Circa 1890. Pioneer Women

[dewey839]

I am guessing these ladies are sisters.  They were probably pioneers who traveled by wagon to the gold rush in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  The town of Lead was officially founded in 1876.  These ladies helped construct a homestead, raised families, and survived the harsh winters.  Their faces reflect enormous dignity and good humor.  I bet

Comments

[cemeteryconsort]

This is a fantastic photo. So rarely do you see that kind of laughter and good humor in old photos. I wonder what was going through these two ladies minds when this was taken. They look so happy, so weathered, and almost mischievous. Thank you for posting.

[nemica]

+1

[fabunobo]

I wonder how old they are in the photo. I am always fascinated at how aging has shifted as people's lifestyles have changed.

[laurel_hardy]

I'd put my money on them being in their 60s even if they look older to than that to our eyes. They look quite weathered, but they also look pretty vibrant and unbent. They also seem to have some teeth, it itself a great boon to health. Bet they chopped kindling each morning, too.

[avalonjones]

I love photos like this. The lady on the left is obviously stifling laughter.

[eternalwytch]

The picture of the elderly women was so tastefully done! So much beauty and wisdom in their eyes and faces.

[ext_2013968]

i do wish this photo were credited to my photostream on flickr, since i'm the one who posted it there, and the photo is in my possession. that said, i'd invite all you folks over to flickr, where i have a rather significant collection of old photos. i suggest you look @ my sets of "Favorites." and yes, this photo is one of my favorites. Purchased from Stacy "Photowench" Waldman, on Ebay, in case you're interested.