A photo from my childhood

[EdinFla]

This is a little bit frivolous but I thought that you folks might get a kick out of it.  My Granddad was in the Great War.  I don't believe that he ever saw combat but he did serve in France and the UK.  Anyway, here is his Unit, The caption reads:

Headquarters Company 347th Inf. A.E.F. France

Never met my Granddad on my Dad's side.  He died before I was born.  But this photo was in Grandma's house and I knew of it since I was a wee sprig.  (n.b. It is now in my study, it has followed me around for 50 years or more).  Anyway ... note the persons indicated by the pink lines.  Here, let me help ...

So the story is this.  This gentleman (I was told and I have believed for a dog's age) took advantage of the technique that they used to take such a wide photograph ie panning the camera.  They started the photo on the left.  Once the camera passed him he ducked down and scampered to to right side so that he appeared twice.  Note the self satisfied grin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh, here is grand dad.  This photo always made me smile.  A hundred+ year old joke that still amuses.

 

 

 

 

 

[IPT]

Great picture.  Thanks for posting it.

[WhiteStarLine]

Now that brought a smile to my face, too!

[J T Gray]

I remember having a school photograph taken with a panoramic camera when I was at primary school in the late 1970s - a big wooden box on a tripod is how I remember it, can't have been much different to the one used here. I'd have had a good smirk on if I'd succeeded in doing that too!

I can see why Grandad makes you smile - that sort of grin is infectious.

[EdinFla]

I am glad you like it.

Here is Grand dad with Grandma.  I think before he went overseas.  Grandma was a Flapper!!!

and looks like a hottie.  Will I go to hell for that?

Edited 16 January , 2022 by EdinFla

[Gunner Bailey]

Great photo and a great story. Thanks for sharing.

[EdinFla]

I am now going to show my grandkids.  And so it goes ...

[EdinFla]

And I did so the joke enters it's second hundred years.

[rolt968]

A friend of my late father's achieved the same thing on his school panoramic photo in the 1920s. Unfortunately the headmaster noticed  and an unpleasant interview followed.

That's a wonderful photograph!

RM