We’re starting a new series today which will delve into the history of Bradley County and South Arkansas from a visual perspective. And we would like to get our reader’s involved in the exploration. This is the first post in what will hopefully be an ongoing series called “Shading History.” From time-to-time we will post an historical photograph which was originally in black and white or sepia tone from our local past, and colorize it. If you would like to take part, we invite you to email a photo anytime to salineriverchronicle@gmail.com for us to colorize. Please include in the email as much information as you know about the photo, including who took it and where the location is if possible. Please also make sure you own the copyright to the photo. Also, we ask for the highest resolution possible of the photo be sent.
Please note that we may not be able to publish every photo sent.
This time we take a look at an extremely unique photo from Warren’s past. Taken by local gunsmith Owen Saunders, the photo features an unknown group of individuals who’s names have now been lost to time. Saunders took the photo near Warren between 1913 and 1915. The original photo was printed on 2.5 inch x 1.5 inch paper. Saunders was a skilled gunsmith and veteran of World War I. Believed to have been born around 1892 near Cary, Mississippi, he was a traveling man, having taken 2.5×1.5 photos all across the country from his home in Mississippi to Washington State. Sort of a renaissance man, Saunders reportedly ordered and put together his first car from a magazine. Later in life he would marry Lou Eddie Lingo. They resided in Warren.
Below, take a look at the original photo, followed by the colorized version.
Do you have any information on Grant and Jefferson county in the early to mid 1800’s?