For Clara Finger - When I’m Gone

Here’s another great example of a dear lady laid out in the parlor of her home, most likely about 1910-1920. She’s not identified, but there’s an inscription on the back that says “For Clara Finger – When I’m Gone – H.E.H.” The original owner apparently took care to ensure the photograph would go to a person who would appreciate it, and of course I’m curious to know if Clara Finger ever received it and, if so, why it ended up for sale in 2002.

The peacefully posed subject is resting in a beautiful drop-front casket, which sits atop an ornate wooden stand. The floral decorations spill out from the casket interior onto the floor. One of the large arrangements has letters on it, which I can’t fully make out, but it could read “Lette”. No doubt this lady was greatly loved and mourned.

The photographer’s embossed imprint in the lower right corner says “G. W. Delling, Madelia, Minn.” Madelia is in Watonwan County, MN. Mr. Delling shows up there in the 1900 census, with his occupation listed as “Artist”. In the 1910 and 1920 censuses, he’s still living in Madelia, with occupation shown as “Photographer”. He was 67 years old in the 1920 census and isn’t listed in the Minnesota 1930 census, so I assume he died in the 1920s or moved elsewhere. This photograph, which is in excellent condition, measures 11 by 13 inches including the mounting board, and the image comes in at 8 ½ by 9 inches.

© 2010, copyright Stephen Mills

It Shall Be Well With Them That Fear God

This memorial image of a deceased woman laid out in the parlor of her home was taken by Sterling of Beaver Falls, PA, most likely in the 1910-1920 era. The original image measures about 8 by 9 inches and comes on a 12 by 14 inch photograph mount. The photographer’s name and city are embossed in the lower right corner.

This is a fine example of the tradition of “laying out” the body at home, which many people continued to do long after funeral homes came into existence. On the wall hangs a cardboard plaque with a quote from Ecclesiastes: “It Shall Be Well With Them That Fear God”. A framed portrait of a baby can also be seen. The room is nicely appointed with Victorian wallpaper, rugs, lacy curtains, and the family’s piano. Opening the window to allow the sunlight in was probably the photographer’s idea and it definitely adds to the artistry of the image.

The casket is dramatically propped up to raise the head - this was probably done to increase the visibility of her face for the photograph. The ornately shaped casket, which is covered in fabric, features a two-piece removable lid. The upper part of the lid can be seen standing against the wall. Easter lilies figure prominently in the floral tributes, and this death probably occurred in the spring, when lilies would have been readily available.
© 2009, copyright Stephen Mills