digging in the archives

hot time in the city – Gastown riots in 1971, a 2008 re-enactment and photo by Stan Douglas

Toronto. The latest edition of AGO’s newsletter, Foyer, features, “Mining the archive with Stan Douglas”.  The article gives photo collectors one and all, the impetus to dig through various archives to seek image information.

The Foyer writer, Matthew Rolfe, begins this article, “For Stan Douglas, pivotal moments in history are an opportunity to better understand the present. Over the last three decades, the Vancouver native has used his distinct command of photography, film and installation to unpack and reinterpret historical archives.

“Three works by Douglas demonstrating the range of his oeuvre are currently on view at the AGO – two in the exhibition Light Years: The Phil Lind Gift and one in the exhibition The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century. On Wednesday, February 12 at 7 pm [This coming Wednesday], Douglas will discuss his work and continued investigation of the image during a live talk at the AGO.

“Douglas’s relationship with Abbott & Cordova, August 7, 1971 (2008) dates back to his time in art school in the 1980s.The grand photograph, on view in Light Years, depicts a chaotic scene from the Gastown riots of 1971 in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side [click the  thumbnail at left to see the image left].

“After attending art school and situating his studio in the neighbourhood for years, Douglas staged a full-scale re-enactment of the 1971 event with over 100 actors in 2008, resulting in a composite photographic work of remembrance. …”

Use the Foyer link in the first line of this post too continue this article.

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a call to arms …

got an idea to meld?

Toronto. Gearing up for the  publication of issue 73 this year, Our favourite editor, Rita Godlevskis, of PhotoEd has called for photographic submissions.

Issue #73 will have the theme ‘Meld’ which is described as ” merge, combine, or mash-up” –  that is, using photography as a “creative blender”.

Rita describes this issue and more in her January 2025 newsletter.  The newsletter also announces PPoC‘s “Canadian Imaging Conference & Expo” in Ottawa this spring April 25-7).

Here is a great way to get recognized by submitting suitable photos for issue 73 or to learn new ideas and trends by joining the conference up in Ottawa this spring!

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Evangeline, 1913 Movie

Bob Wilson (right) with staff scientist Michel Maillet, Projection Room, Science North – photo by Stan White

Toronto. You likely think of Hollywood when you think of films/movies but we also produced movies beginning with Evangeline in 1913. In issue 21-2, (Sep.Oct 1995) Ev devoted a number of pages to the centenary of motion pictures in Canada, 

His own article titled “PHSC celebrates the Centenary of Motion Pictures” begins, “An early Canadian feature film was produced in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in that year [1913] by the Canadian Biograph Co. Limited of Halifax. The company was formed in 1912 by H.H.B. Holland of the Anglo-American Film Co. of London, England.

“Holland was president and general manager; N. V. Castonguay, vice-presidentH.G. Lawrence, Secretary-treasurerGeorge Winters and E.F. Keefe, directors. A studio was maintained in Halifax on Barrington Street.

“‘Evangeline’ was the first feature release. It was filmed in Annapolis and Grand Pre in October and November. H.T. Oliver, an engineer, equipped the laboratory and supervised the entire photographic and mechanical work, becoming vice-president. W.E. Thompson was chief photographer.

“The scenario was arranged by Marguerite Marquis following the famous poem by Longfellow. Local dramatic talent featured prominently as did the financial assistance of local residents. The film was successfuboth here and in the United States. Thisuccess was not repeated in later ventures.

“Holland had a dispute with Oliver, who left the company in April of 1914. The company went out of business three months later.”

You can read the rest of Ev’s tale and other articles in this issue by viewing the appropriate pdf file on the free members’ only DVD. Not yet a member? Well, heck it is darned easy to join! See the menu above titled MEMBERSHIP for the form. Send it and your cheque to our Membership Secretary. Want to use a credit card or your PayPal account? see the PayPal paragraph at right of this page (don’t forget to send the form). Questions? Write Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

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thinking big

Les Jones – President’s Message issue 21-2

Toronto. In April of 1995, we ushered in a new president – Les Jones (his photo is from the journal, enlarged and enhanced by Topaz Photo AI).

In the second issue that year (issue 21-2) Les offered these points in his first President’s Message: 1996 will mark the beginning of aimportant new phase for the PHSC as it develops into a society of national relevance.

“We have come a long way since Larry Boccioletti, John Linsky and Morris Fischtein founded the Society over 20 years ago with a nucleus of just 19 members.

