The Original Thin Man

SeacoastNH.com Presents
Historic Portsmouth #290 

I don’t know him, but I want to. This 19^th century picture by a Portsmouth photographer shows the most intriguing looking man I’ve ever seen. The original print is no larger than a credit card and is not identified.  (Continued below)

 

The figure is so lean that, at first, I thought it might be an engraving. Or perhaps it was a stock photo, similar to the picture that comes inside a new wallet. His elongated face and beard and expression remind me of the comic character Evermore Smooth who appears in the writings of BP Shillaber. The figure is so unique that I’ve begun to craft an imaginary story around him. Can’t you see his image on t-shirts, mousepads, books and soda cans? If Paul Newman could turn himself into a brand – this guy can. If this is your great grandfather, please let me know. (Courtesy SeacoastNH.com Collection)