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- The
Shelby Museum Of History
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- Recorders
of Shelby Pictorial History
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- Early
Shelby Photographers and their Photographs
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- Chester
J. Beelman (c. 1913 to c. 1916)
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- Chester
J. Beelman was born in Shenandoah, Ohio, in November of 1891.
He was the son of Fred and Emma Kotz Beelman. He moved with his
family to Shelby in 1899. After attending public school in Shelby,
Chester attended the Illinois College of Photography at Effingham,
Illinois. He also was a graduate of the Mansfield Business College.
Chester returned to Shelby and was engaged in the photographic
business for several years (c.1913 to c.1916) and was also associated
with the Shelby Lamp Works Division as well as the American Express
Co.
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- In
article that appeared in the November 24, 1914 issue of the Daily
Globe includes the following:
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- "Shelby
is a city of refinement and taste, and there are located here
many firms in all in all lines of business pursuits, and one
we wish to make a special mention of is Mr. Chester J. Beelman,
whose photographic gallery and place of business is located at
14 South Gamble Street. Mr. Beelman is an artist of the highest
merits, a past master in the photographic art, and those who
appreciate the highest standard in this particular line are counted
among his many customers. The products of his gallery are to
be found in many of our leading residences and homes. "
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- "Mr.
Beelman opened his photographic gallery to the general public
about six months ago. and since that time he has built up a large
trade. When Mr. Beelman made up his mind to start in some business
for himself there was nothing appealed to him more favorably
than the art of photography. After traveling for some time taking
local views through the country, which has been a great help
to him in his present business. After his experience on the road
he took a course and is a graduate of the Mansfield Business
College. After he received his diploma from this institution
he decided to complete his knowledge of photography, he took
up studies in the college of photography at Effingham, Illinois,
from which he was graduated with high honors."
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- "His
studio is perfect in all its appointments, fitted with every
known convenience and is a model in every respect. The gallery
is equipped with the finest instruments and scenery, and is admirably
lighted and spacious. The most modern and improved methods are
used and while Mr. Beelman has no superior as a photographer,
he is also an expert in commercial and landscape work, and the
products of his camera and scenic attractions of interest in
and around Shelby have been taken by him. He makes a specialty
of amateur work, and also does a large business in this line."
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- "Mr.
Beelman has a standing offer and guarantees all of his work to
be satisfactory or the money will be refunded. He is a son of
Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Beelman, of Auburn Street, highly respected
residents of this city. We predict for Chester a bright and prosperous
future, and through his straight-forward business dealings he
is building up a patronage that will be lasting. He takes a deep
interest in the city's welfare, and he is a booster for his home
town, and has many friends in all classes."
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- ThisThis
ad appeared in the February 4, 1915 issue of the Shelby Daily
Globe. It verifies that Chester Beelman was still in the photography
business at 14 South Gamble Street in Shelby in early 1915.
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- During
the time that he was engaged in photography his photos were generally
marked C. J. Beelman - Shelby, Ohio. In 1917, Chester married
Elizabeth "Bessie" Tucker in Chicago, Ill. Bessie was
the daughter of William A. & Leora Tucker from Iowa. William
Tucker was a son of Benjamin and Nancy Wentz Tucker of Shelby,
Ohio. Chester's photographic career was cut quite short due to
contracting influenza during the epidemic in 1918. Chester passed
away in November of 1918.
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of C. J. Beelman photographs may have been of the Cabinet Card
variety. They typically measure about 4.25 X 6.5 inches and are
mounted on a sturdy card backing material. This type of picture
was going out of style at this time (popular from c.1866 until
c. 1915) and was being replaced by the post card size widely
used from the early 1900s for the common casual photographs.
Most of Chester Beelman's photgraphs were likely of this latter
more modern style.
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- Samples
of C. J. Beelman's photgraphs will be shown as they become available.
If you have a C. J. Beelman photograph that you would allow us
to copy, please contact the Shelby Museum.
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- If
you have questions or if you would like more information, please
contact :
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- The
Shelby Museum of History
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Sally Maier
- 76
Raymond Ave.
- Shelby,
Ohio 44875
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Copyright
© 2000 - 2019 - The Shelby Musuem Of History, Inc.
