Photography was among the most popular fads of the Victorian Age. Everyone, it seemed, wanted to have their picture taken.
Civil War photographer Matthew Brady inspired a generation of pioneer cameramen who had an eye for a good shot and the expertise to work wonders in a darkroom. One of the best in this area was John C. Bartholomew, who captured thousands of images during his half century of work in Lansdale.
A collection of Bartholomew’s photographs will be featured at the Lansdale Historical Society’s next Community Program, Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m., at the Lansdale Parks and Recreation Building, Seventh St. and Lansdale Ave. Society Vice President Steve Moyer will host, John C. Bartholomew, Photographer, a video show he has assembled with the assistance of the Bartholomew family.
A native of Wilkes-Barre, Bartholomew began his career as a traveling photographer who operated a “portable studio” that moved from town to town between Wilkes-Barre and Lansdale. He made regular stops in Quakertown, Perkasie, Sellersville, Souderton and Telford.
In 1891 he finally found a permanent home for his business in Lansdale, first on Walnut Street and later in a frame building on Courtland Street behind the present Wells Fargo bank.
Bartholomew captured a wide spectrum of images that included individual portraits, group shots of all sorts, landscapes and community events. His work was in demand up until the time of his death in 1943.
There is no admission charge for the society’s programs but donations are appreciated. Attendees can find additional parking in the lot behind Lansdale Catholic High School.
For more information, call (215) 855-1872.
Contact us
Do you have old photos that you would like to share with our readers?If so, we’d love to hear from you.
We would like to feature a photo each week that will give our readers a peek at the past — and we hope you may have some photos to share.
Whether you are affiliated with a historical society, are an elected official or simply have some great old photos that we can borrow, we’d love to hear from you.
You may send them to History Photos, The Reporter newsroom, 307 Derstine Ave., Lansdale, PA 19446; e-mail to citydesk@thereporteronline.com, with a subject line of “History Photos”; or call (215) 361-8824 for more information.
Please include as much information with your photos as possible, and a phone number where we can contact you.