Boys on Porch, Charles County, Maryland, Early 1900s

This vintage photograph by Frances Benjamin Johnston captures a scene in Charles County, Maryland, showcasing a group of boys gathered on the porch of a traditional house. The image highlights the architectural style prevalent in the region during the early 20th century, characterized by prominent chimneys and well-maintained plants surrounding the property.

The photograph is part of the Carnegie Survey of the Architecture of the South, an initiative aimed at documenting the diverse architectural heritage of the Southern United States. This survey, conducted in the early 1900s, produced a wealth of images that offer insight into the domestic life and architectural styles of the period.

Johnstons work is significant for its role in preserving historical architecture and everyday life in Maryland. The image serves as a valuable resource for historians, architects, and anyone interested in the cultural landscape of early 20th-century America. It was acquired from the Frances Benjamin Johnston estate in 1953 and remains an important part of the Library of Congresss collection.