoy Still Dead. This Link Corral is going to take some time this week!

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    1. I must've included some intriguing links then!

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  7. That type of photo really does seem strange today, but I've even seen family portraits where the corpse of a baby is dressed nicely and sat-up to join the rest of the family in the picture. I can't even imagine anything like that today - or even a century ago, for that matter.

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    1. I think this must have been on the way out when Clark died in 1909. I'm glad it did, especially since it means that vaccines, etc. were helping to make people healthier and forcing the mortality rate down.

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  8. That photo is so upsetting. But maybe those photos gave some comfort to the parents.

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    1. They must have, otherwise it wouldn't've been a profitable business.

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  9. I just can't deal with them. But then again there are a lot of rituals I don't get.

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