Gramma Elizabeth Armitage Meinzen and her sister, Ann Armitage Hardy

I wouldn't want to mess with the lady on the left but maybe I could give the lady on the right a hug. The lady on the left with her hand on her hip is Ann (or Annie) Armitage Hardy. On the right, with the glass of water (or some other liquid) in her hand, is Elizabeth Armitage Meinzen. I don't know who the boy in the middle is.

This image came from Aunt Polly's box and is a black and white photocopy of an original photograph. The original photograph was not in the box so this is the best we're going to get unless I can track down who has the original.

Based on the clothing styles, this photograph may have been taken between 1898 and 1908. The hats could be from as early as 1893, up to or a little after 1908. More research may narrow the date.

Annie was born in 1850, the daughter of Abel Armitage and (as far as I can learn to date) his wife, Eliza. Elizabeth was born in 1852 to the same parents, in Yorkshire, England. According to census records, they came to the U.S. in 1864.

I want to know more about this photograph. It was probably taken in or around Steubenville, Ohio, because that's where they lived. But I want to know what year it was taken and who took the it. I want to know why Gramma Elizabeth is so primly holding a glass of water. Why are she and Annie dressed up for a photograph in the country? And why were they there? Were they at a picnic and if so, did people normally get dressed up for picnics? Who is the little boy? Is he one of their sons or a grandson? Grampa Meinzen (William Carl Robert) was born in 1892 and his brother Jacob was born in 1893. If this photo was taken after 1900, either would have been 8 or older. How old does this boy look?

Aunt Annie looks so very serious, almost grumpy. Gramma Elizabeth looks serious but perhaps there's a hint of gentleness about her mouth. She must have been a well-loved lady: three granddaughters were named after her.

Gramma Elizabeth was diagnosed with cancer of the face in 1917 at the age of 65. She died 3 years later in June, 1920.