Clasroom Clues

 Classroom c. 1889-1893 

(click for larger version)

There are a number of photographs we have in our collection that were donated with little or no information and this is one of them. It is obviously a classroom setting and there are a couple of clues that tell us it was likely taken between 1889 and 1893.

The first clue is the flag. Under close examination, it appears this is a rare 42 star U.S. flag. This flag was released in 1889 and is an unofficial flag. In 1889, Washington became the 42nd state to join the Union and flag makers thought no other state would join the Union before July 4th, which was the date that makes star counts on flags official. But Idaho was added on July 3, 1890 and the 43 star flag became the official flag. There were, however, a number of 42 star flags made between November of 1889 and July of 1890.

A second clue to the date is the center portrait behind the teacher. This is a portrait of President Benjamin Harrison and his family. Harrison was elected in 1888 and served from 1889 to 1893.

But we don’t know where this photograph was taken or who the people in the photograph are. If you think you know something about this photograph, please call us and let us know at 530-889-6500.