this is one of the most magical photos I've seen in a while. Divorce it of its context, and it strikes me as a woodland fantasy. Its setting is almost threatre. Dreamlike. I don't want to make light of the girl's family's circumstances, but, visually, I find this moment captured to be serene and uplifting.

Marion Post Wolcott. She's been a growing master for me, as I encounter more and more of her images here at Shorpy. She shows command for human subjects in well-framed scenes.

I can't believe how thin that young lady's legs are. Perhaps she is just a victim of genetics or perhaps she is a victim of the Great Depression's food failure.

On a happier note, that puppy and cat wrestling makes this a happier domestic scene.

only 5 ¢

Recess called, now it's playtime for the furry pupils.

When my own daughter was somewhat younger than this Florida lass, but of school-going age, I once spied her in her room playing teacher before a semi-circle of dolls arranged as pupils. She was being pedantic and bossy, as I imagine she figured was the way to be a teacher.

I do like the display of shells on the mini-bench.

On the right, I was worried that critter might be the product of an unholy alliance between a rabbit and a chicken, especially since it’s beneath the picture of a bird, but I do believe it’s a dog.

Bonus points to girl teacher for shoes, hairdo, pretty frock, and marvelous imagination.

Why are no other children playing school with her? Is today's lesson plan about a train leaving St. Louis at 8 a.m. heading west?

Would that be a chilly or a warm day?

The dress implies a pleasant temperature.

But sitting on what looks to be some sort of camping stove? Even if looks to be disused?