The photograph above has illustrated  several articles in this series. It records the images of twelve teenage boys in about 1894. Seven of them were the sons of Swedish immigrants; one was the son of a French family and the others were descendants of families with long histories in this country. It is a record of their appearance at a young age. Most of them continued to live in Galesburg, to marry, work and have children. Others attended college and followed careers in other parts of the country or overseas. One of them went on to a career as poet, writer, folk singer and friend to a vast number of celebrities. One spent time in jail for petty larceny.

 

Having one's picture taken was an arduous business in those days. Dressing in one's best clothes wasn't the only requirement. The subjects were expected to be well rested and in a relaxed mood so their faces could display a pleasant appearance. They  were expected to follow the direction of the photographer as to how they would present themselves.

 

The boys had to be still for several minutes while the glass plate was exposed. They had to look at the camera, but not stare. They had to avoid blinking their eyes. There were no smiles because it is difficult to hold one's face in a smile for a long period without it becoming a smirk. Any movement during the exposure would cause the picture to be blurred.

 

Some of the boys look to the left or right rather than directly at the camera. It was easier to maintain a pose in that way. One or two have a hand resting on another boy's shoulder as a way to maintain balance.

 

Photographers used iron stands to hold the subject's head steady. Most of the time the stand was hidden, but, occasionally, a stand could be seen behind the subject's feet. The photographer in this instance may not have had enough stands to support each of the eight boys in the back row. The boys in the front row probably didn't need support.

 

The photographer may have put too many boys in the back row as they look crowded. An odd number in each row might have made a more successful photograph.

 

In this picture, only a small portion of the scenery in the studio is seen in the upper right corner of the photograph. It appears to be a tree, but we are fairly sure the boys are in a studio. Photographers often used props and scenery over and over whether they suited the subject of the picture or not.

 

The finished photograph was a keepsake for the boys as well as their parents. More than likely a number of copies were made to be given to family members and friends. The Sandburg family had a photograph album on the table in the front room of their home. Mrs. Sandburg surely was happy to have a photograph of her two sons to put in the album.

 

The photograph has continued to be treasured in the homes of certain Galesburg families to this day. It has a  connection with Carl Sandburg and the world-wide fame he achieved in his lifetime.