Framed or unframed, desk size to sofa size, printed by us in Arizona and Alabama since 2007. Explore now.
Shorpy is funded by you. Patreon contributors get an ad-free experience.
Learn more.
Circa 1910. No caption information for this group portrait, just the notation "Mrs. G.W. Quirse" on the negative. Detroit Publishing Company. View full size.
I realize in those days socks were frequently referred to as "stockings," but it sure looks like the boys seated on either side of the stairs are wearing full leg length stockings, of cotton or wool. I haven't seen this type of costume previously in Shorpy-land.
Many of the pained expressions and squints in the picture seem to be due to the sun shining directly in their faces.
I adore the little fellow in the sailor suit!
Goodness! For such clean children, they sure look put-upon!
Far left of the five older girls. Looks like she might know it, too.
Such pretty outfits! Surely only worn on special occasions like a group photo. Just look at the two bosom buddies hugging each other in the front row. So sweet! The young boy all the way on the right is still a part of the generation where very young boys and girls were dressed in similar clothes until a certain age. How can you tell that he's a boy? Well the cropped cut helps but the fact that his hair is parted on the side (for men) and not down the middle (only for women/girls) helps too. Oh and I think our young lady on the left needs some TLC for her hair! She needs to put down the back comb!!
It's obvious that many of these children are siblings, and that some of the younger ones have hand-me-down clothing and shoes. I love how the little girl on the bottom step (2nd from the right) is munching on her medallion. I'll bet it's a religious class or Sunday School group.
Everyone is dressed in their Sunday Best, wearing white except for the lone sailor suit, but there are many variations on the theme. A classic, beautiful photograph.
The young Miss top left is in desperate need of some Conditioner.
Everyone is in white, I guess Sailor Sam did not get the memo.
The boys in knickers look quite pleased with themselves.
And not an unruly one in the lot.
To the left of the door and next to the mailbox is a doorbell and speaking tube. The 1910 homeowner could converse with those at the door from the comfort and safety of an interior room. A very low tech and completely reliable concept.
Is this an early version of the Duggar family? The all white clothing is striking.
It's a real temptation to quote Clifton Webb here.
On Shorpy:
Today’s Top 5