Don’t have to guess about the year (or even month and day) of the photo, for a change. The notation on the back of this photo and a companion says they were taken July 26, 1928. Here are John and Sarah Hammell standing in front of their tent at Lost Creek campground.
I’m impressed they were tent camping at about the same age I am—John was 68, Sarah was 66.
If you’re wondering where Great-Grandpa’s ever-present hat is, you’ll find it sitting over the door to the tent. So evidently he did wear his hat even when camping.
The question for this photo is “which Lost Creek campground?” There is one by Newport, one by Crater Lake, one by Mount Hood, one on the McKenzie, and probably more besides that. (Fortunately the notation does specify “Oregon” or there would be even more possibilities.) The vegetation looks more like mountains than coast so I think we can rule out the one by Newport. And it looks more northern than southern, so probably not Crater Lake. Just on the basis of proximity to Albany, my guess is the one on the McKenzie—the one that I believe is now named Limberlost Campground. That’s just a guess, though.
Amazing “look” at their lives at their ages! G Gpa seems to never have been very affectionate with his dear wife in pictures. Seems he liked the “unsmiling stoic individualistic look”. Glad the McClain blood helped to “temper” this approach!!??
Yes, Kathryn, Hooray for the McClain blood! They both look hale and hearty and happy to be “roughing it.”
Maybe Great Grandpa’s look was the style for photos at that time?
Anyway, it is fun to see the pictures!