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Be a History Detective!

This photograph shows Alphonse Morin at the Belknap Mill. Alphonse was a son of the owner, J. P. Morin. What can you tell about Alphonse and his job in this picture?

Picture divided into four quadrants
Divide the photograph into four sections. Look at each section. List what you see in each section.

Moving your mouse pointer over the picture above will enlarge each of the four sections. Moving your mouse pointer away from the picture will restore the full photograph. You may want to see even more detail. View this larger image. It may be helpful in your search for clues but it may take a little while to display on your computer.

1. What kind of job did Alphonse Morin have? Why do you think so? [ Answer ]

2. Name 15 items that you can find in an office today. [ Answer ]

3. How is his office different from an office today? Find seven items that you would not usually find in an office today. [ Answer ]

4. What are the sources of light in this room? How many can you find? [ Answer ]

5. What could Alphonse Morin use to write letters? Why do you think so? [ Answer ]

6.What is missing from this office that you would see in an office today? [ Answer ]

7. Do you think the picture was taken in the summer? Why? [ Answer ]

8. Take a good look at the calendar, located on the wall next to Alphonse. When was this picture taken? Hint: You may be able to make out the date by moving your mouse pointer over the section in the picture above. If you still can't make it out, look at this larger image. [ Answer ]

9. Think about: What kind of worker is Alphonse? Is his office neat or messy? Why do you think so?

10. Think about: Why was this picture taken? Was it taken for his family or for the company? Why do you think so?

Thanks to Dottie Morin for donating this photograph (1995.19.3) to the Belknap Mill Society.

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