Mr. Swem does the highest class of work at reasonably moderate prices and has the better class of patronage. He is a gentleman of excellent personality and attractive social qualities and has many friends in the city and in many parts of the state. - Fargo Forum and Daily Republican, June 19, 1907, p. 19.
He does nothing but high class work and makes a specialty of portrait work. - Fargo Souvenir, City of Fargo and the Great Fire Festival, June 5th - 7th, 1901, p. 15.
Ohio, locating in Fargo
two years ago. He is very popular in business and private life, and has won
success in his difficult profession by sheer merit and strict probity in all
transactions. - Special extra number descriptive of and illustrating
Fargo, N.D., of the Northwestern Journal of Progress, [1902?] p. 29.
T. M. Swem
The
Portrait Photographer
In these days of
modern invention the tendency toward specialization applies as effectively
to the photographic art as to the trades and the professions, and the exclusive
portrait photographer is one of the unique rarities of the times. This is
a fact which argues so much to the advantage of Mr. T.M.
Swem, the well known popular portrait photographer of this city, and his
advantages in this particular in corresponding measure add to the superior
merits of his work, a fact that is conceded by the best of critics and by
all of his many patrons.
Mr. Swem's studio is located on the second floor of No. 112 Broadway and is a handsome and attractive place of visitation. Mr. Swem established in Fargo six years ago, and he is widely known as the leading photographer in the state. He makes the pictures of people as near perfection as it is possible to make them, and this work is artistically excellent in every detail.
John
A. Hubertz James S. Drysdale Thomas Swem. |
David
Anderson Soren Erickson |
P.
A. Johnson Ernest H. Richardson |
A.
C. Olson Thomas Swem |
NW
Journal Thomas Swem. |
Argus
Fire Annv. H.S Greene |
Jacob L. Skrivseth | C. L. Judd |
H. S. Green
Artistic Work-To "Green[e],
the photographer," is due a large share of whatever of praise may be bestowed
upon this fire anniversary edition of the Argus. Most of the cuts of the buildings
herewith shown are from Mr. Green[e]'s
negatives, the excellence of which cannot be disputed.
The time of preparation was so short and the views so numerous that it is a marvel Mr. Green[e] was able to turn out the work so rapidly and well, and at the same time keep pace with his large regular business. It is pleasing to know Fargo has so energetic and excellent a photographic artist. - Argus, June 7, 1894, p. 28.
Charles L. Judd
One of the best photographers in the West is C.L.
Judd, of Fargo. There is nothing new in the art that he is not familiar
with. He has the best instruments and the best material, and employs none
but competent workmen.
His retouchers and operators understand their business, and none but satisfactory work is allowed to leave the establishment. His portraits are remarkable for their clearness and for the character in them.
As a view artist Mr. Judd does superior work. Considerable of the World's Fair work for North Dakota was done by him, and many of the best illustrations in The Record are from photos made by him. - The Record, Vol. 2, No. 9, March 1897.
Jacob L. Skrivseth
The illustrations in this
number of The Record are in the main from photographs from the studio of Jacob
L. Skriv[s]eth, Hillsboro, acknowledged by all who know him and his work
to be one of the best photographers in the West. Indeed
there are none better. In a few instances the work left his hands in an unfinished
state with the understanding that the photographs should be retouched before
using. If there are any failures to make good cuts it is therefore through
no fault of his. The cut which appears in connection with this is a very fair
illustration of his building, which was especially designed and erected by
him for his own business, and it is without exception the best of the kind
in the West. The lights are exactly as he wants them to secure the best effect,
and his parlors are a model of neatness. Mr. Skriv[s]eth was born in Norway,
has been 27 years in the United States, came to Fargo from Fairbault, Minnesota,
17 years ago, establishing one of the first
Cor. Front and Eighth Streets The growth of art culture and refinement has
had its effect upon photography, and the photographer of today must be a man
of large ideas, ability and through training to compete with the class of
men who are now making it a science instead of a mechanical trade. We are
convinced of this fact if we will look for a moment at what constitutes an
equipment sufficient for the production of an artistic photograph.
First the head of such an establishment must be able to control and direct the trained workmen under him, and possess a personal knowledge of their work, that will enable him to demand a perfectly harmonious picture, correct and beautiful in lighting and posing, so retouched that all there is of character and individuality remains, and the blemishes removed and subordinated. The picture must be printed to show up to the best advantage, must be of the proper hue or tone and the final finishing neat and workmanlike.
photograph galleries in Fargo. He came to Hillsboro later and has been with the city from the beginning of its prosperity. The work in this number not done by Mr. Skriv[s]eth was by H.T. Hanson, the popular Fargo photographer, who made two trips from Fargo for the purpose, as Mr. Skriv[s]eth's engagements would not permit him to do the outside work. - The Record, vol. 1, No.8, Jan 1896, P. 18.
