I am ambivalent about using artificial intelligence to restore photographs. Or, more specifically, I’m concerned about manipulated photographs supplanting original images and further blurring the line between reality and misinformation. However, the allure of AI-enhanced images is strong, as I often contend with blurry, poorly lit photographs in unnatural sepia or black-and-white tones. Photographs whose condition sometimes exacerbates the distance between us and our ancestors.
I have been experimenting with ChatGPT lately, feeding it queries and images to be restored and colorized. The results are somewhat haphazard, with many images weird and off-putting. Other times, the images are breathtakingly sharp and … alive. Black Wide-Awake exists to resurrect forgotten lives, and I believe these images are valuable to help us connect with the men and women we read about in these posts. From time to time, I’ll share the better ones here, clearly marked as AI-generated. Let me know what you think about them.
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Dr. John W. Darden (1876-1949), physician.
My family is indebted to the legacy of the Darden family in Wilson. My Great-grandmother, Catherine McPhail, was allowed to work in the home of the Dardens , as the house cook, in the 1930s and early ’40s on Pender St. across from Jackson Chapel FB Church as . This provided “means” for my Grandmother Lottie McPhail and her children of which included my mother who is still alive today.
Furthermore, in my Manchester St. and surrounding neighborhoods, Darden Funeral Home “worked with” families to bury their loved ones. As a young girl I would go there with my Mom to handle such affairs. They were always so supportive and made sure everyone had a decent burial despite the amount of money that was presented.
Thank you for sharing this personal insight into the Darden family and business.
Q: I’m a great great great great grandson of Jacob “Jake” Vaughan & Henrietta Darden *colored (Daughter of Kaden Darden). In 1868 it shows they were married, but according to 1870 Census it shows they stay with a Jefferson & Susan Joyner in Rich Square NC. I have no recollection of this place. If possible can you direct me to the appropriate destination. Thank you.
Rich Square is in Northampton County, about 60 miles northeast of Wilson. As my focus is Wilson County only, I have no additional information about the Vaughans.