In the aftermath of the devastating Eaton fire, which ravaged through Altadena, California, leaving countless families without homes and cherished belongings, one resident has embarked on a mission to reunite families with their lost memories. Claire Schwartz, an amateur photo collector with a background in archiving, has transformed her hobby into a lifeline for those who thought their treasured family photos were lost forever.
The Eaton fire, which swept through the area with hurricane-force winds, not only destroyed homes but also scattered irreplaceable family photos across miles. It was amidst this chaos that Schwartz realized her unique skillset could be a beacon of hope for those grieving the loss of their family histories. She began scouring her neighborhood for photos, often finding them with singed edges or notes scribbled on the back, yet sometimes in surprisingly pristine condition.
Schwartz's journey started with the creation of a website and Instagram account, aptly named "Eaton Fire Found Photos." This digital platform serves as a virtual gallery where she posts the photos she finds, hoping that someone might recognize a face, a place, or a story that could lead to the rightful owners. Alongside photos, she also collects and preserves book pages and childhood drawings, meticulously cleaning and storing them in archival envelopes within temperature-controlled storage until they are claimed.
A Crusade Born from Passion
Before the fire, Schwartz's passion for collecting and returning old photos was a hobby she nurtured at flea markets. She would often find vintage photos and attempt to trace them back to their original owners by identifying landmarks or addresses depicted in the images. This hobby, though sometimes met with mixed results, has now evolved into a vital service for her community.
Schwartz's experience as an archivist has proven invaluable in her current endeavor. Previously working at the Corita Art Center in Los Feliz, she developed skills in handling delicate materials like lithographs, which she now applies to cleaning and preserving the fire-damaged photos. Her dedication is unwavering; she is prepared to hold onto these memories for as long as it takes to find their rightful owners.
Stories of Reunion
One of the most poignant stories of reunion involves Vicken Marganian, who lost hundreds of family photos when the trunk of his car opened during his evacuation. In the chaos, decades of memories were swept away, leaving him heartbroken. However, thanks to Schwartz's efforts, some of those photos have been returned to him. A photo of his wife's mother, found in a Pasadena backyard, was among those recovered, bringing a sense of closure and gratitude to the Marganian family.
Schwartz's work extends beyond just returning photos; it's about preserving history and providing solace to those who thought their past was lost forever. Her mission is a testament to the power of community and kindness in the face of disaster.
Source:
Noah Goldberg, Gina Pollack, and Michael Siegel, Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/00000194-fcd0-d704-a3d7-fef653cf0000-123