At the August meeting, LaPorte County Genealogical Society members and visitors enjoyed LaPorte County Historian Fern Eddy Schultz’s program on early LaPorte County photographers, based on her extensive collection of their work and investigation of their lives.
The earliest photographer she knows of in LaPorte itself was John Hunter, in 1848 — just nine years after the process was invented. Early photographers were often called “photo artists,” and at least one in this county embellished his photos by painting on them. Westville had resident photographers in 1862 and 1866.
Schultz would be much happier with these photographers if they had dated more of their photos. She also reported that a correspondent from out of state saw the program announcement, and sent her a photo taken by an old-time LaPorte photographer. She had known of this photographer’s existence from his city directory listing, but she had never seen his work before.
The contest to name the society’s newsletter continues. Editor and judge Les Chadwick (lchad@csinet.net) has received some entries and welcomes more. The new name will take effect with the first issue of 2011.
Ten entry forms to qualify for residency certificates have been received.
Next month’s meeting will feature Dorothy Palmer and Gloria Arndt speaking on two movie stars who came from Michigan City. Upcoming programs after that will cover Chicago’s Newberry Library (October), a Black History Month presentation postponed from February (November), the annual dinner and awards presentations (December), and an informal auction of materials brought in by members (January).
