The lives and pictures of nine prolific Ozark photographers, whose work spans most of the 20th century, are featured in the latest issue of OzarksWatch Magazine.
Published by Missouri State University Libraries’ Ozarks Studies Institute, OzarksWatch is a theme-based magazine that focuses on the history and culture of the unique region.
The articles and photos in this issue are a reminder of the visual legacy that hard-working photographers leave behind.
The people behind the lens
Among photographers highlighted in the magazine are three Springfieldians:
- Harry Morgan, a commercial photographer who moved to Springfield in the late 1890s.
- Domino Danzero, a chef and photographer who began his career working with Harvey Houses and the Frisco Railroad.
- Betty Love, a nationally known photojournalist.
Other photographers highlighted include:
- Mary St. John of Ozark, Missouri, an early photo-hobbyist.
- Oscar Carter who, besides being a photographer, operated an early movie theater in Crane, Missouri.
- Pa and Ma Fields, who began as itinerant photographers, but settled in Cassville, Missouri and spent their lives recording the lives of local people.
- Vergie Wright of Eldon, Missouri, whose story is told through the words of her granddaughter, Kate, who is also a professional photographer.
- H. Field of Fayetteville, Arkansas, whose photos of the people and landscape in Northwest Arkansas have an ethereal, other-world quality.
Together these men and women left a valuable record of 20th century Ozark life.
About OzarksWatch
OzarksWatch is published twice a year by the Ozarks Studies Institute of Missouri State University Libraries.
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