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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Exeter Times-Advocate, 1973-06-28, Page 45T he Seniors 'shot' town Looking over an old photograph of Exeter's main street I am reminded of one family that for 95 years played an important part in the history of Exeter and will live long in the memories of those for whom this column is especially written. I refer principally to Joseph Senior, the photographer who took the picture, and in whose homes today there are individual pictures of groups that are of a high sentimental value. Photography, with its colored pictures and practically foolproof cameras, has come a long way from the days of the tin-type, when photography was more or less of a mystery and cameras for individuals were practically unknown. It was on the first of July, 1887, that Joseph Senior's father, Charles Senior, started business in Exeter as a photographer. His first studio was in a frame building opposite the present Times-Advocate office. He occupied several buildings before purchasing the old Royal Hotel, which was used both for a residence and studio. The building was torn down to make room for a home for C. F, Hooper when Mr. Hooper built the home and an egg-grading station, now the bank of Nova Scotia, In 1887 Joseph Senior took over the business from his father and in that same year he was married to Miss Almena Wood. Nineteen years later, 1906 Mr. Senior took over the building now occupied by Rether's Restaurant. The top storey, with artificial lighting, was used for taking pictures and the ground floor for processing and a display room, During the years he was in business there were few persons living within miles of town that he had not photographed. The pictures were taken on glass plates and with his system of tabulating and filing he could go back for years and produce the negatives. Unfortunately when he retired from business in 1944 the negatives were disposed of and destroyed and some valuable history of early days in Exeter was lost forever, Mr. Senior was quite a musician in his day. He was a member of one of the first bands in Exeter under the leadership of Mr. Harry Gidley. For years he was the leader of Caven Presbyterian Church chbir. In 1904 Mr. Senior was ap- pointed clerk of the municipality, a position he held until 1910 when he retired. In 1915 he was reap- pointed as clerk and treasurer, a position he held until he resigned in 1941 after serving under 13 reeves. His salary the first year as clerk was $125.00. At the time of his retirement a banquet at- tended by municipal officials was held in his honor at the Central Hotel. Mr. Senior retired in 1944 and moved to California to make his home with his daughter, Mrs. Gillies, where he passed away several years later. Section 2, Page 25 THE EXETER TIMES-ADVOCATE JUNE 28, 1973 CAST OF CHARACTERS - Although modes of dress certainly have changed over the past few decades, they haven't altered quite as much as some of the characters in this picture might suggest. Actually, these are some of the young people of James St. United Church in costume for one of the plays they used to put on every winter. This one was call- ed"The Eyes of Love". From back left the cast is: Flossie Hunter, Pearl Wood, Earl Tapp, Sylvester Taylor and Grace Creech. Front left, Betty Grant, Reta Rowe (Mrs. Jim Smith), Rev. Duncan McTavish, Alma Har- ding, (Mrs. A. Rundle), Clarence Dawn and Silas (Gabby) Reed. Parts of Europe and South America J. F, fAHN NACHINFOY., Exeter is our Home! Established In Exeter In 1961. And We've Been Growing Ever Since. FARM MACHINERY With the completion of our new manufacturing plant, we now have 31,000 square feet of space. By next year we'll be employing about 50 people. PROUD TO BE CONTRIBUTING TO A PROSPEROUS EXETER Exeter Clerk' Joseph Senior, above, was a prominent photographer in Exeter and is responsible for a great many of the pictures in this centennial issue.