Do you like old photographs?  I think most people do.  They have a unique character to them.  The imperfect lens, slow film or plate speed, long exposure times and narrow depth of focus all work together to give a special look to them.  The props played an important role, too, and the photographer's chair was a major prop.

     In Detroit, the top photographers had their shops on Woodward Avenue, which was the neighborhood where the most affluent customers lived.  We know a little about Detroit's upper crust because some of them, including Governor Alger, had an interest in The Alger-Sullivan Lumber Company, which was located in nearby Century, Florida, incorporating in 1900.  (See our link to the Historical Society).

     Below is a gentleman by the name of Col. Frank J. Hecker, another partner in the lumber company.  The Colonel, who received his title during The Late Unpleasantness, was photographed here around 1895, we would guess.  This Woodward Avenue photographer was obviously a good one and he had the perfect chair.  The chair... practically a throne... just fits right in with his fine suit and distinguished look to say "I am somebody important."

     We have several portraits using the second chair.  Usually ladies (whose enormous dresses nearly hid it) and children used this one.  It isn't imposing like the first.   We think it is just right for this young sailor!

     We always have some fine chairs available.  Sometimes we even have an old camera.  Take a look at our catalog and think about which chair would be the perfect one for your portrait.

     Photos courtesy ofThe Alger-Sullivan Historical Society, from the family collection of Edward A. Hauss.  Please write the names and dates on the backs of your pictures.  100 years from now, someone may want to know who you were!

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