Smoking on the ice is strictly prohibited

This postcard sized photograph was bought online. It is embossed with PAOT GABI, WenGen in the left hand bottom corner (Wengen is a ski resort in Switzerland). It’s a busy image, with two gents and a lady smoking, people having conversations in the background and others just spectating.

The sign on the left reads ‘smoking on the ice is strictly prohibited’. Perhaps they are watching people on an ice rink or another event taking place on ice? I liked the clothing and the chap smoking with his legs dangling off, with snow on his boots.

A search for GABI returned Geothermal Applications for Buildings and Infrastructure used in power plants but also a small place near to WenGen and PAOT returned Participatory Action-Oriented Training so perhaps they were volunteers helping to improve the local power supply? As is often the case, researching old photos expands my knowledge and ends with me falling into an unrelated rabbit hole on the internet! There is a modern hydro power station near WenGen but there was also an older one built in the 1950s.

I think number and marks on the corners may indicate it has been removed from a larger collection or album.

Budapest shoe shop 1923

Luckily for me, I won this beautiful image with the maiden bid from an online auction. The reverse of the clipped post card reads ‘1923 Apr 18th Budapest’ , so it’s just over 100 years old. Shop fronts photographs tend to sell well online, but this one only had me sat their with my fingers crossed! I liked the work clothes worn and the lady in the middle leaning against the door. The signs, the wear to the stone shop front and the shiny shoes (in the window and of the subjects) all add to this image.

At the fair

I can’t remember where I found this small photograph (2×3”), I rediscovered it lodged inside my notebook this morning. It’s starting to fade (I like to share them before they disappear forever) and has nothing written on the reverse. I like the people in the background and that we can’t see what the girls are looking at, asking more questions about the photograph. Perhaps a coconut shy? I thought the smaller girl was holding something but it’s hard to tell.

Coronation Party 1911

Another online find. No information on the reverse of the postcard, but the seller listed as ‘Coronation Party 1911, unknown location’. I liked the cap on the floor, the sandwiches in the foreground, the man who is head of the table on the right (and has the whitest shoes!) and items on the windowsill. Most of the subjects are men with two ladies standing in the distance to the right and one on the left hand side.

Wedding Day Smile

I found this postcard online a few months ago. Sadly, no information on the reverse. The bride’s smile makes the picture for me. I also liked their shiny shoes! I’m not sure if it’s rice or confetti being showered on the happy couple?

Family & their bicycle

This postcard was found on a well known auction site. I loved it instantly, the composition and all the small details; the cigarette in the mans hand, the woman’s polished boots, the little girl with her bag, the bicycle and the blurred lady in the background. I was the only bidder, which amazed me. No information on the reverse of this one.

Onboard

Small photograph measuring 3 x 4″. I found this one a while back, bought online I think. The reverse does have a message but I’m unable to decipher it, it may not be written in English (see image below). I liked the image because of the detail in the foreground and the unusual distance to the subjects. The man lower down the stairs looks like the Captain or a member of the ship’s crew.

Calgary Stampede 58

I found this postcard in a local antiques shop, sadly the shop will soon close. I liked the movement in the image and the two men on horseback. The front of the postcard provides the location and year 1958. The reverse reads ‘Bucking bronco comp’.

Guildford Bicycle Club Outing (Part 1)

This small photograph was found online (one of two, I will share the second soon…). There was no information on the reverse of the photo but the listing described them as ‘Guildford Bicycle Club 1950s‘. This image was my favorite because of the movement, smiles and shop fronts shown.

The Combusto

This photograph, found on a well known auction website measures 7 x 5″. Franey Shore is shown on the left hand shop window, I thought this might be the proprietor’s name initially. I haven’t been able to find a place name match but there is a Franey Trailhead in Nova Scotia (although it’s unlikely the shop was in a remote walking location!). Once I had scanned in the photograph I spotted the photographer in the window refection (bottom right). If you are wondering what a clinker is, it’s a waste product from coal! I have deciphered the feint pencil on the reverse, it reads…’The first home of the Combusto, Tomkinsville, Staten Island (a name which I can’t decipher) inventor.’ Then printed it says Franey Shore & Co, which is the name on the shop window.

Postscript…

I contacted Local History and Genealogy at The New York Public Library (NYPL) after posting this photograph. They couldn’t find any record of the Combusto in Staten Island but they found several adverts from 1914 newspapers featuring the company with a New York address. They also provided a link to old New York photos by address which are fascinating and extremely useful for research.