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Who is Reuben R. Sallows?The quick answer is that he was a photographer in the Goderich, Ontario area between 1881 and 1937, but one look at his photographs tells the viewer he was more than that.
He became a photographer by necessity not choice. He grew up on a farm in Colborne Township that his father, James Hamilton Sallows, bought and cleared in 1832. He was one of 15 children born and raised on the property. His mother, Sarah Tiffin, was James Sallows' second wife and she died in 1862. Seven years after her death, his father married again, another Sarah - Sarah Jane Wadham Styles. And according to Reuben Sallows' testimony at his father's inquest in 1880, it was her fault that he became a photographer, not a farmer.
"I lived with my father and Mrs. Sallows till four years ago(1876). Deceased was married to his present wife between 10 and 12 years ago. During the time I lived at home, Deceased and his wife were frequently quarrelling, as often as once a month. The quarrels were about property and about the family by a previous wife being at home. Mrs. Sallows kept insisting that these children should leave the house. She insisted on my leaving, but I remained till I was of age. I then wanted my share of the property, but got nothing. My father was willing, but Mrs. Sallows refused to sign. "
Without a farm to work, Reuben Sallows went to Goderich, the closest large town. In an interview done around 1916, and quoted in an article in the Goderich Signal-Star in 1947, Sallows tells the story of how he got his start in photography.
"The study of photography I started by accident," said Mr. Sallows, "If an opening had not presented itself I might have followed almost any other line. About forty years ago (1876) I struck Goderich in search of a job. I first decided that I would sit for a photograph and while in conversation with the camera man I was offered the position as his traveling representative throughout the country canvassing for enlargements of photographs. I followed this line for the greater part of the summer." (GSS-July17,1947-as told in a fall 1916 interview to a representative of a Toronto publishing firm - given to the 1947 reporter, A.S. Garrett by Sallows' daughter, Mrs. Charles K. Saunders in 1947.)
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Reuben R. Sallows as a young man1876
R.R. Thompson studio, Goderich, Ontario Canada
Credits:Huron County Museum & Archives
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Reuben R. Sallows1876
R.R. Thompson studio, Goderich, Ontario Canada
Credits:Huron County Museum & Archives, Goderich, Ontario, Canada
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Who did Reuben Sallows work for?Reuben Sallows began working for the Goderich photographer, R.R. Thompson in 1876 as a saleman at the age of 21. Two years later, in 1878, he began his apprenticeship in Thompson's Studio. He must have been a fast learner. In 1881, at the age of 26, Sallows bought the business from R.R. Thompson who was leaving Goderich, Ontario and going to Dakota to try his luck. The Huron Signal, the newspaper in Goderich noted on March 11, 1881, "Goderich is having another attack of exodus. On Tuesday last Mr. Tisdale left for Dakota. On Thursday next a large detachment of other residents of this town leave, comprising James Thomson, daughter and son, John Halcrow and family, Ben Wilson and family, R.R. Thompson, Frank Davis, Alex. Cox, J.G. Ball, Jas. (James) Sinclair, and Miss and Mrs. Tweedlie, - all for Dakota, USA."
The local paper announced the business change on the front page on February 18, 1881 - "Change of Business - Mr. R. R. Thompson, who has carried on the photographing business in Goderich for seven years, has sold out to Mr. R. Sallows, we understand is a good artist, and has been associated with Mr. Thompson for a number of years, and less frequently managed the business during the absence of the latter. In a card to the public this week, Mr. Thompson commends his successor to the patronage of the public. We expect to see Mr. Sallows work up a good business here. He is full energy, and aims to give all those who favour him with a sitting the utmost satisfaction, Mr. Sallows advertisement will well repay perusal." p.1
The next week, the following ad appeared in the Huron Signal - "TO THE PUBLIC - Having disposed of my Photo Business in Goderich, I would take this opportunity to return thanks for the many favours received since commencing business here seven years ago. For my successor, Mr. Sallows, I bespeak a continuance of the patronage so kindly tendered me, and knowing him to possess superior ability, predict for him a successful business career. Respectfully, R.R. Thompson, Photo - With reference to the above, I would inform all interested that my aim will be to produce work at the Lowest Prices consistent with Good Quality, and shall spare no pains to give satisfaction. A fine assortment of Albums, Frames etc. to hand in a few days. A call solicited. R. Sallows, Photo, Blake's Block, Goderich (Successor to R.R. Thompson) - N.B. - As I have all the Negatives made by R.R. Thompson previously to my taking the business, parties wishing duplicates will please send me their orders. R. Sallows Fhotografo". page 4. This ad ran until the end of May 1881.
