Photographing the Photographer

John L. McDermond did many self portraits. Or at least, I think it’s him.

Recently, we identified the photographer who took the 216 glass negatives that I found in the basement of a home I bought in Glenside, PA in 1978.

His name was John L. McDermond and he was the father of Mordercai McDermond, the man whose 95-year-old widow Meta sold us the home that she’d lived in since 1908.

In going through and cataloging John’s photos, I found that he would occasionally put himself in the pictures. Here are the ones I’m sure are him and a few that I have questions about. Give me your opinion.

Certainly John

He identified himself on the envelope that the photos were in. So, I’m certain they are him.

Most Likely John

With his wife Fanny, son Mordecai, and an unknown family member or friend.

John or His Brother Ulysses?

Originally, I thought the photo of the man below was the photographer. But he turned out to be his younger brother, Ulysses Simpson Grant McDermond. (Great name, great pic.)

At first, these other pics looked to me like John L., but because of the hairstyle and the pin on the lapel, now I’m not so sure. What do you think? Are these John L. or Ulysses?

Probably Not John

The following shot is identified as “Carpenter and Smith.” The man on the far right is Smith. If the man in the middle is Carpenter, is the man on the left John L., who chose not to identify himself? The mustache is the same, but not much else.

Below is my favorite shot of all the ones I have. It was labeled “Billikins.” An affectionate portrait of someone. Could it be John L. having a laugh?

Thanks for being a subscriber to this blog. Meanwhile, I set up something that looks like a crime board from a police procedural on Britbox. More discoveries to come.