Maxine Alberta Rutledge - On Daddy's Car

Photo of Maxine with writing on reverse. As stated in the description, Maxine is sitting on the hood of her father's car, and the photo was taken at 34th Street and Forest Avenue in Des Moines, Iowa. This was the home of Charles' mother and father, W.A. and Jessie Mae Rutledge. The date is not exact, but Foster's written note at the bottom of the photo explains that the license plate says "17", that Maxine was born in March of 1916, and that she looks like a 2-year-old here. Depending on the custom of how the dates on plates worked, this photo could have been taken in the Fall of 1917 or Spring of 1918, as there are no leaves on the trees. Photographer is unknown, but it is likely that Charles would have been present since his car was there. Could have been any of the family, however. Original size about 3.75"x2.75".

Transcription on reverse:
"(unknown scribble)
Maxine on the
hood of her daddy's
car - 34th &
Forest
---------------------
It appears as if
the date on car license
is 1917 - Maxine was born
March 26 1916. She looks
like a 2 yr old here - Foster"

The scribble could be a number or initials. It looks to me like the number "627" judging by other "2"s written on other photos. Foster's guess would be as good as anyone's, unless more information turns up. If anyone knew anything about how cars were licensed in 1917 or 1918, one could probably learn something about that particular car. Using other photos from W.A.'s house, one could determine where the car was sitting and which direction the photographer was looking. Providing one had the time and the inclination of course.

The photo is sharp except for a few moving branches and Maxine's squirming. Glare in the corners is from my setup being amateur.

Photographed for RA on 16 July 2013 by TJR.

abt. 1918