“From these small beginnings, the PHShas grown and prospered to a remarkablextent to become one of the most active and respected organizations involved in furthering the preservation of Canada’s photographic heritage.

“Our success has meant that we are now in a position to build on the efforts of the founders and to take the next step in establishing the PHSC as the premier private organization in the country promoting all aspects of photographic history.

“To this end the Executive has adopted three point focus for the forthcoming years:

1) PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY To be more pro-active in encouraging original research into Canada s photographic history. To explore ways to act as a reference and co-ordination centre for historicaphotographic information and to further advance the collecting of cameras and images.

2) MEMBER BENEFITS Produce the best magazine in North America, provide top- notch speakers and offer an array of services of use to our members.

3) MEMBERSHIP Increase efforts to ensure the maximum exposure for the Society and its eventand endeavouring to ensure that everyonwho might be interested in joining knows of our existence and understands the benefits …”

Les went on to list the immediate plans and members heading each plan. Read the rest of Les’s message in the pdf file for issue 21-2 on the free member’s only DVD. If you aren’t a member, consider joining today! Membership is both rewarding and inexpensive. See the Menu Item above titled ‘MEMBERSHIP’ and the notes at right to use credit cards or a PayPal account. Send the Membership form (and payment if a cheque) to the PHSC address on the form. Any questions? Drop a message to Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

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mirror, mirror in the box

a Leitz mirror box Visoflex I (PLOOT) c1956 a few years before the thinner Visoflex II and III were released.

Toronto. When the minicams arrived in the late 1920s, the fancier ones used a rangefinder for sharp focus of the chosen subject. A few years later, high end minicams like the Leitz Leica, Zeiss Contax, etc.  accepted interchangeable lenses.

It soon became evident that a rangefinder worked great for wide angle to medium telephoto lenses – say up to 135mm. Beyond that (or for close-ups), a single lens reflex (SLR) worked better. The only one around in the 1930s was the famous Exakta (Exacta outside North America). There were other issues with the Exakta – below a normal to medium wide  focal length, complex lens designs were needed to clear the built-in mirror. Initially wide angle lenses were uncommon. Angenieux solved this problem with retro-focus designs and massive degrees of geometric distortion, very evident when the frame contains straight lines, the camera is tilted, etc.

To make rangefinder cameras into SLRs some companies built both focussing aids into their cameras (eg the Alpa). In other cases, a mirror mechanism was built into an extension tube sitting between the camera body and a bellows (for close-up with lens heads, or normal photos for lenses with a focal length longer than a medium telephoto.

Of course mirror boxes, interchangeable lenses, bellows, etc all became obsolete with zoom lenses and the digital era – especially smartphones. Visit our 2025 events to add these rare and wonderful accessories from the film era to your collection!  See the right hand sidebar for scheduled events. A post will be pinned to the front page of this site as we get closer to each event.

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… down in the woods today …

Southern Ontario family celebration picnic c1950

Toronto. The photo at left is another bit of family history showing a group of relatives congregating in the woods for a picnic.

Photo collectors often choose pricier photos from two centuries ago for their collection, over looking cheaper ‘snap shots’ about a century newer.

These ‘newer’ photos often record family history – if you can discover the subjects, location, etc. and the photo relates to you in some fashion. Regardless of source, the snap shots often add charm to  a collection even if the subjects and location remain unknown.

Be sure to visit our events for 2025. Dates and location are in the right sidebar. As the event approaches, a post will be pinned to the top of the front page of this site.

Note: The post title is from an old children’s song sung here by Anne Murray. It was brought to mind by the above photo of a picnic in the woods of a park nearly 3/4s of a century ago…

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a collection like no other

1928 ad for a Versare bus. Versare  buses were once used in Montreal

Toronto. Do you know we Canadians have a national collection of papers, photos, and physical objects in Ottawa’s National Museum of Science and Technology (now named Ingenium)? Or that the Museum is a member of the PHSC?

The image at left is courtesy of Ingenium and has the cut-line, “A Versare 6-wheel gasoline-electric bus as seen in an advertisement issued by SKF Industries Incorporated of New York City, New York. Anon., “SKF Industries Incorporated.” Electric Railway Journal, 21 January 1928, between pages 10 and 11.”

