Houseplants are family members, too

This is one of my favorite family portraits in the Lucas County Historical Society collection --- in part because it is so beautifully composed and in part because so much is going on.

It was taken about 1896 in front of the Amanda and George J. Stewart home on North Grand Street in Chariton by an unidentified photographer --- is that the buggy he or she and the necessary equipment arrived in parked at the curb? If you look beyond the family group and across North Grand you'll see members of the Warren S. Dungan family relaxing on their front porch.

And how about those houseplants that Zora is standing behind?

The 1946 snapshot at left is of the Stewart home, to the left of the family group, as it looked 50 years later, during 1946. It fell into serious repair after the turn of the 21st century and, not so long ago, was taken down. The lot is vacant now.

George J. Stewart was a prosperous grain and lumber dealer whose place of business occupied the quarter block across the alley west of the Stewart home --- Autumn Park apartments are located on that site now.

Standing at left --- behind the houseplants --- is daughter Zora Stewart Harper (1864-1955). Her two two daughters are seated in front, Eloise on the left and Helen on the Right. Philander L. Harper, husband and father, had remained at home in Lincoln County, Nebraska, where the Harpers lived and had extensive business interests.

Amanda Stewart (1836-1927) also is standing. The two men are the senior Mr. Stewart himself (1840-1927), seated on the right; and son and brother, Harry Stewart (1867-1938), on the left.

Zora and Philander retired in 1924 and returned to Chariton to live with and care for the senior Stewarts, both of whom died during 1927. Philander died in 1933 and Zora continued to live in what by that time was known as the Harper house until her death in 1955, very much the grande dame.

Harry Stewart married Mona Clayton during 1897 and carried the family business forward with considerable success until his death during 1938.

George J., Amanda, Zora, Philander, Harry and Mona all are buried in the Chariton Cemetery, but everything else has vanished with time.