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Goderich celebrations during the visit of Lord Dufferin, 1874 -taken by R.R. Thompson or E. Johnston1874
Goderich, Ontario
Credits:Reuben R. Sallows Gallery, Goderich, Ontario
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Photograph by R.R. ThompsonPre-1881
R.R. Thompson studio, Goderich, Ontario Canada
Credits:Reuben R. Sallows Gallery, Goderich, Ontario
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When did Reuben Sallows (R. Sallows) become R.R. Sallows?When Reuben Sallows bought out R.R. Thompson, the name stamped on the photographs he produced was either Sallows or R. Sallows. According to an article written by the Stratford Beacon-Times in 1937, the change in name occured because " when he started becoming famous his mail increased tremendously. He had a brother with the same initial and in order to stop the mail from becoming confused so much he added another R to his name. Today "R.R. Sallows" is a name which you can find in a majority of Huron county homes. You'll see it enscrolled in flowing script on the cabinet frame of photographs taken back at the turn of the century." (SBH,1937)
The mail mix-up may have been the reason. Reuben did have a stepbrother Robert Sallows, born in 1839 to James H. Sallows' first wife, Sarah Morris. But the change did not happen when Sallows was famous. It happened six years after he took over the Thompson studio between March 4 and April 22, 1887. No mention was made in the Huron Signal, the paper Sallows advertised almost weekly in, about the reason for the change. On March 4, 1887, his ad read, "R. Sallows has given his camera a severe test during the past week or so. To find how long a face it could take he had a disgruntled Grit to sit for his picture and to see how wide it would take he got a Tory elated with victory to sit for his photo, and the instrument stood the test."
The next mention of him, in the April 22, 1887 edition of the Huron Signal read, "Goderich Abroad - Notwithstanding the fact that Toronto is looked upon by many as the Ontario home of art, it last week fell to the lot of a Goderich man R.R. Sallows, photographer, to go to the Queen city and take 600 views there in connection with the House of the Redemptorist Fathers. Two years ago, the Redemptorist preachers, Rev. Messrs. Miller and Kantz were engaged in mission work in Goderich, and while here sat for photographs to Mr. Sallows. So well pleased were they with the result that they have sent repeated orders to him since, and last week's engagement was another token of their appreciation of the services of the Goderich knight of the camera." From that time on, he was cited as R.R. Sallows.
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Carte-de-visite of 3 unknown ladies - note the Sallows imprint1881-1887
Reuben R. Sallows Studio, Goderich, Ontario Canada
Credits:Reuben R. Sallows Gallery, Goderich, Ontario
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Reuben R. Sallows' imprint - found in lower right corner of his photographs1887-1937
Reuben R. Sallows Studio, Goderich, Ontario Canada
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Imprint often found in lower right corner of Sallows' photographs1887-1937
Reuben R. Sallows Studio, Goderich, Ontario Canada
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When did Reuben R. Sallows expand his photography business?Reuben Sallows worked hard to build up his photograph business by improving his technique, equipment, stock and services. In July 1881, the Huron Signal noted - "Sallows, the photographer, has just put a new case of photographs in the post office. The pictures are creditable specimens of the photographic art, and the frame is a pretty one." p. 1
His work brought in more work - "Having been favored with a number of sittings of the Carmelite Fathers, Smits and Feehan. Parties can get their photos by calling at my Studio. Cards 20 ct, Cabinets 25 ct SALLOWS Photo" p.1(Huron Signal, Nov. 4, 1881)
Instead of putting display ads in the town newspaper, he began advertising in the town gossip column. Each week or so, would feature a clever turn of phrase or commentary on local events and politics, such as the following;
"Call on friend Sallows and the elegant goods that he will show you will make you wish that you were a National Bank with a surplus." P.1(Huron Signal, Nov 4, 1881)
"The politicians who purpose attending the meetings in the West Riding should get their pictures taken by Sallows the Photographer, before starting out. Sallows can take a good picture of even a politician." p.1 (Huron Signal, June 2, 1882)
"They were talking around the Albion stove of the easiest and best way of keeping peace in the family, and one had said the best way was not to forget the thousand and one little things you are asked to bring home during the year, when the other said, "O drat the little chores. I've got a better way than that." "What is it?" asked all round. "Well when Mrs.___has a mad on, I calmly surprise her and tell her I never saw her looking better, and she will confer a favor on me by getting a couple of dozen first class photographs at R. Sallows, so that her friends will share in my joy. That does the business." p.1
In an illustrated supplement to the newspaper in 1889, the following description of Reuben R. Sallows business was included.
