The Russell Family's Bling

Smile for the Camera

The word prompt for the 16th Edition of Smile For The Camera is "Bling, ancestor Bling." I am always drawn to the beautiful jewelry worn by our ancestors in old photographs. The locket that was your Great Grandmother's treasure, the pocket watch proudly displayed by a male ancestor, the beautiful crosses of old, and the children with their tiny bracelets. While not many of our ancestors were wealthy enough to own multiple pieces of jewelry, there was the one good piece that held sentimental value. Some of us have been fortunate enough to inherit those treasures. Show us a photograph of your ancestor wearing their "Bling," or photographs of the pieces you have inherited. Admission is free with every photograph!

This is my Aunt Lucy Bullock Russell (1882-1967) and her husband Norvell Russell (1872-abt. 1952.) Aunt Lucy was a sister of my great-great grandfather Andrew Bullock (1862-1915). The chain in this photo may have been part of a pocket watch.


Aunt Lucy and Uncle Norvell's daughter Queen (1907-2003) is dressed beautifully in her pearl earrings, necklace, and bracelet, along with other chain bracelets and possibly a watch. Like many women of her generation, Cousin Queen is wearing a hat to church.

Aunt Lucy and Uncle Norvell's daughter Julia (1912-aft. 2001) is dressed beautifully in her long pearl necklace, a ring, and what looks to be either a watch or bracelet. Like many women of her generation, Cousin Julia is wearing a hat to church.

Here are four of the daughters of Norvel and Lucy attending a Bullock Family Reunion around 2001. Queen (wheelchair), Julia (white hat), Minnie (blue dress) and Buelah (all black). The jeweled adorned head wrap is Cousin Buelah's trademark which she wears on both casual or formal occassions. Her dangling earrings and matching necklace spruce up the all black outfit she wore to the Bullock Family Reunion Banquet.