Haskins, Thomas Ranson Jr. (1880-1905)
/E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery’s Portrait Photograph of
Edmond “Buzz” Sterling Haskins & Thomas Ranson Haskins Jr.
THE PHOTOGRAPHER/ PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO:
EDWIN RUTHVEN HEALY (1856-1923) and ADA “ADDIE” GOSSAGE HEALY (1860-1923). Edwin and Ada Healy were a married couple, and both were listed in California directories as a photographer. It has been assumed they worked together; however, ascertaining their division of labor is problematic. The “E. R. Healy Gound Floor Gallery” was opened in 1896 at 816 Main Street, Petaluma, California. It was later relocated to 818 Main Street and sold in June, 1905. In 1906 the Healys moved to Berkeley, California. (To view all portraits in this collection taken at the E. R. Healy Ground Floor Gallery and for additional information on Edwin and Ada Healy, click on their names in blue above.)
THE SITTERS:
Names: Elmond “Buzz” Sterling Haskins & Thomas Ranson Haskins Jr.
Description: This double portrait depicts the brothers, Elmond and Thomas Haskins. As implied by the inscription and arrow on the front of the card, Elmond sits on the left in the corner chair, leaving us to assume Thomas is on the right in the wicker chair. However, Elmond was the older of the two brothers; he may be the boy on the viewer’s right and Thomas on the left. Posed in a casual, jaunty manner, the brothers are dressed similarly in formal attire most probably for a special occasion. Their three-piece suits are adorned with pocket watch chains and lapel pins.
Biographical Note: In 1902 it was reported that Thomas Ranson Haskins Jr. was working at the Sunset Telephone & Telegraph Company. He died at the age of 25 and was reported to have suffered for many years prior.
Family Affiliation: Thomas Ranson Haskins was the son of Petaluma pioneers, Thomas J. Haskins (1842-1908) and Elizabeth E. Sterling Haskins (1852-1936). See the portrait of his sister, Edna Eleanor Haskins in this collection. According to an article written by Ed Mannion published in the Petaluma Argus-Courier, December 9, 1961, page 8, Thomas Haskins’ maternal grandfather was Charles B. Sterling, a crew member of the Treble, one of the earliest ships to venture to California.
Bibliography:
THE PHOTOGRAPH:
Format / Size: cabinet card, approximately 11.5 x 17 cm
Medium: gelatin or collodion photographic print mounted on cardstock
Description, front: Handwritten in script in blue ink along the front left edge of this cabinet card is, “Uncle Elmond”. Above this inscription is an arrow identifying Elmond as the brother on the viewer’s left. Studio props include an elaborate backdrop, a wicker chair, a corner chair, and a carpet with a large floral design.
Description, back: Handwritten in script in blue ink on the side edge of the back of this cabinet card is, “Elmond Sterling Haskins”.
Date: 1896 or soon thereafter
Condition: There is a large stain on the top left of this cabinet card.
Owner: Petaluma Historical Library & Museum, 1986-IDI-04
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