Mystery Possibly Solved!

Front row, far left:  Joseph N. Carpenter, II

According to Mimi Miller at the Historic Natchez Foundation, the man on the far left of the front row Might be Joseph N. Carpenter, II.  Now, I wonder where he went to school and what A.A.A.H. means.

The people in this photo, to the best of my knowledge:  From left, standing:  Edwin Henderson, nephew of W.H. Pritchartt, widower of Camille Carpenter; Agnes Carpenter,  Ame Carpenter, (wife of Leslie #1); Leslie Carpenter #1, father of Joe; Esther Carpenter (mother of baby, Leslie Carpenter II); Joseph N. Carpenter, II.  Seated:  J.N. Carpenter; Zipporah Carpenter.  

Carpenter senior led a fascinating life, which you can read about here.  Joseph N. Carpenter, II inherited the house from his father.

An Old Mystery

I'm going through old family photos and came across this one.  No info written on the back.  I don't recognize any faces, and have  no idea what A.A.A.H. stands for.  I can see the letters seem to be taped onto the box or whatever that is.  Also everyone is pointing at the row of hats lined up down front.

It's almost like these fellows knew someone would come across this photo someday, and they're playing with me, teasing me, daring me to figure this one out.

Any help would be greatly appreciated in identifying this photo.  Many thanks!