I wandered aimlessly through the Oregon antique shop until a framed set of three portraits stopped me in my tracks. The man’s ragged beard reminded me of the famous naturalist, John Muir. I glanced at the tag. “Old Man Photos,” was the only description.
I hate seeing orphaned photos. Everyone has a name, a story. As a historical fiction author, I’m distinctly aware of this fact. This was someone’s precious child, father, mentor, or friend. Someone cared enough to take his portrait and to place it in a frame. It hurt to think of him being forgotten.
My son wandered up. I pointed out the pictures. “Do you think that’s John Muir? Maybe it is, and the owner doesn’t know?”
He shrugged. “Ask Google.”
It takes a teen to point out the obvious. I snapped a quick picture of each of the portraits with my phone, but couldn’t figure out how to reverse search it from the mobile device. As soon as we got home, I downloaded the images to my computer and got to work. If it was Muir, I was going to buy them and hang them in my office. If not…then I’d saved myself some money.
I did a reverse image search. It came back with an instant match. Not John Muir. Disappointment washed over me. So much for my bargain.
Then I started reading.
I’d been right about one thing: he was a man with a story. In 1877, Baptist preacher R. C. Buckner had a heart for the broken–particularly widows and orphans. He gathered local ministers and took a collection to start the Buckner Orphan’s Home in Dallas, Texas, now called Buckner’s Children’s Home, which served thousands of children since its establishment. He’s also known for starting a children’s hospital, a sanitarium, a high school, and the Dallas Humane Society (You can read more in this article from The Portal to Texas History.)
Did he impact his world? The man memorialized in these so-called “orphaned photos” dedicated his life’s work to serving orphans and was lovingly called “father” by thousands because of his passion.
Today there is a thriving international ministry in his name, Buckner International. According to their website,
Today, Buckner International operates programs throughout the world, providing services that include residential child care, orphan care, adoption and foster-care services, prevention programs, senior adult services, missionary opportunities and a global humanitarian aid program, Shoes for Orphan Souls, which provides shoes for needy children around the world.
How did these portraits end up unnamed in an Oregon antique shop? We may never know. I contacted the ministry and they were delighted with the find. After a flurry of excited emails, I purchased the photos and mailed them to Texas. The father of orphans was heading home. Buckner International was in the process of setting up a museum to their founder, and the portraits would be a welcome addition.
I recently received this photo from Russ Dilday, Buckner’s Associate Vice President for Public Relations, of the portraits hanging in their new home. The plaque made me grin. They’d included the tale of how the photos had arrived back in Texas. I’m a little embarrassed to be named, but I do think the story adds to the fun.
One set of orphaned photos find a home. Countless more to go!
The forgotten man from the antique shop had a name and an incredible story.
What will your story be?
Great story, Karen, and what a great heart for you to think of Buckner and our mission! — Russ Dilday
Thanks, Russ! It’s so wonderful to think of Buckner’s work continuing to this day–and doing more amazing work than ever, too! Keep it up!
I didn’t know about reverse photo searches. My family has boxes of nameless photos, supposedly ancestors or friends. I’ll have to try that. Maybe one will get a hit!
Isn’t it a great technology? Most photos won’t make a connection, unless that person had enough historical significance for someone to write about them on a website. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could track down the story of all those nameless photos? Give it a try! With the growing interest in genealogy, the likelihood of finding a match is increasing all the time.
This is awesome!
Thanks, Claudia! I was so delighted with how things worked out. 🙂
I enjoyed reading your story Karen, and am glad you got them and sent them “Home”, those pictures needed to be there, I would have bought them not knowing who he was just because he looks like a “wise ole man”.
thanks for sharing.
Paula O
Yes, the portraits are enchanting, aren’t they? I had been tempted to buy them regardless. I love images like these.
Well that is just the sweetest story. And God knew just how he was going to get those portraits back to the right place. God bless you for your sensitivity. Blessings!
Thanks, Rose! I was a little embarrassed sending that first email to Buckner International. I was afraid I’d sound like a kooky person trying to scam them or something. Russ was so nice and even more excited about the pictures than I had been. God definitely had a hand in making sure “Father” Buckner made it home.
A great story and truly providential find!! I also love the mystery in old orphan photos and my heart sinks to know they’ve been cast aside. I collect the interesting ones for character studies. You story here inspires me for future posts featuring some of my collection.
Joy!
Kathy
I’d love to see some of your collection, Kathy!
Wow! That story brought tears to my eyes.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Sarah! It was an amazing experience. I’m so glad God orchestrated it.