Cameron Photography Digital Exhibit

The 1950s and 60s were a time of great change for the world, and for Earlham. Thankfully, photography changed with the times and became more accessible to amateur artists as 35mm film took off worldwide and cameras were simplified for the modern photographer. Images from this time reflect on their contexts and demonstrate an increasing awareness of and propensity for artistic elements in amateur work. 

The photograph to the right depicts Nicholas Asare of Ghana receiving a congratulatory letter from a group of other international students -- Ghana achieved independence that day, March 6th, 1957. Earlham has long been a popular school for international students looking for a comprehensive and challenging liberal arts education in the US, something that hasn't changed to this day. 

South Meadow, Looking Towards Campus, unknown artist, 1957

Horses have long been a mainstay at Earlham. This image also shows how much the campus has physically changed over the years -- the building to the far left is Earlham Hall, and just to its right is Bundy Hall and the athletics building. 

Pines with Two Figures, unknown artist, 1950s

This beautiful print demonstrates the increasing artistic awareness of the 1950s as photography was gradually accepted as an art form. Some of these pines, lining Earlham Cemetery, are likely still living. 

Snowbound, unknown artist, 1960s

Perhaps this is one reason why the Heart is no longer used as a driveway. 

Elton in the Wild, Susan Castator, 1966

D. Elton Trueblood (left) was a prominent Quaker educator and theologian who spearheaded the creation of the Earlham School of Religion and efforts to revive Earlham as a center for Quaker thought. Here, he helps a member of Quaker Fellows as they lay down a mulch path to the horse barn. 

Nicholas Asare, unknown artist, 1957

In Bloom, Ruth Ellen, 1957

While most analog photos in our collection are black and white, there are many color images as well. This image was made on Kodacolor film/paper, a popular and inexpensive early color process. It has only faded slightly -- the colors were initially this pale, and are characteristic of many 1950s-era images. 

The Photographer at Work, unknown artist, 1950s

This image, taken on the Heart and included in Earlham's Sargasso publication, is another example of the high-quality capabilities of film photography, with its excellent tonality and contrast. 

Winter Reflection, unknown artist, 1961

This January 1961 image was used in an edition of Sargasso that year. Barrett Hall is visible to the left of the image, and Earlham Hall is at the right.