In volume 21-1, Ev published a detailed article called “Conserving / Preserving Artifacts ” by then Museum curator of Physical Science and Space, Dr. Randall C. Brooks. Dr Brooks outlines the mandate of the Museum, its holdings, and why possible donations come under a severe scrutiny.

Dr Brooks begins, “A couple of years ago, members of the Historical Microscopical Society [Ev was a member at one time] met athe National Museum of Science & Technology in Ottawa along with Canadian memberof the Scientific Instrument Society [of the UK].

“During one of the discussion periods. described how we deal with artifacts at NMST and there was some surprise as tthe degree of control we place on our artifacts. First, you must realize that the collection of the NMST is the nationalcollection of science and technology apparatus that is governed by federal legislation.

“The collection is intended to reflect the transformation of Canada and to be preserved in perpetuity. Thus, we have to place rathestringent controls on the way artifacts are acquired. conserved, used and stored.

“ThNMST collection [in 1995] includes some 80,000 photos/drawings and 25,000 objects from transistors to farm combines to locomotives and even ships. About 3,500 of these fall under my control as Curator of Physical Sciences.

“The sheer size of the artifact collectiocreates problems for storage and preservation and we currently have almost 20,000 m2 [metres squared]  of storage space in 6 warehouses! At any one time, we have only about 6 or 7of the collection on exhibit in the Museum.

“And the physical limitations of thMuseum create problems. Being a converted bakery, without humidity controlmeans that many artifacts of wood, rubber and/or leather cannot be exhibited because they would crack or split during the desertlike periods during winter. …”

You can read the rest of this informative article in the 21-1 pdf file on our free members-only DVD. Not yet a member? Joining is easy! Check out the MEMBERSHIP sub-menu above (for the Membership Form) and the PayPal article at right. Send your dues (for  one or three years) with the form or send the form after using your credit card/PayPal account. Any questions? Please email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

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some deep thoughts

A special lantern side to hold liquids

Toronto. PHSC past president and sports photographer (especially soccer), Les Jones, sent me an interesting email the other day.

Les writes, “In addition to the Kaleidotrope, I had something that I assumed was incomplete. A wider than normal wooden holder with circular glass ‘lenses’ in the middle on either side.

“Just discovered it is a waterproof ‘tank’ for projecting through liquid. You can mix chemicals and show their interaction or you can put bugs or tadpoles etc in water
and project their movements.

“Live action in a lantern show. Amazing!”

Microscopes had a similar means to view tiny “animalcules” as Leeuwenhoek called them. Instead of the vertical trough, there was a shallow depression in the 1 x 3 inch glass slide to hold drops of dirty water.

Collectors seeking old lanterns and lantern slides should visit our 2025 events. If no lanterns or slides are offered, there will be other things to tweak your interest! The events are listed to the right as dates and locations are confirmed. Close to the event, a post here will add further info.

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what the hey?

kids on a horse drawn hay ride in the 1940s-50s

Toronto. By the mid last century, all families had cameras thanks to Kodak and its competitors. Family photographers weren’t that interested in resolution or contrast. A good shot was one that turned out – you could see and recognize people and places in the photograph!

Few of the ‘photographers’ bothered to learn the details of the art – they just followed the makers instructions (if anything was followed). The myriad of snaps became fodder for the photo collectors – especially when the bandwagon of cased images, CDVs, etc. ballooned in price.

The snap at left shows two kids on a hay ride with a farmer. Taken after WW2, it’s hard to imagine who took the photo, the location, how things turned out for the farmer over the years, who the kids are, etc. Did the kids marry? Have children? Someone once cherished this snap shot of days long gone (taken a bit North of Orillia, close to Georgian Bay).

Visit our events this year and take a good look at the offerings – some photos may ‘click’ with you and become a part of your collection!

 

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peck a little talk a little

chickens in southern Ontario c1950

Toronto. When I see this photo, I think of the song from “The Music Man“, a 1957 broadway musical, made into a movie five years later.

Photo collectors have a wide variety of photos in their collection, often a rich source of history especially if thoroughly researched. The photo at left shows typical farm life in rural southern Ontario c1950.

The farmer’s wife raised chickens for ‘pin money’. And here next to the chicken coop (in the larger photo) is the outdoor plumbing, still common place 75 years ago in rural areas.

Collectors, be sure to visit our 2025 events to discover things (photos, hardware, accessories, books and more) to complement your holdings. Dates and times when confirmed will be posted at the right under EVENTS. As the date of an event approaches, a post will be pinned to this site.

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