Hi All, My late husband and I were estranged when my grandson was born. My husband passed away in 1992 when my grandson was 3. The only picture I have with my husband, my son and my grandson is of my son holding my grandson standing next to my late husband in his casket. Carol In a message dated 1/20/2007 4:43:24 PM Eastern Standard Time, jmsmith37@comcast.net writes: My aunt took photos of my grandmother after she died. I did not know this and later came across them. I was 15 years old so it was quite a shock since it did not look like her. That is the only experience I have had of anyone doing that. There have been photos of the flowers and closed casket. Judy S. -------------- Original message -------------- From: "Rene'" <rtreff@stny.rr.com> > Hi everyone, > > There has been an interesting discussion going on another list regarding > photos of the dead. Wondering how many of you have experienced this? In my > families personal collection we have one of my grandfather's brother. He > left home and hadn't been seen until he died which was about 10-15 years > later. They wanted a picture to remember him by. This was in the 30's or > 40's > > Here are a couple of websites for those of you who are interested. > > http://ame2.asu > edu/projects/haunted/ISA%20index/book%20of%20the%20dead/book%20of%20the%20dea > %20photos.htm > > http://billblanton.com/pm.htm > > Apparently it was very common way back when. > > Rene' > > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > NYDELAWA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in > the subject and the body of the message ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to NYDELAWA-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Interesting subject.... I have some of these too. In fact, I just recently received a kinda' creepy old picture (1916) from Germany of a very old relative sitting up in bed with his eyes and mouth open. Possibly he's alive, but looks more like he's dead to me! The back has written his death date (old German writing). I also have one of a beautiful coffin obviously in someone's parlor - wish I knew who it was. I wonder if it could be dated by the coffin appearance? (May be my great-great grandfather.) And don't forget the very famous coffin picture of Abraham Lincoln! Bonnie

About the Funeral Parlor beginnings: Do you remember that people who could afford 2 living rooms as was a Victorian preference, one was set aside as the 'PARLOR" and kept in the best condition and furnished with one's very best furniture? This included also, the best rugs drapes,an curtains, often the family piano ,organ, or other instrument, AND suitable ornamental decorations lovingly acquired, , family portraits of course, Often, this parlor was kept closed-off except when a [parlor] use was required. One reason we see pocket doors in homes of that era was just for the 'closing-off' of the family parlor to keep it clean and in readiness for an 'occasion'. In some homes, the 'closing-off also served an additional economic function: If you did not use that room, you need not heat it either. Homes mostly in thet time did NOT have furnaces nor central heating but used individual-room-heaters. So,there was thrift at work. The custom was to have a family deceased member "laid-out" in one's parlor.Mourners,friends, and others came to the home and into the parlor to 'pay-respects' to the family as well as the deceased. However, suppose one did not have the luxury of two living rooms--one the parlor? Well, some very enterprising business men--often the mortician or undertaker--dreamed up the idea of having a nicely furnished, homelike room-a 'parlor' which could be rented by the family and provide much the same atmosphere as in a family home. ERGO--A FUNERAL PARLOR [ for hire ]! Over time,Funeral Parlors and,later, Funeral HOMES aprouted up in nearly every village,town,and city around the country. And is this BIG business or what? The OTHER living-room was just that--for everyday use. Charlotte J.Sheldon On Jan 27, 2007, at 11:59 AM, Bonnie Hartmann wrote: Interesting subject.... I have some of these too. In fact, I just recently received a kinda' creepy old picture (1916) from Germany of a very old relative sitting up in bed with his eyes and mouth open. Possibly he's alive, but looks more like he's dead to me! The back has written his death date (old German writing). I also have one of a beautiful coffin obviously in someone's parlor - wish I knew who it was. I wonder if it could be dated by the coffin appearance? (May be my great-great grandfather.) And don't forget the very famous coffin picture of Abraham Lincoln! Bonnie To contact list administrator send email to nydelawa- admin@rootsweb.com ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to NYDELAWA- request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message