A softer view of Emma

On Emma’s 171st birthday, imagine what she might have looked like in a frilly pink dress instead of the dark, somber attire we have seen in the familiar portrait so often seen of her. Was she really always the dour, religious, conservative person so often depicted? It would be nice to think that she had some fun and joy in her life. We know she traveled a bit after her separation from Lizzie in 1905. Emma seemed to keep up the family ties through visits and correspondence. Here’s hoping there were some happy birthday memories and parties with the Buck sisters.