My first post featured letters and related photos from 1918 of my grandmother Leota VanScoter and her pending marriage to Earl Spicer. In this post, we will go farther back in time to Leota’s infancy and childhood.

Here is Leota in infancy in 1898, a few months old. Regarding the history of photography, this is a “cabinet card” – you can google search it, but here is one link.

Next is another cabinet card. In fountain ink on the back it is dated the end of April 1899, making Leota 15 months old. A very large framed version of this portrait hangs on the wall at my father’s home.

I just love the photo below and have had it hanging on the wall in my living room for years. This is Leota in 1901 at age 3.

There is one lovely photo from when Leota was about 10 years old that I am not in possession of. It is a large framed photo that hangs on the wall at my aunt’s house. I actually took a photograph of it, but need to find it in my computer. If I manage to find it, I will add it below at that time. *HERE IT IS:

Next is a school photo from May 1907. It is public school number 7 on Clinton Street in Buffalo, NY. Leota is in the second row, second from right, in dark clothing. Her face is a little blurred. I think this is the 4th grade. According to a chart here, Buffalo public school number 7 closed in 1950 and has since been demolished.

The headline photo for this blog is another school photo. It is the 6th grade at public school number 7 in Buffalo, NY in the year 1909. My grandmother Leota VanScoter is in the second row, 5th girl from right in a dark dress.

Next is a photo from 1910 of Leota and her sister Ethel. It was taken where they lived on Wheelock Street in Buffalo, NY. Leota, older, is on the left.

Finally, it is May 29, 1910 and Ethel VanScoter has a birthday party. On the far left is my Grandmother Leota. Ethel, her sister, is in front of her in white. The smallest child in front is brother Frank.The other children are not identified and must be cousins or friends.