The Negatives 5396 Larch Photo Album offers a warm and intimate look into family life in the early 20th century, capturing moments from a family residing at 5396 Larch St., Vancouver, B.C. At this time, the city’s communities were evolving amid social and economic changes, marking an era of growth and adaptation.
As part of the Uno Langmann Family Collection of B.C. Photographs, this album has been digitized for accessibility, transforming the original 162 black-and-white negatives into monochrome positive images, now available in our open collection. These photographs capture everyday scenes of family life, hobbies, and interactions with the natural environment, offering a meaningful glimpse into Vancouver’s past.
People gather around the entrance of a house to rest, p. 60
[People crowd around a front yard of a house.]
The photos selected in this blog post showcase a variety of activities and interactions that reveal the rhythm of daily life. From caring for pets and engaging in outdoor activities to child-rearing and farming, these moments reflect the family’s connection with each other and with nature.
Cherished Companions
Throughout the album, the family’s love for animals is evident. These photos capture cozy scenes of pets lounging comfortably or interacting with family members. The abundance of puppy photos throughout the album emphasizes the family’s affection for their pets, highlighting these animals as cherished members of their household.
Woman holds five puppies in her arms, p. 25
[A woman holds five puppies in her arms, gazing down at them.]
[A man leans his face close to a puppy, as the puppy sticks out its tongue.]
Two women by the water pose with a cat and a dog, p. 123
[Two women pose with a cat and a dog near the water, both looking down at the animals.]
A woman crouches down near a cat and a dog, p. 116
[A woman crouches near a cat and a dog, with the animals standing on their hind legs and reaching toward her arms.]
A dog and a cat rest together, p. 102
[A cat and a dog rest together on grassy ground, with the cat nestled in a wooden box and the dog gently nuzzling its head.]
Gatherings and Simple Pleasures
These photos capture warm gatherings and small moments of leisure that show the joy of family and friends. Whether gathered around the yard, sharing ice cream, or enjoying time on the water, these moments offer a glimpse into the family’s everyday pastimes.
People gather around the entrance of a house, p. 44
[People gather around the front yard of a house, with some near the porch and others seated on the grass.]
Two women eat ice cream by a racket, p. 45
[Two women enjoy ice cream while leaning against a stone fence beside the house.]
A woman holds a large fish as a black cat walks by, p. 78
[A woman holds a large fish as a black cat walks by, raising its tail and observing.]
Adults, children, and a dog on a wooden board in the water, p. 144
[Adults, children, and a dog balance on a wooden board in the water, with the dog at one end and children at the other.]
A woman paints outdoors, p. 56
[A woman sits on the grass, painting a landscape scene.]
Nurturing Young Ones
The album reveals the family’s effort to involve children in land-based activities, encouraging a connection with nature and animals for the younger generation. These photos depict the joy and curiosity of childhood moments, with young ones interacting with animals and the natural world around them.
A child waters the garden, p. 68
[A child wearing a hat sits in a wooden box, holding a watering tube.]
[A child feeds a goat while a man gently steadies the goat by one horn, with a young girl watching nearby.]
Two girls feed chickens, p. 83
[Two girls feed chickens, with a dog following close by.]
Cultivating the Land
The family’s connection to the land is evident in these photos, showing scenes of gardening and local wildlife. The garden is full of life, with bountiful vegetables and curious crows, illustrating a lifestyle deeply connected to the environment.
A man at a vegetable garden, p. 89
[A man wearing a hat stands among thriving vegetable plants in a garden.]
Pile of pumpkins in a vegetable garden, p. 149
[A pile of large pumpkins forms a triangular shape in the garden, with trees in the background.]
A woman feeds a crow on her shoulder, p. 130
[A woman feeds a crow perched on her shoulder, standing near a garden fence.]
Each photo in this collection allows us to step into the family’s world, observing how they found joy, meaning, and community in simple, yet profound activities.
Explore the Negatives 5396 Larch Photo Album in our open collection to get a deeper look at the textures and rhythms of life from a century ago. Thank you for reading!
