Rifling through a box of postcards at a recent exhibition, I was charmed by the bright, inquisitive face of this peering child.

On the reverse, some thoughtful soul had inscribed the name of “Anna Hess Shaub”.

Both surnames reflect families with very long roots in Lancaster County.

Although there is no studio mark or other indication of the photographer, I feel confident that young Anna was living in Pennsylvania.

(A quick internet search reveals numerous connections of the Hess and Shaub families over several generations.

I found an Anna Hess Shaub living with her husband and her parents in Strasburg, PA in 1940. That Anna Hess Shaub was born in 1908 – so she may be the smiling girl from the photograph.)

One hopes that Anna, with a rakish bow in her hair, had a happy and prosperous life, full of adventures.