Posted on by Michelle Anderson

Denim Roots

When I first saw this photo, I immediately thought about the book, THE GRAPES OF WRATH by John Steinbeck. The overalls, the steady expressions, and the rural strength that the Joad family had in that novel also seem to be on the faces of the Katz family in this photo. This story was not one I enjoyed reading as a sophomore in high school. The hardships described in the book brought the Dust Bowl and the depression to life for me, and now here was a Katz family photo that also did just that.

The overalls being worn in this photo were a symbol of workwear throughout America. Overalls originated in the 18th century as protective garments for laborers, designed from coarse cotton to protect clothing and worn over it. They evolved through innovations by Levi Strauss & Co. and Lee Jeans in the late 1800s–early 1900s, becoming the first true bib overalls. Because they were durable, affordable, and protective, they became the defining uniform of American farmers, railroad workers, and rural families by the 1920s–1930s.

Here, in the back row, are Audie’s brother and his family with Audie’s family. The one person missing from this photo is patriarch Audie Katz, so I assume he took it. In the back we have Howard Katz and his parents, Mary and Bill Katz; June Katz Anderson; and Marvin Katz. In the front row are Robert, who is not looking at the camera; Hazel, holding Donald and perhaps talking to Robert; and Bill Katz, standing in front of his sister.

The next thing I had to consider was the time frame, as there was no date on the photo. As in many of our photos, I use one of the people I know well to be my anchor and draw a timeline around them. In this case I used June. June was born in 1916 and appears to be in her late teens or early 20’s. In 1934 she would have been 18. She married Howard Anderson in 1937, so I think we can say this photo would have been taken between 1934 and 1936.

I don’t believe that Manhattan, Kansas, where the Katz family resided, was in the core area of the Dust Bowl in the 1930s; however, it was close enough to feel the effects on the areas of Kansas that were affected. Manhattan is part of the Flint Hills region and, as such, had more natural grass and fewer erosion problems. I’m sure they received some of the dust that blew in from the affected areas in Kansas during the peak affected years of 1934 to 1936.

John Steinbeck wrote The Grapes of Wrath in 1938, when the Dust Bowl and the Depression were easing their grip on America. He showed how ordinary people carried extraordinary strength through everyday life, and this photo of the Katz family reflects that truth: a family living through the same era, weathering its challenges, and finding dignity in the simple act of standing together.

Posted on by Michelle Anderson

Anderson’s 1970s Style

Outdoor photos are some of my favorites. You don’t have to try to arrange a big group in a small space, and nature is always a good backdrop. Here we have the Anderson family commemorating what appears to be a casual summer get-together.

The first person I notice is Howard. His shirt makes him the focal point of the photo for me, perhaps because of the print. With his mother-in-law, Hazel Katz, standing next to him, also in a printed shirt. Everyone else is in solid colored clothing, so now I’m going back and forth from right to left. First to Sherigay and Dick Anderson, to Nancy and her husband, Gary Conover. I love how Sherigay is looking at Dick. You can see the love she has for him captured in her expression. I love how Nancy is holding a dog, making sure it’s included in this photo.

Then I look at the children with the oldest flanking the youngest. From left to right we have Kirk Anderson (holding a dog) Cary Conover, Chad Conover, Cris Anderson and Todd Anderson. And I know instantly that this photo is from the 1970’s.

Summertime in the 1970s was different for me than any other time. Long days that seemed to stretch forever and lasted until we would collapse once the sun went down, falling to sleep almost before our heads hit the pillow. Summer time meant being outside, either cooking meals because we didn’t want to heat up our houses or doing chores, and eating popsicles that seemed to melt faster than we could eat them. Life seemed to happen slower in the summer, the laughter was louder, and we wanted to capture and savor every moment. It’s proof that the best memories are never staged, just lived out.

Posted on by Michelle Anderson

Sister Blooms

I like to see people smiling. And Bess and Hazel seem to always be smiling in every photo I see them in. Bess, the older sister, was born on September 15, 1887. Hazel was born nearly 10 years later on May 12, 1897. Age couldn’t separate the bond they shared as sisters. Based on their hats and the photo’s sepia tone, it was taken between 1915 and 1920.

