• Sunday-What'sUP December 2 - 05:09 pm

In the checkout line recently I noticed a keychain digital camera for five bucks. You could snap a bunch of scenes around the house, then with a USB connector transfer them to your computer and on to the Pasty Central Guest Gallery. That's one way to get a shot on the Pasty Cam. Today's Shoebox Memory required a bit more effort and expense.

Adolph Anderson lived with his wife Anna and daughters Viola and Mildred (seen above) in Iron Mountain in the late 1800's. About the turn of the century he began to dabble with the new technology of photography. He acquired the necessary equipment and began developing the glass plate negatives in the barn behind their house. How exciting it must have been to see two of his favorite subjects appear on those plates one day in 1900. He'd have been pleased to know their picture would someday appear on the Pasty Cam. It only took 107 years.

Thanks to Dickinson County Library for their mission of preserving such glimpses of life in the U.P.

This quaint scene brings back some pleasant memories as a kid when my sister and I would do four hand piano. I recall one Sunday afternoon playing our repitoire for an appreciative audience at a nursing home in our area. That was only half a century ago.

Speaking of kids, let me pass along a "Thank-you" from Sheriff Ron Lahti here in Keweenaw County, to all who have supported him in his "Toys for Kids" effort. Your donation online or contribution of items at the Eagle River courthouse are much appreciated. It will make this season special for some youngsters here in the remote reaches of the U.P.

Have a good week :o)

How Beautiful. My Grandmother used to sit at the piano for hours and play and I would sit next to her. But unfortunately I have no pictures of the many times I do remember. Thank you for jostling my memories.

Looks like the piano (and bench) we kids used to play "Chopsticks" on at my grandmother's house circa 60 yrs ago. Nice photo.

Looks like the Anderson family was very well to do. Look at the beautiful furniture, rugs, piano, clothes and more. And to have a camera at that time, was probably pretty expensive too.

I wonder what Mr Anderson did....

How cute. I've always wanted to play the piano, but we didn't really have enough money for lessons. I could play chopsticks though. It looks like they're having fun.

I recently purchased a piano like that. Paid a frotune to have it moved. Got it home and it has so much dust in it that when you play it the dust comes out of the piano. It was originally a player but some one removed the top part of the player. It really goes well with my Craftsman type house built some time in either the 1900's or the 1920's and added on to by me in the 1970's so now I am looking for the parts missing.

This morning's shoebox picture reminds me a little bit of my own childhood. I played the piano when I was young, but on a smaller piano version, I believe it is called a spinette model. I never had piano lessons when I was young. I taught myself to play. My mom used to fuss at me, if I started playing with just one hand when I was sight reading new music. That used to make me less than happy, as it was easier to learn to play new music with just one hand. I finally took a formal piano class in college, keyboard for non-keyboard majors, or something like that. I have that piano now, since my parents passed on many years ago.

Michael Du Long (Mikie):
"Paid a frotune …"

Ooops, I musta misread that, I thought you said "Played a 'Fro tune'".

Kinda like this, except on a piano?





(Couldn't help myself — I'm feeling mischievious today!)

That was so funny, I'm half tempted too maik a messtake too se whad FRNash combs up wid.

A few sayings that might fit today's Cam Notes:

An out-of-tune piano is like a troublesome wife (or husband).

Music washes away from the soul the dust of every-day life.

Where there is music there is not likely to be mischief.

Frank, Thangs you are better then spell check. Wish I had a fro, since I have only pink on top lately. It really gets cold out side cleaning the walks. Oh yeah you wouldn't know about snow on sidewalks out there in sunny Airazona. Keep up the good work.

Hello from rainy, windy Oregon! I like to drop into your website often, and always enjoy the pictures and messages! My mom and dad (Gladys and Bob Beattie) live right next door to me here in Portland, but have UP roots--from the Bootjack/ Houghton/Hancock areas.My mom's maiden name was Aittama. Anyway, I was scrolling through some of my favorite websites I have stored on my computer (besides Pasty.com!) and re-discovered this website: http://virtual.finland.fi/xmas/index.asp

It has various places to click on, and has really pretty music, recipes, movies, and on and on---it NEEDS to be shared! Check it out! For a little Christmas in Finland! Merry Christmas!

In 1910 Iron Mountain, Adolph Anderson was 45, born in Sweden (to US 1885), and a pumperman in an iron mine. His wife Anna was 39, also born in Sweden. They had been married for 17 years. Their children were Elmer 15, Mildred 11, Viola 8, Everett 3 and a young daughter 1-1/2 years old. I think this charming picture was probably taken about 1910 when the girls were 8 & 11. I do genealogy research at a NW Indiana museum. I love your site.

Eva - The information you have provided is a perfect example of what actually gives this site its value. Each day on the Pasty Cam we can only start a conversation about this colorful place known as the U.P. The most important thing is where you take it. Thanks for helping us connect with Adolph and his family.

Frank - Better patent that spell checker. It's worth a frotune.

Jeanette - Loved the sleigh ride : o)