(Digital Image. Photograph Privately Held By Cynthia Shenette; Text Copyright (c) 2012 Cynthia Shenette) This young woman was probably either a friend of or related to my grandmother, Antonina (Bulak) Szerejko. In reviewing my photographs I believe she may be the bridesmaid in this photograph on my other blog, Heritage Zen. The bride in that photograph also appears in this photo here. My guess is the photograph above was probably taken in the late 1910s, and the young woman was probably a member of Worcester's Polish community.
Many of the photos I have in my possession don't have any photographer information, but this particular one does. "Schervee Worcester, Mass." is embossed on the mat of the photograph. I did a quick search on Schervee and learned that Herman Schervee was a relatively well known and regarded photographer. According to his obituary he photographed a number of famous people including presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. He is also responsible for the famous group photo taken during Sigmund Freud's visit to Clark University in 1909. Herman Schervee's obit says he died on July 30, 1923, so my photograph was probably taken before that date.
If you recognize the pretty young woman in my photograph or have additional information to share about photographer Herman Schervee I'd love to hear from you!
