Figure 1.--The boy here is John Robert. The portrait was taken by Shannon, Idington's Block, Market Square, Stratford. The question is it Stratford in England, Canada (Ontario), or America (Connecticut). As the province or state is not indicated, we tend to believe the boy is English. But the heavy stockings suggestg that he may be Canadian.

Here we have a portrait of John Robert. Unfortunately we have no information about his family. we know that it was taken at Idington's Block, Market Square in Stratford. The problem is that there are Stratford's scattered all around the English speaking world. We think it is England, but we are not at all sure. John wears a Norfolk kneepants suit with a narrow bow, ribbed long stockings, and button shoes. There are several interesting aspects of John's suit. Notice how he keeps a handkerchief in the folds of his Norfolk suit. And his knee pants have two rather than one button. The portrait is undated, but we would guess was taken about 1880.

The Boy

Here we have a portrait of John Robert. He looks to be about 10 years old. Unfortunately we have no information about John and his his family. We are not even entirely sure where John is from.

Location

we know that it was taken at Idington's Block, Market Square in Stratford. The problem is that there are Stratford's scattered all around the English speaking world. We think it is England, but we are not at all sure. We note a variety of conflicting elements that we find confusing. Perhaps readers will have some insights.

Clothing

John wears a Norfolk kneepants suit with a narrow bow, ribbed long stockings, and button shoes. John has an Eton collar which he wears even though his suit has a collar. There are several interesting aspects of John's suit. Notice how he keeps a handkerchief in the folds of his Norfolk suit. And his kneepants have two rather than three buttons. He wears heavy ribbed long stockings. One reader tells us that the stockings look more Canadian than English.

Chronology

The portrait is undated, but we would guess was taken about 1880.

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Created: 10:37 PM 1/14/2006
Last updated: 10:37 PM 1/14/2006