I own 4,000 of Alice M. Curtis’s original negatives, and other material. Born in Gloucester in 1871, Alice passed away in this city 90 years later. In this self portrait, she’s reflected with her tripod in her dresser mirror. I think it’s about time I published this photo and gave her some credit. She photographed ordinary things, such as her friends’ gardens and indoor arrangements. In the future, this will be invaluable documentary coverage of how people lived at that time.
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Fred Bodin is a photographer who owns a gallery on Main Street in downtown Gloucester, MA. The gallery features Fred's land and seascapes, as well as historic images printed from the old negatives.
View all posts by Fredrik Bodin
15 thoughts on “A Tribute to Alice May Curtis, 1871-1961”
How wonderful! Nice to see this post. I suppose that is why people trust their histories to you ~
Relative of the Curtis sisters from Manchester? The Curtis Cup in golf was named for them. The Curtis Cup is like the Ryder Cup but for the top amateur women golfers.
Alice is probably in her 60’s in this photo. The camera she has is most likely a Rolleiflex twin lens reflex, which shoots 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inch film. A miniature camera in those days. As technology changes, we adapt, as we are with the film to digital transition today.
Thanks James. I feel like I know her, although we’ve never met. I was only 11 years old and living in NY in 1961 when she passed. When I adopted Gloucester, Alice was part of that family. When I sell or donate the collection, it will have to be to someone special. There’s a lot of good material in there.
Fred, Very good article and tribute here!! I am not sure but this name sounds familiar -Addison Gilbert Hospital connection and lived in or around Annisquam or Lanesville area the name sounds very familiar to me? Long time ago for me…But I’ll give mom a call tomorrow and see if she may remember more as she grew up that way mid 1935 I believe to 1968. Lived both in Lanesville and Bayview Dave 🙂
Follow-up I did call mom she did not recall the name the name…I realize all this history is vital and we need to keep it documented for those who follow! That’s why I love the history I was part of it but to some if you are physically not there in location you are considered an outsider that’s SAD!!
Dave
PS I was born in MASS Somnerville St Elizibeths hospital 1955…and lived in that area and lanceville before mom remarried and we moved westaward with Step Dad! 🙂
Hi there. I have a picture by A.M.C dated 1932, the little fisherman. Any information on it is appreciated. I can send a photo if need. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Good Morning Gloucester 
How wonderful! Nice to see this post. I suppose that is why people trust their histories to you ~
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The first “selfie”????
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Not the first selfie, First selfie according to huffingtonpost is http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/05/worlds-first-selfie-1839-robert-cornelius_n_4392804.html
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Wow, that is really interesting..
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Relative of the Curtis sisters from Manchester? The Curtis Cup in golf was named for them. The Curtis Cup is like the Ryder Cup but for the top amateur women golfers.
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No relation that I know of. Her maiden name was Hodgkins.
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Alice is probably in her 60’s in this photo. The camera she has is most likely a Rolleiflex twin lens reflex, which shoots 2 1/4 x 2 1/4 inch film. A miniature camera in those days. As technology changes, we adapt, as we are with the film to digital transition today.
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I’m sure Alice is very happy you ended up with them!
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Thanks James. I feel like I know her, although we’ve never met. I was only 11 years old and living in NY in 1961 when she passed. When I adopted Gloucester, Alice was part of that family. When I sell or donate the collection, it will have to be to someone special. There’s a lot of good material in there.
LikeLike
Terrific to see Alice May Curtis’s self-portrait–selfie–Fred, with a little background! Thank you for sharing.
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Fred, Very good article and tribute here!! I am not sure but this name sounds familiar -Addison Gilbert Hospital connection and lived in or around Annisquam or Lanesville area the name sounds very familiar to me? Long time ago for me…But I’ll give mom a call tomorrow and see if she may remember more as she grew up that way mid 1935 I believe to 1968. Lived both in Lanesville and Bayview Dave 🙂
LikeLike
Follow-up I did call mom she did not recall the name the name…I realize all this history is vital and we need to keep it documented for those who follow! That’s why I love the history I was part of it but to some if you are physically not there in location you are considered an outsider that’s SAD!!
Dave
LikeLike
PS I was born in MASS Somnerville St Elizibeths hospital 1955…and lived in that area and lanceville before mom remarried and we moved westaward with Step Dad! 🙂
LikeLike
Hi there. I have a picture by A.M.C dated 1932, the little fisherman. Any information on it is appreciated. I can send a photo if need. Looking forward to hearing from you.
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You can send it it, that would be great
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