Dr. Graves shares Voscar photographs
|with library audience
An exhibit and presentation was recently held at the Turner Memorial Library’s Akeley Art Gallery featuring a wide array of photographs taken by local photographer Oscar Nelder.
The pictures were part of a collection which included photos, slides and prints that were given to Dr. Richard Graves from Voscar, and it was indicated that the artist knew that Dr. Graves would willing share these photographs in various ways including the event held recently.
Voscar, who passed away in April at the age of 89, began his career after his educational studies by working for WAGM and local newspapers including the Star-Herald. He was also a self employed photographer who worked closely with the Fire Department and other Presque Isle entities in his efforts to record local history. He also took pictures of many famous celebrities who worked their way to our area including Stephen King, President Kennedy and even a couple of wartime photos of actor/soldier James “Jimmy” Stewart.
Voscar’s work was published in local papers and national magazines, one being National Geographic. His travels took him state- and county-wide as well as traveling to Hudson Bay in Quebec Canada and places in Europe as well.
Dr. Graves gave a brief talk on how he inherited the large collection of photos and spoke on how many places Voscar traveled to in order to get them. He also shared some of the artist’s journal entries from the 1950s
Dr. Graves explained how Voscars expansive work told the history of Presque Isle and other Aroostook County places that were immortalized by these photos, including many buildings that are no longer standing.
The May 7 presentation also included a chance for some of the guests attending to share some of their favorite memories and moments spent with Voscar.
It is well known that Voscar was always striving to promote the local area and that this tradition will continue because of the donation of these pictures. The photos will be available for several more days at the library’s art gallery and for future generations to enjoy after they are archived.
Dr. Cliff Boudman and his assistant Louise Rushinal will be archiving the Voscar collection at the library ensuring that the “Legacy of Voscar” will be around for many years to come for all to see and enjoy.