The Art Studio, R.R. Sallows, Proprietor - "In 1881, Mr. R.R. Sallows purchased the right, title and interest of the Art Studio on the corner of Montreal street and the Square, from Mr. R.R. Thompson, and since that time has worked up a business second to none outside of the cities. As improvements in his line of art have made their appearance, he has not failed to avail himself of them, and the result is that Goderich can boast of a well-appointed art studio that would do credit to many much larger towns. The studio has been completely renovated from the entrance to the reception, operating and finishing rooms, and everything has been done towards securing suitable back-grounds and other accessories to make pleasing pictures of family groups or individuals. Every appliance has been obtained for turning out first-class work, and for copying and enlarging. Recently a handsome plate glass show window has been placed at the entrance on Montreal St., which has already become a center of attraction to visitors and others seeking something exquisite in art. It is the intention hereafter to keep a full line of oil paintings and Taber's famous artotypes in stock, together with a splendid assortment of mouldings of the latest designs and finest finish. The time for viewing is now at hand, and persons desirious of having their residences taken can receive full satisfaction, as a complete outfit for this class of work has been specially obtained. Orders left early in this line always give the artist an opportunity to select the most favourable time for securing the most perfect pictures. Mr. Thos. Brophy, who has assisted Mr. Sallows for the past seven years, has full control of the finishing department, and it is needless to say is thoroughly proficient in his chosen vocation. During the absence of Mr. Sallows from the studio work can always be entrusted to Mr. Brophy with the utmost confidence. Lastly, but by no means least interesting, is the lantern department in connection with the establishment. Mr. Sallows has imported from one of the leading opticians in London, England, a world-renown "Pamphengos Dissolving Views Apparatus." During the past winter over twenty public exhibitions have been given to Sabbath schools and churches in Huron county with unbounded success and satisfaction to all concerned. The views, which are of the best, are all colored by the first English artists, and comprise travels in the Holy Land, Egypt and India, and these will be supplemented as the occasion requires. A large assortment of views of local scenery, statuary and slides of passing events, &c., will also be obtained. Terms for exhibition, public and private, which are moderate, can be had on application." p.16
Three years later, Reuben R. Sallows enlarged his business by buying out his competitor, a studio ran by George Steweart. The following ad ran in The Signal, town paper, to inform Sallows and Robson's customers of the change.
The Talk of the Town - "Having purchased the photographic business formerly carried on by Geo. Stewart, and having on hand a large stock of card and cabinet mounts with Mr. Stewart's name on and which I cannot use in my own business, I make the following liberal offer: I will supply you duplicate photos from Johnston's, Robson's or Stewart's negatives at the following rates: Sunbeams, per doz. 50c; cards, per doz. 75c, per half-doz. 50c; cabinets per doz. $1.50; per half-doz. 75c; 8x10 40c each and all other sizes at a low rate. R.R. Sallows." p.8
It is important to note that once again Sallows has bought up a stock of not only George Stewart, but the photographs taken by E.L. Johnston, George B. Robson and George Stewart. Those photographs became his and for that reason, photographs taken before Sallows went into the photography business in 1881, can be found with a Sallows stamp on them.
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Goderich Harbour During Spring Freshet 1866 - taken by either R.R. Thompson or E.L Johnston1866
Goderich, Ontario
Credits:Reuben R. Sallows Gallery, Goderich, Ontario
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Goderich celebrations during the visit of Lord Dufferin, 1874 -taken by R.R. Thompson or E. Johnston1874
Goderich, Ontario
Credits:Reuben R. Sallows Gallery, Goderich, Ontario
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Reuben R. Sallows' FamilyAs Sallows was growing his business, he was also building a family of his own. Sallows wed Flora McKinnon (1862-1916). They had 4 children, but only 3 survived to adulthood. Their children were: Darius Doty (1882-1952), Albert B(1888-1890), Florence (Flo) Irene(1891-1970), and Verna(1908-?). Darius became a photographer, like his father, and eventually bought a studio in Woodstock, Ontario. Flo was one of Reuben Sallows' top models in the photographs he sold to magazines and newspapers across Canada, the United States and the world, as was Verna in her youth. Keep an eye on the Sallows' photographs throughout this exhibit to see if you can spot Flo or the young Verna. Some of Sallows' most memorable photographs feature his families.
A year after Flora Sallows died, Reuben married again. He was 62 and Verna was only 9. Reuben R. Sallows married Clara Bamford, a pretty woman who did some work as a colourist for him in his studio. They had a daughter, Nancy; who too was featured in Sallows' photographs.
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