October 7, 2024
Introduction: In this article, Gena Philibert-Ortega writes about the “Inquiring Photographer” newspaper feature that might have a photo of your ancestor – and their opinion on a topic of the day. Gena is a genealogist and author of the book “From the Family Kitchen.”
Newspaper articles such as birth and marriage notices, obituaries, and legal notices provide researchers with genealogically relevant content. However, there are other newspaper articles that exist that are not factual but still may be genealogically relevant. These articles are opinion based: Letters to the Editor and Opinion columns are two examples.
Another is the lesser-known “Inquiring Photographer” columns. These are columns where a newspaper photographer goes out and meets people “in the streets” to ask a question. The newspaper then prints the question and answers. These columns not only include the person’s name, image and opinion but, often, their address as well. These columns can be a great source for placing an ancestor in time and location, as well as adding information about their beliefs and thoughts.
Answer This Question…
Not surprisingly, the inquiring photographer questions appear in 20th century newspaper columns. Some of the first I found in GenealogyBank’s Historical Newspaper Archives date to the 1920s and extend to the 1970s. Inquiring photographers asked a variety of questions that covered national and local politics as well as opinions on topics of the day.
In this example from Albany, New York, the inquiring photographer asked about legislation across the border in Prince Edward Island, Canada, that would make marriage after a divorce punishable as bigamy. Only one of the four people asked thought it was a good idea. The first woman pictured, Patty Duffy, lamented:
“Such a law is silly, unfair, stupid – and worse. What can a poor girl do after her first mistake?”
This 1941 question in Albuquerque, New Mexico, asked if the person thought the U.S. would be at war in 1941. In the answers, the person’s name, address and occupation are listed alongside their photograph.
A little over a year later, with the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan, the United States did enter the war.
Aside from the news of the day and politics, the roving photographer sometimes asked questions about the sexes. Questions would focus on women’s and men’s roles in regard to work and home, as well as the temperament of men and women. One example are these two consecutive columns asking about the best and worst qualities of women and men. Not surprisingly, some of the answers are less than flattering. It’s important to remember that they are one person’s opinion.
15 Minutes of Fame
The roving photographer gave community members a chance to have their say – and they may have also handed out prizes. Although I didn’t find the list of respondents, a 1923 Portland, Oregon, newspaper advertisement mentions the inquiring photographer’s question: “Are rich men’s wives happier than poor man’s wives?” It appears the question was part of a promotion for a Gloria Swanson movie, Prodigal Daughters. Those who answered were eligible for a grand prize of $12.50. Although that might not seem to be much of a prize, in today’s dollars it would equal over $200. Not bad for stating your opinion. The following day’s newspaper explained that the photographs of those who answered the question would be shown at the movies.
Inquiring Marketing
I found examples where the inquiring photographer question was really just an advertising opportunity instigated by marketers and not the newspaper. This 1927 Cleveland, Ohio, newspaper advertisement asked boys about their clothes. In response they all remarked how great Cravenette clothes were. I doubt these boys really considered the durability of the clothes they wore, but I love the photos and documentation of kids in the newspaper. (Notice the advertisement for Cravenette to the left of the boys’ responses.)
Another example of a company using the inquiring photographer model to market its product is the Royal Typewriter Company, which used its “photographer” to ask New York City honor school students about their graduation gift preference.
Inquiring Photographers and Your Ancestor
Going through the inquiring photographer columns is a great way to understand a different time period. It might also be a chance to find an ancestor or a member of your ancestor’s FAN Club (Friends, Associates, and Neighbors).
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Note on the header image: photographer and camera equipment.
