Here is a photo of the Hammell family, taken in 1911. The print is very faded. I was surprised to get an image this good from it.

Identifications: back row, from left: Arthur McClain, Addie (Hammell) McClain, Bessie (Hammell) Hutchins, Floyd “Jack” Hammell. In front, John and Sarah Hammell, with an apparently sleepy Florence McClain (at that time, the only grandchild) on John’s lap.

Dating this photo revolves around two questions: How old is Florence? And what is the time of year as reflected in how people are dressed?

I’m voting for Spring 1911. Florence would have been nine months old in March.

Bessie married Roy Hutchins in December 1910, so where is Roy? Perhaps he is behind the camera.

If there was a family event connected with this photo (as it seems there usually is even for informal family group photos), perhaps it was Sarah’s birthday (May 20).

It’s kind of a peculiar photo in some ways: Grandma Addie peeking out from behind her husband and her father. Floyd (Uncle Jack) with hands on hips, Mom (Florence) dozing, everyone squinting in the bright sunlight. Perhaps there is a story here that we’ll never know.