Two Photographs for Olive

These portraits are likely from the Spring or early Summer of 1945, after World War II had ended in Europe but was still raging in the Pacific. Without any dates except Mary's instruction to "Remember June 1945,"  these matching folios contain  brief sentiments of two young women who both have a friend named Olive.

I can only assume that these wonderful portraits were given as a gift or exchanged upon graduation, and I am left with a feeling of disappointment that I'll never see a portrait of Olive herself.

Portrait of a Man and Woman, Both Appear to be Angry

This is an example of a truly lost portrait. This image was not a part of an album, a scrapbook, or even a pile. It has no markings that suggest a photographer, a location, or any context at all.
In the early days of photography, plates and films were less sensitive to light, and required subjects to sit perfectly still (to avoid blurriness) during long exposures.  Perhaps a faked smile was too hard to hold.  Even still, could this possibly be the best of the bunch?

Studio Portrait of Leane

Signed in ink on face of photograph: "Lovingly, Leane."  No other markings or information about this woman, except for "Johnson," the photographer's name. After this many years I suspect he's no longer in business, but it's likely he made a living for much longer than this woman's hairdresser. 

Young Girl, White Dress, White Background

This portrait is unusual.  It has the finishing and mounting typical of a turn of the century print, but it lacks the typical toning (or fading) of a print of that age. The image is almost completely white (intentionally white, not from fading), containing mostly bright tones, and is mounted on an equally white card stock with serrated edges.  I can't help but wonder if the same scissors were used to trim the girl's bangs.

Location: Cresco, Iowa
Photographer: W. Brown