Shade at mid-day
A favorite midday gathering place of Civil War veterans.Dept. of Veteran Affairs photo.
I am guessing that this photo was made between 1885 and 1900. Looking at the men, I think that they might have been in the War when they were in their 20's, 30's or 40's, and now they are in their 50's, 60's or 70's.
They seem a little self-conscious in the presence of the camera, but I can imagine that many lively conversations were carried on under the shade of this tree, as these gentlemen traded stories of their wartime experiences and exploits.
I've seen benches like this in quite a few old time photographs. I think they're very inviting. At any time of day, you could find a place to sit in the shade.
I wonder why these benches have fallen out of fashion? Are we so comfortable in our houses and on our decks that we don't venture out to sit under a tree anymore?
"The power to recognize trees at a glance without examining their leaves or flowers or fruit as they are seen, for example, from the car-window during a railroad journey, can only be acquired by studying them as they grow under all possible conditions over wide areas of territory. Such an attainment may not have much practical value, but once acquired it gives to the possessor a good deal of pleasure which is denied to less fortunate travelers."
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