A Pitot House Treasure: The Steckler Family Photo Memorializing the Dead

The Pitot House holds many historic treasures some of which are obvious and well-known such as the Jacques Amans portrait of Sophie Pitot that hangs in the winter bedroom. The house also holds lesser known treasures such as the unassuming black and white photograph of the Steckler family hanging in the salon. Behind the simple period photo of the Stecklers and their nine children is a captivating story of how families memorialized their loved ones after death at the turn of the last century.

Joseph and Pauline Steckler moved into the Pitot House in 1899. They had six children during their residence at the house, three of whom were probably born there. Several years after they moved in their seven year old son, Frotscher, fell ill. A newspaper article dated April 17, 1904 mentions that Mr. Steckler missed a business meeting because of an illness in the family. According to a mortuary notice placed in The Times-Picayune, Frotscher died shortly after on April 21, his death certificate noting his place of death as 1372 Moss Street (The Pitot House). It is more than likely that Frotscher died of Rheumatic Fever. The primary cause of death on his death certificate was noted as inflammation of the heart which was commonly associated with Rheumatic Fever. 

It must have been a painful experience for his parents and siblings to lose a son and brother so quickly and unexpectedly. The photograph of the family is evidence that Frotscher was gone but not forgotten. His fuzzy, angelic image, complete with a white sailor top, looks back at us from behind the family group. As photography became more advanced, families asked photographers to use techniques to include deceased family members by superimposing them into photographs. Joseph and Pauline clearly felt that the photograph would not be complete without Frotscher and had him added in the background. Many Pitot House staff members have assumed that the boy was recently deceased in the photograph. However it was taken in 1909, five years after his death, so Frotscher is shown with siblings he never met in life! In fact, the baby in the photo was named after him. 

During this time of uncertainty, it is a comfort to know that over a hundred years ago families went to great lengths to honor and memorialize their loved ones. Frotscher’s image among his family members in the photograph is a poignant example of it. It was a treasure to his family in 1909 and remains a tangible treasured piece of history of the Pitot House.

Jenny Dyer is the Historic House Manager of the Pitot House and also provides administrative support for the Louisiana Landmarks Society. She has been a staff member for several years and has a background in public history, historic site management, education, and interpretation.