HomeMy WebLinkAboutGoderich Signal Star, 2017-04-19, Page 11Reuben Picture SaHaws
R.
Authors Michael Smith and Larry Mohring
presented the book to Sallows daughter
Kathleen Smith
Goderich Signal Star
Renowned Goderich photogra-
pher Reuben R. Sallows' work is on
display in the Reuben R. Sallows
Gallery at the Goderich Public
Library.
In fact, in 2014, the gallery had
over 2 600 photographs in itspos-
session and on display, and last
week authors Michael Smith and
Larry Mohring presented the Reu-
ben R. Sallows Handbook to the
Gallery and members of Sallows'
family.
Connie Keyser, who had a career
in photojournalism and a genuine
love of photography, eventually
moved to Goderich. It was here in
Goderich, where Keyser worked as
a volunteer at the Gallery, then as
an active member.
Keyser had access to the data-
base, and was a key aspect to the
Reuben R. Sallows photo -to -post-
card verification process.
Authors Michael Smith and
Larry Mohring, the former an avid
postcard collector and the latter
with an interest in genealogy,
Goderich and 1-luron history,
worked together to create the
Handbook.
"When I moved to Goderich in
2010, I got a tour of the gallery from
another postcard collector, and my
eyes bugged out of my head when 1
realized I had seen most of the
photographs before," author
-Michael Smith said.
An avid collector of Canadiana
for most of his life, starting with
stamps at a young age, and moving
onto coins and hockey cards, Smith
eventually moved on to postcards.
Since 2003, Smith has authored or
been involved in the creation of a
dozen other collectible
handbooks.
Smith's co-author Larry
Mohring, spent countless hours
pouring over newspapers and
microfilm in the Goderich Library,
while collecting postcards with a
focus on Goderich and Benmiller
for the past 30 years.
"When you say Reuben Sallows,
you get a lot of blank stares. I'm
hoping this book is going to change
that because what the book illus-
trates is that the man
was everywhere. Il.e travelled the
country and who, at the turn of the
Century, other than the Group of
Seven, had seen as much of this
country, as this man did?"
explained Mohring.
Reuben R. Sallows was under
contract with the CPR as well as
with the Ontario department of
agriculture. He travelled through
rural Ontario and Algonquin park
year after year, and the three prairie
provinces, producing photographs
to be used commercially or as
postcards.
"I would say he is the most com-
mercially successful photographer
in. Ontario before the First World
War," said Smith.
Last week in a special presentation
and a book -signing event, authors
Michael Smith and Larry Mohring
were joined by Sallows' daughter,
Nancy J Cooke, and her three chil-
dren "Trevor, Alex and Val Cooke.
Sallows daughter Nancy
expressed her pride to see her
father's legacy on display at the gal-
lery and. to see it printed in the
Handbook.
"I'm very pleased that people are
appreciating his work I think it's
absolutely wonderful and it is good
for the town of Goderich too." See
page 14 for more on this story.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017 • Signal Star 11
Kathleen Smith/Goderich Signal Star
(Left to right): Michael Smith (author), Connie Keyser, Nancy J. Sallows Cooke
(seated), Larry Mohring (author), Trevor Cooke, Alex Cooke and Val Cooke.
$35
PER PERSON
Space is
limited!
O
Goderich Place
RFTIRF.MFNT I:FSIDF'.
t: %YOU'RE INVITED TOA �. s
•
• `
aint Ni
o
WEDNESDAY, MAY 3,2017
G:30 P.M. TO 8:30 P.M.
Wine & Cheese Will Be Served
Discover the Artist Within!
Come join us for a
fun filled
evening!
30 Balvina Dr. E
Goderich
(519) 524-4243 X224
RSVP IN ADVANCE TO SECURE A SPOT
•
41.
M
r -
5