Portret van Jameson Harvey before 1873

This portrait of Jameson Harvey is by William H. Schurch. While the exact date is unknown, we can consider it within the historical context of photography’s development as a tool for capturing likeness and preserving memory. Oval portrait photographs like this one, mounted in books, were a popular way to remember those who shaped a community’s history and identity. The portrait captures Harvey, his gaze direct and seemingly benevolent, framed by his white hair and formal attire. This photograph, carefully placed within a historical sketch, serves as a testament to a life intertwined with community and progress. The accompanying text reflects on the changes in Plymouth, lamenting the loss of old landmarks to modernization. In this context, Harvey’s portrait serves as an anchor to the past. It invites us to consider the narratives we construct about history and who is remembered, as well as how we negotiate the tensions between progress and preservation.