I didn’t plan this in advance, but since it was the 110th anniversary of Viola Templeton’s birth yesterday, I’ve decided to stick with her for the next couple of days. I don’t have anything pre-prepared, so this will be a test to see if I can fly by the seat of my pants without embarrassing myself too badly. I haven’t done much research on the Templeton’s or the Hockensmith’s, so maybe that part of the family will get interested and help me out. Please?
I introduced Viola here in case you missed it.
I’m thinking that Viola looks about two years old in this picture. Pretty dress. And those shoes! As I look at her face, I see a resemblance to a certain nephew who is Viola’s great-grandson. Are the necklace and bracelet still in anyone’s possession?
Viola Nell Templeton circa 1904?
The doll’s hair in this next picture is a bit of a mess, so I’m guessing she was a favorite. Is this on the front porch of Viola’s house? It looks like she is wearing a pin that might be a locket.
Viola Templeton holding doll
This picture leaves me with a lot of questions. It looks to be almost a mirror image in which Viola is playing a game of checkers with herself. Is that what this is? If so, who was the photographer/printer who did such a good job of creating this without the benefit of computer software? Or does she have a look-a-like cousin dressed exactly the same way posing with her? What a great picture. I’ll have to see if I can get one of my girls to enhance it a bit with photoshop. I believe that table is in the living room of my parents’ house.
Viola Templeton playing checkers
Samantha, an American Girl Doll
Seeing Viola in this dress and big hair bow reminds me of my daughter’s American Girl doll, Samantha. Too bad the company was bought out – Samantha is no longer available. I loved those historical dolls! And the books. It was so wonderful that there were dolls and books that represented the times of their grandmothers and greatgrandmothers. But enough about Samantha…
If any of you can fill in some blanks about Viola’s childhood, I would really enjoy hearing about it. Did she tell you anything about her parents, her school years, things she did as a girl? Comment or email me and we’ll share.