Harol McNutt 1907 – 1995
Toronto. In the late 1960s/early 1970s, camera collecting and photo history became the rage. Societies were being formed, fairs held, books written, etc. Our society and its Toronto branch were founded in the fall of 1974. Amongst other things members were needed. Harold was one of the founding members and the first treasurer. His image at left was upscaled and cleaned up with Topaz AI and Focus Magic from a small image in the journal.
I lived in Montreal at the time. When I joined the PHSC in 1975, it had less than 100 members. My introduction to Harold came when I was asked to audit the Society books. The bills were very few and well organized. The whole task took about an hour. Harold once offered me a Leica and four lenses plus some filters, etc. in a camera case for $100. I declined at the time, only to catch the collecting bug a few years later and buy similar items for many times more.
On his death, the late Bill Belier wrote the following ‘in memoriam’ to Harold in issue 21-4: “Harold McNutt, one of the founding members of the P.H.S.C. (membership No. 5) died peacefully in Toronto on November 12th [1995]. in his 89th year. It would be almost impossible to attempt to chronicle Harold‘s contributions and accomplishments as a member of our Society.
“We are fortunate, indeed. that Bob Lansdale interviewed Harold only six years ago [1990] and produced an excellent article entitled ‘Portrait of a Collector’ [issue 15-2] in which Harold reminisces about his early days in Nova Scotia, his career with Imperial Oil, and his fascination with photography in general and with cameras in particular.
“He was born in Truro N.S. and prior to joining Imperial Oil, about 1927, had taught in one room school houses in remote Nova Scotia fishing ports. His career with Imperial Oil, not surprisingly, would lead him into management. Harold was very proud of having served the war effort by supervising the highly secret loading of Allied tankers at Dartmouth that were scheduled to sail with the Atlantic convoys to Britain during WW2.
” By 1948 he was transferred to Imperial‘s Toronto operation and was instrumental in encouraging the Company, as early as the mid 1950‘s, to enter the ‘computer age’ when electronic record keeping was still in its infancy. After 42 years service with Imperial, Harold retired in 1970. Harold will be remembered as one of our most avid collectors of photographica and for his painstaking restoration projects.
“Harold had other pursuits. He was an avid gardener and took pride in his flower gardens and shrubs. He was an award winning amateur still-life painter, he travelled extensively after retirement and produced slide travelogue programs for the enjoyment of shut-ins. He read extensively and enjoyed handyman projects around his home. Harold simply did not have the time to grow old.
“Although he continued to reside in Toronto after retirement he never lost touch with Nova Scotia. The McNutts were frequent visitors to the Maritime provinces and were justly proud of their heritage.
“Those of us who knew Harold well are richer for the experience. It was my privilege to be numbered amongst his friends. He will be missed, but long remembered. Harold is survived by his wife. Hilda, his daughter Barbara, and his two grandchildren, Allison and David Booz.”
