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He Recently Turned EightyThis photograph is of James Ernest Love who was born 24 November 1921 and just turned 80 years old. I don't know anything more; I intended to print the picture and ask Dad while I was up there in WV for Thanksgiving and his 80th birthday but I forgot it. I also hoped that some of you would have more information but I guess this is the best we can 
do for now.
Lena Bell wrote, "The picture is your dad! He said he was between the age of 12-14. The picture was taken while they lived at Republic."
Jenny knew it was James E. but she was unable to add anything more. She said, "I know the photo is dad but that is all I know." Jason sure tried hard! He sent three emails each time trying to figure out a little more from just visual analysis. And his questions are the same ones I've been asking myself. He wrote, "The young fellow looks like papaw and appears to be about 15 years old. Papaw was born in 1921. If this is him, the picture was taken around 1936. After a few more visits and a little more studying, I may change my mind. And what is that 'little white thing' in his hat?" I think your guess on the year is close! It was probably about 1934-36. And I have been trying to figure out what that white thing is in his hat too. In another email, Jason said, "I noticed one thing about the picture that seemed a bit unusual. The house is built on stilts! Perfect for flooding or high water. Maybe the house was built near a creek or river? I also noticed a shadow. It looks like a pole with something on the end of it. I am also wondering about the ribbed object at the bottom right." The shadow of the pole looks like a flag on top, maybe. And that "ribbed object" makes me think of a drain grate. But what would it be doing in the middle of the yard. Also, at least one of those baby chicks looks like a duck!And in yet another email, Jason observed, "It appears to be laundry day." There are lot's of things hanging on the front porch and I would bet it's not a yard sale. :) Now Marilyn's guess was not correct but very interesting anyway. "My guess was going to be James Earnest. Mostly because of the setting of the house on stilts and the yard and chickens and all. All the while thinking how much you and Dad looked alike as young men. But, just now opening the OHP, the thought hit me that this IS you and the setting is Madeline and Yule (sp) farm." She supported this guess with lots of recollections about the people and the farm: pumpkins, strawberries, hay fields, wood burning stove, the old man, the outhouse, barns and other things that brought back fond memories for me too. Finally she took her best guess, "I'm probably wrong about the setting, but right about the person in the photo. No matter.......this has been great just sitting here trying to remember that farm. It was the greatest place to be. My guess is........James Ruben Love....Madeline/Yule's Farm.....around 1962." A lot of people say that James E. and I look alike. I'm afraid that means when I'm 80 I'll be "a hundred years ugly" (quote from James E.). But, alas, she is wrong about this picture, however, it was a very good try. My thanks to Jenny, Jason, Lena Bell and Marilyn for helping me to make another page for our family history book. -- James R. Love, 01 December 2001 |
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