This albumen print was made by a photographer identified as L.D. Austin in South Haven, Michigan. The young women appear to be in their late teens, and are grouped around a swing, which could symbolize the carefree days of youth. The sitter at lower left is also holding a long stick … another relic of childhood, or maybe a graduation symbol of some kind?
The 1880 U.S. Census lists a photographer in South Haven named Loran D. Austin, 27 years old, married with two children.
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Tokens of Companionship 
They look quite wistful.
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That’s the right word, Carol. Not quite solemn, but wistful.
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I love this. I remember swings..swinging…a touchstone for many of us.
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Nineteenth century photographers sometimes posed girls and young women on swings, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a boy posed on one. Maybe boys were supposed to appear mature beyond their years, while girls were allowed to hold onto their youth a little longer….
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