The Pioneer Association

Week 2: #52Ancestors – Favorite Photo

By Eilene Lyon

Before I began researching my family, I knew nothing about my great-grandmother, Clara P. (Ransom) Davis. She died in 1953, well before I came along. I had never been to Moscow, Idaho, prior to 2013, even though three generations of my ancestors are buried there and my mother was born there.

On my first research visit, I discovered a trove of photos that Clara had donated to the University of Idaho archives, including many of her. I’ve shared most of those in earlier blog posts. I found this image more recently, though it is also in the special collections at the university.

Clara had an interest in history and belonged to the local Pioneer Association. I have a number of stories she wrote about Moscow that I may transcribe and share at some point. This photo was taken in 1926 and it appears that the ladies of the association had a dress-up day for some event. Clara is on the right; she is 49 years old in this image.

Most of the pictures I have of her are much earlier, and a few when she is older. I like having this one taken when her children are grown and gone and she had time to pursue other interests.

Feature image: Women of the Latah County Pioneer Association in 1926. Mrs. Tom Edmundson, Mrs. Matheny, Mrs. W.H. Connor, and Mrs. S.P. Davis (University of Idaho Special Collections Group 28 10-273.