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Devil’s Den & Elsewhere – Unknown Photos at Gettysburg
Posted By Norman Gasbarro on November 26, 2011
In the files of the Gratz Historical Society are a number of unidentified or partially identified photos, some of which pertain to the Civil War. The photo shown above was contributed by Joseph Hartman with the only identification as, “Devil’s Den, c. 1910.” Unfortunately, the Society only has a photocopy of the original. No one knows the whereabouts of the original. By clicking on a picture, it will enlarge and much of the detail can be seen.
The black writing on the picture at the lower left appears to be “2675” and Devil’s Den.” and was probably put there by the photographer to identify the negative. A second picture that was donated at the same time by the same donor indicates the photographer as “M.F. Williams – National Park Photographer – Gettysburg, PA.” The other picture has white writing on it and was taken elsewhere at Gettysburg, so it is likely that the pictures are of different groups taken at different times. It is not known if the photographs are of Lykens Valley area residents.
The second photo is pictured below:
If the photos were taken around 1910, a few of the men pictured could have been Civil War veterans – but most appear to be too young. Many of the men in each picture are wearing some sort of identification ribbon, perhaps designating an encampment of the G.A.R.
Any and all help would be appreciated in further identifying these photos and telling of the circumstances under which they were taken. Was this a re-union or an excursion? How did the groups get to Gettysburg? Are there any individuals in the photos who can be identified?
The “M. F. Williams” image is at The Angle along Hancock Avenue, facing south toward the distinct enormous book-shaped 1892 monument in the background named “High Water Mark of the Rebellion”. Discernable to the right at the trees are distinct vertical poles/rods of the 1886 “Copse of Trees iron fence” described at
http://www.hscl.cr.nps.gov/insidenps/report.asp?PARK=GETT&RECORDNO=114
A different M. F. Williams image is identified as taken in 1905:
http://www.reddingauction.com/2012-03/120324.pdf
I purchased a picture/photo of co.b302 bat by mf Williams written in white would lie more information dated 1918. Thank you