the rescued photo

Alma (Austin) Cook
Kate (Austin) Bartlett
Jennie (Austin) Warner
Ida Austin
Irving Austin
William Austin
Sarah Emeline (Fosdick)

“Mabton, Wash.
Dec. 20, 1909
Dear Cousins & Aunt:-
It has been a long time since I rec’d your letter but will answer after the holidays. We have had lots of cloudy weather and a little snow. It is lovely today. Kate is still here. We will have the folks all here for Xmas dinner. Guess you will know the photos on this card. My cousin Will Austin took them. They are not very plain. Pa and Irving sitting I stand by Irving – then Kate – then Jennie and then Ida. Ma’s picture is hanging back of us and we had sister Nona and family’s picture in the frame of Ma’s but it does not show. Hope this finds you well.
Alma Cook.”

The photographer, Will Austin (1879-1926), was the son of Alma’s Uncle Welcome Austin. His resting place is unknown. If you’ve viewed the enlarged image you will see what Alma meant by “not very plain” was that Will’s photography skills could use improvement.

Vinona (Austin) Hatch , “sister Nona,” lived in Fairview, South Dakota at the time this family photo was captured in Mabton, Washington. She was the only Austin sibling not present.