Mr. G.E. Flaten has every facility in his gallery to turn out first class work. His studio is completely and artistically furnished and lighted, and upon the walls may be seen our best citizens in portrait, whose patronage has been accorded him.
Mr. Flaten enjoys a very high reputation among his professional brethren. Personally he is a gentle man of unassuming bearing, who impresses one as a thorough artist, and if desiring anything in his line, a trial will make the impression an undeniable fact. - Cass & Clay Couny Review, Dec. 1892.
the immediate supervision of most capable artists who are persons
of rare ability and whose work which can be seen in this gallery speaks in
most forcible and emphatic language as being executed by master hands, and
all are under the ever watchful eye and supervision of the proprietor, Mr.
J.R. Logan.This
business was founded by S.H. Logan eight years ago and who continued to personally
attend to the constantly growing business until his demise about nine months
ago, when his brother Mr. J.R. Logan assumed active management and under his
careful and judicious management the business has continued to grow until
today the patronage commanded represents the best element of the city and
surrounding country. Mr. Logan personally is a gentleman whose name is the
synonym of commercial activity and integrity, and who has ever identified
himself with every measure calculated for the city's benefit and advancement.
- Cass & Clay Couny Review, Dec. 1892.
While bearing the necessary burdens of life we all seek some hour of rest and pleasurable recreation. Some pursue one kind of amusement and some another, all, however, inherit an intuitive love, to a greater or less extent, for the beautiful, and where our means for drinking in the beautiful in nature are limited, we appeal to the skilled hand of art to draw pictures of nature to supply the want. The perfection in the art of photography to which artists have attained, is extremely marvelous, and has been reached only by long years of study and experience. And now to sit in a parlor with a stereopticon and set of views, to feast our eyes and mind on the verdant beauties of the landscape and the picturesque wonders of mountain scenery, is a gratification and a delight beyond the power of words to express. Then the photograph of our children, our home circle, our home, is a joy forever, which can be handed down as souvenirs from generation to generation, through the existence of a race; and all of these produced by the inventive genius of man. Prominent among the galleries of this city which are noted for artistic work is the gallery above mentioned, where is done by the most competent and capable artists all classes of photographs as well as the enlarging in pastel, India ink, crayon and water colors. These departments are under
Ernest H. Richardson
Photographer - Smith Block
Mr. Richardson
is a practical and skilled artist whose love for the beautiful and picturesque
exhibits itself in every detail of his work.
His parlors and studio are conveniently arranged and contain a splendid array of specimens of his work and skill. Everything pertaining to modern photography is executed in the highest degree of perfection.
He does enlarging in crayon, sepia, pastel and water color and in these he gives entire satisfaction as is well proven by numerous samples of his art now seen in this city. He also does amateur developing and finishing. Mr. Richardson has been established here 18 months, but was formerly with Judd Studio. - Fargo Souvenir, City of Fargo and the Great Fire Festival, June 5th-7th, 1901, p. 22.
Photographer
- 224 N.P. Avenue
This studio is replete in every detail essential to good work, and everything
pertaining to modern photography is executed in the highest degree of perfection.
Photographs of all sizes and styles are made at prices that are most reasonable. He also does amateur work.
Mr. Olson is thoroughly experienced, and during the time he has been located here has built up a good patronage. - Fargo Souvenir, City of Fargo and the Great Fire Festival, June 5th-7th, 1901, p. 20.
P.A. Johnson
Photographer,
Successor to C.L.
Judd - 65 ½ Broadway
This studio which has been running in the city since 1896, was recently purchased
by Mr. P.
A. Johnson who is a prominent member of the profession.
Mr. Johnson is from Minnesota and being a finished artist in all branches of photography the Judd gallery will not lose any of its old time prestige, but will gain a wider reputation for turning out fine photos.
Mr. Johnson will add new improvements to the gallery, and give his undivided attention to every department of the business. All he asks is that if you are satisfied with his specimens give him a trial. His prices will be reasonable. - Fargo Souvenir, City of Fargo and the Great Fire Festival, June 5th-7th, 1901, p. 28.
