I have had this photograph in my collection for several years. It comes from my mother-in-law's side of the family and is a graduation photo. (See the scroll in the young man's left hand and the books under his right.)
Unfortunately, no one knows who this young man is, though it's believed to be a relative of my grandmother-in-law (Rose Levitt Goldstein).
Kaufman Studio, 287 E. Houston St., New York is the photographer. New York City Directories at Fold3.com has Sol Kaufman working at that address from 1908 to 1918, and likely longer, but I only checked a few years.
Elizabeth, is the fob in this young man's buttonhole a clue to a society or something that might help identify or date the guy/photo? What about the book under his right hand? This is a more elaborate grad photo than I've seen in my immigrant families. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMarian, thanks for the fresh eyes looking at this photograph. When I zoom in, I can't see enough detail on the book or on the fob in his buttonhole. I wonder if the fob has something to do with the educational institution he graduated from?
DeleteThanks for the comment!
Elizabeth, does the photography studio still exist? They may be able to give you some clues as to which schools they once photographed. He is a handsome young man & I'm sure his family was very proud. Good luck learning more about the photo.
ReplyDeleteI don't think this studio still exists - no website! I need to explore more recent NYC city directories and perhaps newspapers. Thanks for the suggestion!
Delete