Capets Family negatives by Bandy
A couple of weeks ago, while helping Kevin Bandy sort through his grandfather’s collection of old negatives, I stumbled upon something truly remarkable. To my surprise, I came across an original black-and-white negative of my father’s family taken in 1937 by E.E. Bandy. I leaped back in my chair and gave a loud gasp, startling Kevin with my sudden breath of amazement. We were combing through hundreds of negatives to organize the piles while searching for Trafford related items to share with the Historical Society. I certainly did not expect to be rewarded with finding a personal family photograph. As it turned out, there were actually three negatives in the box, yet only one of the negatives was ever developed, so finding the other two “mistakes” truly became more meaningful. Coincidentally, the original photograph that was developed is currently used in a display at the Westmoreland Historical Society’s Exhibit celebrating Westmoreland 250.
The photographs depict the Capets family, expressions stoic, seated in the family living room of their Inwood Avenue home. What I have come to appreciate about the undeveloped negative, perhaps the ones my grandfather did not have to purchase, are the expressions on the faces of my grandmother and uncle, both having subtle smiles, as if someone said something funny to lighten the moment.
What struck me most was the realization that these negatives would have otherwise been lost to time had I not been volunteering my time to help sort through decades of Bandy’s photographic work. I feel privileged to have this opportunity to see these items of history that have been waiting to be rediscovered. Our goal has been to identify images that we can share with the Trafford community. We still have a lot more sorting and scanning to do and plan to post more photographs in the future.
E.E. Bandy was an important part of the Trafford community, and his collection of work is more than just a visual record; it offers us a glimpse into the lives of those who came before us. Mr. Bandy left us a visual trace of the rich tapestry of human life that our Historical Society strives to preserve. My sincere appreciation to Kevin for allowing us the opportunity to save this history. -Andrew Capets
Back row (L-R) Edward, Margaret, Albert.
Front (L-R) Irene, Andrew, Anna Kapec (mother of Andrew), Mary Capets holding twins Victor and Veronica, and Vincent.
