Digital BW, The Print

Thank you Alan, Ernst, Robert, Bert, Lloyd, and Thomas.  You have sent very good and specific instructions with even one offer to call when I when I am at the computer and scanner with a glass plate ready to scan.  What a wonderful, supportive group.   I am out of town for the weekend but can hardly wait to get home and try again.  The owners of the negatives have agreed to let me take 20 at a time to scan.  After I get one good scan, I'll clean them according to instructions of a conservator with whom I am trying to get in touch; then I'll scan them again.  Many of the glass negatives are starting to get in bad shape with some mold, possibly fungus starting, and considerable fading on several of the approximate 200 total plates.  
   
  These people, with whom I grew up in Northern rural Michigan, purchased the rural house (shack) and land of a deceased 94-year old man (bachelor) in the 70's.  He most likely started making images with a 5x7 view camera at the turn of the century and continued well into his 70's or 80's.  He was considered eccentric all of his adult life by most of his neighbors.  When my friends went into the house, after distant relatives took what they wanted and vandals had looted whatever little possesions they thought of value, they found these plates (but no printed pictures) lying around here and there.  They now have them sorted, in cotton envelopes, but they are stored in the attic of a barn.  We have talked about them loaning them to a local library or historic society so they can be conserved.
   
  Sorry I have gone on, but I think this is a very interesting story.  I hope to be able to post some of the more interesting images on line as this project moves along.
   
  I am also offering to refile the plates and store them with archival materials and print out archival copies from the digital files for them as well as their local library, so this is a year-long project.  I am sure I will be coming to this group often and at all stages.  Again, my heartfelt thanks.  Many blessings for the season.
   
  Nancy
   
   




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