Variations on a Theme
Variations on a Theme
What is a cabin? The word derives from the Latin root
“capannna” or hut, meaning a small house build of wood
or logs. As pioneers moved West the typical dwelling
on their 160 acres was exactly that, a cabin. As time
went on the lowly cabin’s architecture expanded some,
however the design elements kept reoccurring. My
grandmother Jessamine rarely visited friends and neighbors
without taking a few photos of the countryside, the animals,
the trees or flowers, but never missed an image of the home
she was visiting. It’s fun to look at earlier photos and
then progress in time to see how the “cabin” theme was
carried forward into more elaborate building designs.
Indy McDonald’s Kirby, Mt. homestead cabin, August 1924.
The Garber cabin in Big Horn, WY in 1922.
The Gallatin Ranch in Big Horn in 1924
In a few years the architecture became more expansive.
In 1927 Tschirigi’s Antler Ranch home has three stories!
Yet it still has that “cabin” look to it.
A year later Miss Donnelley was building this home in Big
Horn, WY. Other than the stripped look of logs, the cabin
style had morphed into a two story house with twin
fireplaces and a screened porch.
Family photos were another of Jessamine's favorite themes.
She took hundreds of photos of her children. She
had seven in all. The earlier images aren’t very good.
Children squirm, even when held. The images are often blurred.
Trying to set up a portrait of a child is amazingly difficult.
With time and lots of practice the photos get better and better.
They also get more interesting. A word to the parents out there
“practice makes perfect.” Here are some fun photos of Jessamine’s
growing family.
Annabelle, circa 1913 Phyllis in her buggy, May 1909
Bill with baby Eileen, April 1916. Torrey on his trike, 1920.
Victor in the garden, 7-27-1923. Brad with Snowball, 10-10-1926.
So, if your “theme” is children, catch them in ordinary activities, or
with their toys or pets. Not only will the photos be more natural,
they will be more interesting. Have fun with your own photographic
“variations on a theme.”
While you are waiting for more tales about Jessamine and her family,
I invite you to read my prior blogs or my book. My website has all
my prior blogs.
https://tempejavitz.com/
Here’s the link for my book:
https://www.sdhspress.com/books/bighorn-visions
