Photos Without Families

This mellow-looking gentleman was Musical Director (“Capellmeister”) Steinbruch, who had his photograph taken in Elizabeth, New Jersey. We didn’t have a first name to go with the photo - but no problem! This man was so well known in New York and New Jersey’s German singing circles that I was able to identify him even without knowing his given name!

This lovely schoolgirl with the steady gaze and composed posture was Annie Bridget Britt of Boston. Annie was born on January 4, 1862, the first child of Patrick Britt, a trunk maker, and Elizabeth - also recorded as Bessy or Lizzy - née Sullivan. Both of her parents were immigrants from Ireland.

Two children, carefully posed, looking straight into the camera that feels almost timeless. Their photograph had surfaced in Germany, which made me wonder - did Harry and Bessie Ronne have German roots? As I began tracing their story, a different path emerged. Their father, John Ronne, was not German but Danish, born in 1849 on the island of Bornholm.

I can’t resist old photos of my namesakes! It’s always a special treat for me to research their stories and discover how they lived. This photo of Gretchen Stapf found its way to me in Germany. Gretchen is a sweet nickname for Grete or Margret, and many adults in my childhood used to call me Gretchen—so piecing together little Gretchen’s story feels extra special.