Remarkable group of 10 original 1872-era stereoview photographs by J. A. French, portrait and landscape photographer of Keene, New Hampshire. Eight cards document the Seventh Reunion of the descendants of Martin and Betsey V. Stone, held at the homestead/residence of Edmund Stone in Swanzey, New Hampshire, September 12, 1872.
The printed backs are exceptionally informative and state that French photographed “a series of 16 different Views” of the reunion. This group therefore includes 8 of the documented 16-view series, along with two additional J. A. French stereoviews found with the collection that have handwritten identification on the reverse.
The printed reunion backs include an extensive contemporary roster of those present, listing dozens of members of the Stone, Pevey, Parker, Lane, Read, Aldrich, Horton and Freeman families, among others. Locations represented include Swanzey, Keene and Peterborough, New Hampshire; Lowell, Cambridge, Wakefield and Winchendon, Massachusetts; Portland, Maine; and Providence, Rhode Island. Ages are also given, making the cards particularly interesting as a genealogical record.
The photographs provide an unusually detailed visual record of an actual 19th-century New England family reunion. Views include the Stone homestead, large assembled family groups, smaller groups of family members, the property and surrounding landscape, a long outdoor table prepared for the reunion dinner, and a wonderful view showing the family actually seated together for the meal.
The images contain excellent period details including clothing, children, architecture, wagons, furnishings, fencing and the rural New Hampshire setting.
All 10 stereoviews were found together and are being offered together as a single historical archive. We have made no attempt to separate the individual cards.
The cards show age and wear consistent with their approximately 150-year age. Images vary in contrast and fading, with some spotting, toning, surface wear and wear to the mounts. Overall nice. Please examine all photographs carefully for exact condition.
A particularly compelling group for collectors of early photography, stereoviews, New Hampshire history, Swanzey and Keene history, American genealogy, Victorian social history, or descendants researching the Stone and related families.
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