Mystery Monday: Cross Necklaces

This image was taken by A.C. Platt, Sandusky, Ohio.

Timeframe: We can't see very much of the attire for this dress so the timeframe is a rather broad one but let's see what we have. The bodice closes in the front and when you zoom in on the picture the buttons appear flat. That dates this image to 1878 - 1882. That timeframe also has notes on narrow sleeves and high low stand collars. The hair and the jewelry were popular for no time period.

Where It Fits: That is the part where you play along. But wait, there's more! :-)

Same collar on the dress, same button front, same awful haircut, same necklace, same photographer, different woman.


Once again we have the same chop job, round flat buttons on the bodice, same necklace, same photographer, similar attire . . . If you look at the profile for this outfit you have large round buttons (although for this time frame they usually were not flat), V-neck ruffles, armhole over shoulder and there was a large amount of women that used "false hair". Since that braid looks interesting I am assuming it could be a headband made to look like a braid. Especially since it suddenly thins as soon as it gets behind her ear. Did the braid not go all the way around or was it a headband like device?

Assuming these images were taken about the same time they could have been taken anytime between 1869 & 1882. Highly irregular if I do say so myself.

Now, if you will go back and look at them they all have a rather unusual necklace. After searching all my historical resources I could find NO cross necklaces or even any necklaces of this style. I found that rather odd. Mom and I bounced it back a forth and decided to call the Catholic church to see if they could offer any clues. Mom called the archivist at the Toledo Archdioceses. He found it to be of great interest and suggested we attempt to contact St. Mary's Central Catholic of Sandusky, Holy Angels of Sandusky and St. Francis of the Fremont area. After a little looking we called the "Jill of most trades", Rosie, at Holy Angels. Rosie found it of interest and suggested we contact Carol Steele. Carol is interested in church and family history. She agreed that the necklaces are very original and the fact that all three have the same necklace and really can't be narrowed down implies some connection with something. She suggested I contact Mary Carabin, the queen of information on Catholic organizations and churches for the area. Mom is still attempting to get a hold of Mary. All in all I think we have a large group of people looking into this one and I will let you know if we manage to uncover anything. These women being novices or in some way connected with the church is likely as members of both the Hopfinger and Washa families are Catholic, including but not limited to Sister Mary David Hopfinger & Sister Mary Rose Estelle Hopfinger who sadly were born well after the allotted timeframe for these ladies.

So, any ideas anybody? I will let you know if/when I hear anything.