What could they have been doing? At first glance, because there’s no background, I think that this is definitely a studio photo. But then I look at the item in Bess’s hand. It’s possibly a hook or a screw of some sort, but why would she have it in a photo? And then I get to thinking, what were they laughing about?

Bess and Hazel were constant throughout each other’s lives until Bess’s death on January 12, 1954. Bess was 66 years old, making Hazel 55 at the time of Bess’s death. I like to think that Hazel missed her sister during the remaining years they were apart.

While I might not know the story of this photo, Bess and Hazel’s smiles tell the story of sisterhood. Bess and Hazel embody the grace and laughter of an era when hats were statements and family ties were stitched with devotion. This photo isn’t just a portrait; it’s a window into the warmth and wit that shaped the Andersons to come.

Posted on by Michelle Anderson

Childlike Wonder

Today I bring to you this lovely photo of Huck (Albin), Nell and Hazel Lundberg. And such a cute photo it is. I believe that i would have been taken around 1897, the year of Hazel’s birth. Huck, Nell and Hazel and the middle children of William and Emma (Peterson) Lundberg. They had three older siblings, a brother named Charles, and two sisters, Bessie and Esther. Their baby brother Chester was born in 1899, so not yet in the picture at this time.

I love Huck’s outfit. His scarf and coat give his appearance a Nordic quality: that and his fair hair and blue eyes. You can just see his boots as they are faded as part of the photographic process. What a wonderful big brother to stand there next to his sisters. Nell appears to have two collars on her clothing. A big, wide one and then a crocheted one adorn her outfit. The look on her face says that she will reserve judgment of whoever might be taking the photo. And baby Hazel is wide-eyed, ready to keep up with her older siblings. The chair she’s seated on appears to be velvet with the tassels hanging at the bottom.

To me Huck, Nell and Hazel remind me of this quote about siblings. Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring, quite often the hard way. While we don’t often appreciate our siblings the way we should, it’s with them that our personalities flourish. Sibling relationships usually outlast marriages, survive the death of parents, and are stronger than quarrels that would destroy most friendships. Hazel had a close relationship with all her siblings and my hope is that you do too.

Posted on by Michelle Anderson

Haute Couture Hazel

There are times when I feel that I was born too late. I would have LOVED to have been able to accessorize like they did in the early part of the 20th Century. From gloves to hats, shoes to purses, it would all match. And what’s more stylish than black? I’m unsure where or when this photo was taken, but Hazel is undoubtedly fashionable.

I don’t think I could pull off wearing a hat like that. But Hazel does so with a superior look, saying of course you can! It appears as if there is a brooch or a pin there on the coat. Matching the flower in her hat, Hazel has paired white gloves and a patent leather purse. She’s all ready to go just waiting on her ride. I find myself wishing I could see the rest of her outfit, but this will have to do.

Coco Channel said it best. Haute Couture is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure. I believe that Hazel lives up to this quote and gives us all an example to try to achieve.

Posted on by Michelle Anderson

Hazel & Audie

Hazel & Audie Katz, year unknown

Along with the photos of the travel cabins and Dick and Nancy with Audie we have this photo of Hazel and Audie.  I love photos of Hazel and Audie.  They always seem so glamorous and fun.  They lived and managed travel cabins and seemed exciting with their 4 children in a town called Manhattan…Kansas that is. And here we have Hazel and Audie at what I feel is their best.  Even if Hazel’s eyes appear closed she still exudes an aura of excitement.  

I believe this photo was taken sometime in the late 1940’s very early 1950’s.  Hazel is rocking the classic housewife look, very put together from head to toe.  From her earnings and necklace to her cute little sundress to her espadrille shoes, Hazel is ready or whatever adventure comes her way.  And right by her side is her man Audie.  Her adventure co-pilot, dressed in what appear to be simple slacks and shirt, but rocking a neat haircut.  Audie has the air of chill and calm about him.  And they both appear to just be waiting for things to get started.  Whatever that may be. 

While Hazel and Audie are the first thing I notice after awhile my eye starts to wander.  To the brush around them.  And then the telephone poles and finally I see the rooftops just over Audie’s left shoulder, (your right).  And I wonder to myself “Where are they?”  And then I think, “And what are they doing?”.    So this 4th of July as we get dressed to go to family get-togethers or perhaps out for fireworks, may we all be rocking the classic look of Hazel with the clam presence of Audie.  🙂