Family portraits offer years of smiles

There is a photo on my computer that makes me laugh every time I look at it. It shows my four children standing in my front yard. The idea was to take a picture to accompany cards to friends and family over the holidays. Well, that was my plan. Unfortunately, my children had other ideas.

I had one who wouldn’t smile because she doesn’t like her smile. So she didn’t smile. Instead she looked belligerently at the camera. I had another who didn’t know we were going to be taking a photo and she didn’t like her hair. And she looked like she was trying to stay out of the line of fire from the sister beside her. My son had been camping the night before and he looked like he’d been rescued from some kind of disaster and was wearing whatever they could find to put on him. He was looking down at the ground. My youngest had been outside playing in the snow. She looked fine but she was looking at the others, enjoying the show, and not at the camera.

What I got, snapping the photo from the front porch, was a slice of ordinary famly life. And by that I mean to say a lot of grumbling, snickering and poking. Not exactly the picture-perfect image I had in mind.

I never did get a good card-worthy photo, but I did get a perfect portrait of my imperfect brood.

I couldn’t bring myself to send it off, but I do enjoy looking at it while I work.

Perhaps that’s why I love looking at old family portraits.

I can’t help but wonder what kind of drama went on behind the scenes. And just how difficult it was to gather everyone. And how much pleasure was derived for years afterward each time someone gazed at the photo.

One of my favorites is a candid snapshot of a large family standing in what appears to be an old log cabin. I think it is one of the most charming photographs in my collection. There may have been some nudging and grousing, but most of the faces are relaxed and smiling. And, unlike my snapshot, everyone was willing to look straight into the camera.

Everything about the people in the photo catches my attention. I love the way they are dressed, the expressions of their faces.

It is so dynamic.

A woman – she looks too young, but might be the grandmother – is holding a young girl perched on one of the logs. Two other pretty children, wearing white cotton and heavy stockings sit beside her. The girl has a big bow in her hair.

On the woman’s other side a beautiful young woman is nestled against a handsome young man. She looks like a woman who knows a secret.

I wish I knew the people. I wish I knew the story behind the photograph and where and when it was taken.

I can’t help laughing when I look at my own kids. And it’s nice to know that somewhere, almost 100 years ago, a family came together long enough to smile at the camera.

That makes me smile, too.

Antique Appraisal Days

Each spring the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture puts together a team of appraisers and antiques authorities. For a $10 per item donation, with a maximum of five items, you can bring your treasures to the museum and get a oral appraisal.

In the past this has proven to be a popular event. I always attend and have a wonderful time talking to people and admiring their finds and family heirlooms. This year, I’m sure, will be no exception.

The 2007 Antique Appraisal Days will be March 16 and 17.

Appraisals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Proceeds will benefit the historic Campbell House.

For more information, call (509) 456-3931 or go to northwestmuseum.org.