Although Easter bonnets are not seen as frequently as they once were, here at the Tennessee State Library and Archives there are several portraits held in our collections that bring back those fond memories. In this blog post we not only wanted to pay tribute to those spring days gone by, but also recognize the work of one of Nashville’s most well-known photography studios.
Amber Barfield Gilmer, a former conservator for the Tennessee State Library and Archives, wrote about the Calvert Brothers & Taylor photography studio in an article published in the June 2006 edition of the Nashville Historical Newsletter. In it she wrote, “During their era, the Calvert brothers helped shape the way many Nashvillians would remember their children, their weddings, their homes, and their friends. In addition, the Calverts were often commissioned to copy pre-existing photographs, and many of the resulting copy negatives are today among the most historically valuable negatives at the Tennessee State Library and Archives.”
So as our minds turn to spring and all things new, we take a fond look to the past in this photo tribute to the Easter bonnet, and the Calvert Brothers’ Photo Collection…
Miss Ruth Boice is wearing a white formal dress with a large hat, possibly bridal attire, in this 1899 photo. Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives. |
Martha Armstrong strikes a beautiful pose wearing a large feather hat and an off-the-shoulder dress in this 1898 photo. Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives. |
Mayme Conditt flashes a Mona Lisa smile while wearing this interesting hat and fur capelet in this 1899 photo. Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives. |
Mary C. Harris poses in a white dress with an elaborate flowered hat and flower sash across one shoulder in this 1900 photo. Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives. |
Miss Annie O'Connor gazes into the distance wearing a light-colored dress and beautiful multi-layered hat in this 1900 photo. Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives. |
Jessie Gribble is the picture of spring, wearing a white dress and lace hat in this 1900 photo. Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives. |
Nannie Yates is wearing an ornate feathered hat and a light colored dress in this 1898 photo. Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives. |
In 1898, Miss Kate Ransom wore a hat of roses for this photo. Library Collection. Tennessee State Library and Archives. |
You can view more images like these by browsing the Tennessee State Library and Archives Photo Database, located on the TSLA website.
Please note that reproduction of these images should include the credit line: "Reproduced courtesy of the Tennessee State Library and Archives."
The State Library and Archives is a division of the Tennessee Department of State and Tre Hargett, Secretary of State.
Great images for Easter season. Please keep up great work!
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