Awkward Family Photos, Panorama Group Style

Don’t squirm, Little Bro

Remember the old banquet-style photographs I recently dehumidified and unrolled? I’ve had a lot of fun looking at the details through my Magnabrite globe and on my computer.

I scanned the camp photo with my Flip-Pal Mobile Scanner and reassembled the 18 images using the included EasyStitch software. The stitching process was finished in only three minutes and gave me a complete digital image of the 8 x 26-inch photograph.

And, look what I found —

Genealogically Interesting

The photograph was snapped August 21-28, 1948 at Hume Lake [California] for the Inter-Church Bible Conference. That means that my mom and aunt (pictured below and outlined in blue) were there with people from their church group and other, probably local Orange County, churches. Anyone with ancestors in Orange County, California who attended a fundamental Christian church about 1948 might find their family members in this group photo. 

Now, I need to pin down the name of Mom and Auntie’s church at that time. Although this looks like a camp for church members of all ages, I don’t see my grandparents. They were probably  home enjoying the break with their two girls away for the week! 

Inter Church Camp, Hume Lake, California 1948

Awkward Moments

Looking closer at the photo, I found some intriguing drama, and some humorous actions captured on film. The image above is a thumbnail version; if you click on it, a full-size photo should open so you can follow along:

First, check out where everyone is looking. The kids and teens are all dutifully staring directly at the photographer. But, look at Boss Lady on the far left (outlined in green). The lady with the “pocketbook” gripped tightly under her arm. Is she looking at that cute baby in the top row? Or, is she keeping an eye on the teenage boys further along the line?

A few other people aren’t looking at the camera — the baby is watching something more interesting, Mom? And then, look at the folks on the right side of the photo, selected in the red boxes. What’s going on over there? 

The adults are all behaving pretty well in this photo, not surprisingly. Even the teenagers are keeping their hands under control. Note the protective hands placed on the women’s and girls’ shoulders by nearby males. The guy in the top row doesn’t quite know where to place his hand so he settles for the girl’s throat. Scary!

It’s the kids along the front who are having the most fun. Outlined in green, from left to right, check out:

• the little girl trying to hide her nail biting
• the boy blowing a championship bubble-gum bubble
• the kid waving
• the big brother throttling little brother and holding his chin up

I’ve probably missed a few more graceless movements captured in time; leave a comment with your own additions. And watch what you’re doing in your next group photo!