Carl Sandburg with his mother Clara and daughters Helga and Janet
Photograph
1924

A rare family photo with Carl Sandburg's mother, Clara, whom he adored. He credited her with his desire for knowledge and his "boy heart." An earnest and hard working woman, she was always very loving and supportive. Sandburg dedicated his first piece of published writing to her saying, "I dedicate them to one who has kept a serene soul in a life of stress, wrested beauty from the commonplace, and scattered her gladness without stint or measure: MY MOTHER."
Paper. L 20.5, W 25.4 cm
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, CARL 12640