Washington State Pioneer Family
This photograph is undated, but appears to have been taken circa 1900 in the Pacific Northwest. This family has just cleared their land and is ready to build a home. The tall trees in the background are typical of the Olympic Peninsula, and the muddy boots worn by all members of the family are a silent testimony to the daily conditions of their lives. But when they gathered proudly to show the fruits of their labors and record their claim to this land, every female member of the family wore jewelry. The mother wears an Arts & Crafts style bar pin at her throat, a long watch chain with concealed watch, and a magnificent Victorian belt buckle. Each of the girls has an identical flower brooch at the center of their collar. The father and adolescent son have no time for fancy dress. In honor of the occasion they have put suit jackets over their work shirts, but they are clearly ready to pick up their hammers, saws, and axes and get back to work at any minute.
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