John A. Hubertz s them to obtain certain invariable results, thereby assuring perfection in special features of their work. Mr. J.A. Hubertz has been a leading artist in Fargo for the past eight years and he is so well know and so highly esteemed for his skill in the profession, that his recent adoption of the new method is sufficient to give assurance that it is an improvement. Such indeed is the verdict of all connoisseurs who have seen his work of recent times. The new name of his gallery at No. 618 Second Avenue North is the Electric Light Studio, and this name is taken as significant of the fact that he does all his work by electric light, taking photographs of his patrons as well by night as by day. Fargo
Forum & Daily Republican
Fire Festival
Cass / Clay County Review James Logan Gilbert Flaten
The Record
Mr. Hubertz was manager of Freeman's studio for eight years, and has occupied this studio for the past year and a half. His work consists of electric light, viewing, copying and enlarging. His pictures are greatly admired by all people of discriminating taste and judgment and he enjoys a large and prosperous business. - Fargo Forum & Daily Republican, 19 July 1907, p.. 12. |
THOMAS M. SWEM
Portrait
Photographer - 112 Broadway
Upon entering the above studio one is at once struck with the specimens of first class work that everywhere adorn the walls, speaking volumes for the artistic results here attained.
Mr. Swem has been established here since last September and is justly entitled to the credit of being the leading photographer in this city, for no one can excel him in the work done.
For eighteen years he was the leading photographer of St. Paul, and the citizens of Fargo should certainly feel favored that such an eminent photographer has located in their midst.
Artistic posing is one of his great achievements and it doesn't seem to make any difference how poor the subject is as he invariably makes a perfect picture that always pleases.
Thomas M. Swem
PORTRAIT
PHOTOGRAPHER
Fargo is the home of a people of culture and refinement, ant this fact has a marked influence on the local trade of the city, as is well illustrated by the prosperous business done by Mr. T. M. Swem, portrait photographer, located at No. 112 Broadway. This gentleman established his business two years ago, and his studio, reception, operating and finishing rooms are elegantly furnished, consisting of the entire second floor.
Mr. Swem has had 34 years
experience in the photo business, and the people's knowledge of this fact
doubtless accounts for the extensive patronage he receives, and a number of
competent assistants are needed to enable him to fill all orders promptly.
The firm's business operations are very extensive, covering not only this
city, but the entire State of North Dakota. Mr. T. M. Swem is a native of
James
S. Drysdale
Photographic art has become
so popular now that people look about them with more care then they formerly
did to seek an artist whose work is up to the highest standard of perfection
before purchasing portraits to perpetuate their own memory or pictures to
adorn their homes.
It is well to go to a photographic artist of ripe experienced and known taste, and in these respects J.S. Drysdale whose handsome studio is at 75 Edwards Block has no superior.
This is the oldest established studio in Fargo being founded by Mr. Freeman who died about two years ago, after which it was purchased by the present proprietor.
Mr. Drysdale, has made a study of photography for many years, and it is only necessary to visit this studio and enjoy a view of the splendid specimens of his work to convince oneself that he has reached the perfection of his art.
Although he can furnish photographs in any style or finish known to art, he makes a specialty of portrait work
Erickson's
Photo Studio
"Artists are born, not
made," but when natural genius is assisted by a thorough practical training,
together with years of experience in the various lines of art, there is produced
the finished artist. In this connection we desire to call attention to S.O.
Erickson
whose studio is located at 305 Northern Pacific Avenue.
Mr. Erickson has been located in this city about six and one-half years and has been kept busy since his arrival. He has a well equipped gallery and is prepared to do all kinds of outdoor view work, and photographs parties, weddings, business, houses, etc.
Orders by telephone receive prompt attention. Particular attention is given Kodak developing and finishing and his prices are the lowest.
and portraits small or enlarged to any desired size are painted in watercolors or made in crayons and pastels. He is also proprietor of the Northern School of Photography, and teaches photography of all kinds. Mr. Drysdale is a thorough business man of sterling integrity, and is universally popular with all. - Fargo Forum and Daily Republican, July 19, 1907, p. 19.
David Anderson
Anderson Snapped
Princess Before in Gothenburg
Sixteen years ago Dave
Anderson, veteran photographer at the NDAC, photographed Crown Princess
Martha in Gothenburg, Sweden, at a fair. At the time she was unmarried.
He also photo-graphed her father and other members of the Swedish royal family. This week Dave will be snapping her at the public banquet at the NDAC physical building. She is now the wife of Crown Prince Olav of Norway.
Photography has changed a good deal in the 16 years, with film speeded up five-fold and cameras of much better quality, Anderson said. His Gothenburg pictures were taken outdoors. Had the event been indoors, he would not have been able to get his pictures. - Fargo Forum and Daily Republican, June 7, 1939, p. 17.
With his improved facilities and up-to-date methods he stands ready to guarantee satisfaction in all cases. Mr. Erickson's motto is: "My work never disappoints." And he lives up to it.- Fargo Forum and Daily Republican, July 19, 1907, p. 21.
An Anderson photograph of the Crown Prince and Princess of Norway on there
visit to Fargo in 1939. 2023.60.10