Maybe Smith’s Imaginarium

Join the mystery.

  • illustration of gloved hands holding and old photos of a victorian woman looking at a bridge

    The Project

    Journey back to 1880s Appalachia with Mabe Smith in L.S.King’s latest words and picture project rooted in the shadows of Victorian Virginia. Maybe is a pioneering female photographer whose vision transcends time.

    Currently, Maybe and L.S. are hanging out on Instagram, from which you can see the latest post below or follow along there. But on this page we’ll post news, new art work.

    Follow on Instagram

  • Events

    Maybe Smith's Imaginarium: An 1882 Railroad Mystery is at the O. Winston Link Museum in Roanoke, VA until Nov. 9, 2024. There will be a closing reception at 5 p.m. on Nov. 2, 2024. All are welcome to join in solving the mystery!

    Calendar
  • kitten with bird in a Victorian frame

    Own It

    Explore the Maybe Smith Imaginarium and own a fauxguerreotype by L.S. King. Crafted with modern and sustainable technology, these stunning pieces recreate the nostalgia of the Maybe Smith era — 1882 Appalachia.

    Each artwork captures timeless beauty and the magic of history. Shop now and bring a piece of this enchanting world into your home. Stay tuned for updates and special offers!

    Buy Now

The Latest on IG

Episode 15: Miss Long is Lost, Elias is Found Smith Photographics, Dunbar’s Cove, 29 of December, 1882 A continuation of the story. Editor’s note: My head was throbbing with pain, so I am continuing this monologue today. Ruby is still missing, but Elias is not. He awaited us at the Roanoke station, having set up our equipment in the main offices for portraits requested by Norfolk and Western. These included Tipton Fishburn, a banker who had helped bring the company to Big Lick, now Roanoke. The other person was Lydia Stokes, daughter of the woman who lost her brooch. I wondered if Miss Stokes has something to hide, like a stolen brooch. Elias recounted an encounter with two ne’er-do-wells, possibly the same ones who troubled Ruby and me in the coach car. Surely they are suspects in Ruby’s disappearance. Earlier in the trip, the train staff took pity on Elias, letting him ride with them after he dodged the duo by barging into first class and heading to the trolley car. Uncle Edwin and I had seen him at Salem, moving to the engine car to ready our baggage for Roanoke. Not hearing us, he ran to avoid missing the train. Is Elias a suspect? I doubt it. Jewel thief? Unlikely. My feelings may cloud my judgment, but Ridgepath remains my prime suspect for the trip’s nefarious events. Fauxbumen CDV by L.S. King and Music by Mark Scher. Special thanks to @sam.winkler.10, who portrays Tipton Fishburn (among other living history personas) in the Roanoke area. #VictorianMystery #TrainWhodunit #RoanokeExhibition #OWinstonLinkMuseum #HistoricalFiction #VictorianEra #SolveTheMystery #IntrigueOnTheRails #museumexhibit © L.S. King 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Free Good Boy, Percy CDV

By joining our mailing list, you’ll get the latest updates, insider content, and special offers delivered straight to your inbox. To celebrate the launch of our Instagram site, we’re offering a special thank you gift. While supplies last, provide your mailing address when you sign up and receive a free "Good boy, Percy" Carte de Visite print. It’s our way of saying thank you for being a part of our journey.

Join Our Mailing List