Seated in a two passenger Stanhope Gig, built approximately in 1880, are Laura Allen, a companion and a small family terrier pet. Holding the horse and offering some grasses is the Allen family's maid, Minnie J. Taylor.

The Allens had many friends in Biddeford and Saco whom they visited frequently, such as the Dearborn family. This image was originally in the possession of a Dearborn of Biddeford.

Laura's father Amos was a Republican Congressman from 1889 until his death in 1911 in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Allen died some years earlier, and Laura lived alone with her father until his death. Minnie was born in North Carolina, and was hired by the Allens in Washington, D.C. working for them there and at their home in Alfred, Maine.