1889 original cabinet photo of the Class of 1889, Meadville (PA) High School.
Probably the only one in existence.  We acquired this at a local auction, with a few other area photos.
I was able to confirm the year from newspaper research and being able to match some of the subjects with
with earlier and later photos.
I have included MANY images below so please take the time to scroll down and read some of the
research accumulated. There was a huge article in the "Meadville Saturday Night" of June 8, 1889 (day after commencement) with details on the event, This issue included a synopsis of each student's essay.
which took place at the Meadville Academy of Music on June 7, 1889.
** One of the girls seated in front is holding a diploma **
The highlight of this class is probably the graduation of student "Minnie Berta Pratt" the daughter of well known resident, councilman and baker, Samuel Pratt. She was the second African American (or as the coverage of the day writes "Colored") to graduate from Meadville High. I have included some clips below of Minnie.
I was able to find Minnie and her father listed in the 1897 + 1899 living on Liberty Street in Meadville (in a Titusville directory). Here they are listed as "Col" or "colored." Interesting clips below on Samuel Pratt as well.
Another notable is Principal "George I. Wright" who is the bearded man seated. He is clearly identified by a photo
later in life of Wright posing with his brothers, which I discovered at ancestry.com.
His obit can be viewed below.
Student "Hugh Apple" is the young man seated on the floor in front. I was able to ID him from
an earlier family photo (see images). Sadly, he passed away in Wash DC as a result of being struck by a streetcar.
Student Ben Metcalf (standing back row, second boy from left) later became Dr. Ben Metcalf, and identified by a photo of him circa 1919 (see image).
Julia "Anna" Edson is standing in the back (third girl from the left) and I believe she can be clearly id'd
from a family photo around 1890 or so (see image).
There are three students I have other photos of, but cannot be 100% sure of
matching them in the cabinet photo are: Mary Evelyn Laffer, Anna Mong, and Mary Wimmer.
Further research indicates several from this Class of 1889 when on to attend Allegheny College,
some graduating in 1892-1893.
The cabinet photo has an overall measurement of 17 x 13 which includes the heavy stock mount.
The size of the actual image is 13-3/4 x 9-3/4.
The condition of the photo is EX and appears to be in fine focus.
(Much clearer than my images may present)
The reverse shows some smudges and some discoloration around the edges.
I also notice a few pencil notes that I assume were made by the photographer.
One note at the top appears to partially read "188? Meadville."
Please note: The research items are NOT included with the sale of the photo,
but the buyer is welcome to print them