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Sallows' Demise

When Sallows died in 1937, he was on his way to take a photograph at a summer camp outside of Goderich. In the style of newspaper writing of the times, the Signal was very descriptive. Sallows Death - "Reuben R. Sallows, dean of Huron County photographers, was fatally injured on Friday last when his light truck, containing photographic apparatus, turned over in loose gravel after a blowout and pinned the driver to the ground in the ditch. The accident occurred just south of Kintail on highway No. 21.

Mr. Sallows' chest was crushed, forcing splintered ribs into the lungs, but Mr. Sallows, who was in his eighty first year, was conscious when pulled from beneath his old car by members of a road construction gang working nearby. Hastily-summoned police and a doctor rushed the accident victim to Alexandria hospital, and such was the elderly man's great strength that he refused help and walked in the building unaided, in spite of his grievious injuries. He died about fourteen hours later, on Saturday morning.

Mr. Sallows was on his way to a summer camp at Kintail to take pictures. His old car, of 1916 vintage was well known on the roads of Huron County, for Mr. Sallows had traveled many miles in recent years, taking the studio to the customer as he photographed outdoor events such as weddings, camps, fairs, family gatherings and such occasions.

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Reuben R. Sallows
circa 1910s
Reuben R. Sallows Studio, Goderich, Ontario Canada


Credits:
Huron County Museum & Archives, Goderich, Ontario

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Still Popular Today

Sallows' photographs laid fallow for some years, then began to enjoy building popularity. His photographs have been used to illustrate books, magazines and various museum exhibits. The following photographs are just a taste of the publications that have discovered his talent.

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Photograph used on the cover of Jane Urquhart's novel - A Map of Glass
1910
French River, Northern Ontario


Credits:
Reuben R. Sallows Gallery, Goderich, Ontario

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Colborne Connections, a history of Colborne Township, uses many Sallows photos in its pages
1986
Colborne Township, near Goderich, Ontario


Credits:
Reuben R. Sallows Gallery, Goderich, Ontario

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Harrowsmith Country Life magazine & others use Sallows photos today to illustrate their articles.
April 2007
Colborne Township, near Goderich, Ontario


Credits:
Reuben R. Sallows Gallery, Goderich, Ontario

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Poster for Reuben R. Sallows Gallery's exhibit - Seeking Wilderness, Oct 2008-May2009
2008-2009
French River, Northern Ontario


Credits:
Reuben R. Sallows Gallery, Goderich, Ontario

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Reuben R. Sallows Gallery

In 2003, when the Goderich Public Library opened their new extension to their Carnegie Library, the Reuben R. Sallows Gallery also opened its doors. When the Maple Leaf chapter of the IODE began fundraising the handsome new Library addition, they found themselves discussing the use of a mezzanine level, which the Goderich Library had not designated a purpose for. At the time, they had also received a donation of 200 photographs by Reuben R. Sallows, from his youngest daughter, Nancy (Sallows) Cooke. Recognizing that his work and accomplishments had received little recognition, the Maple Leaf chapter of the IODE decided to remedy the oversight.

They created the Reuben R. Sallows Gallery, which in 2005 became a non-profit organization. The Gallery hosts at least 3 Sallows-inspired exhibits each year and works with various groups and heritage organization, lending Sallows images and collaborating in events. 2005 also marked the launch of the Sallows' website, a project undertaken by the Huron County Library in collaboration with the Huron County Museum, University of Guelph, University of Western Ontario and the Archives of Ontario. On the website is over 1000 of Sallows photographs from the organizations' collections and information about Sallows. In 2007, educational programs for elementary teachers were added to the website, which is also updated with current news about the gallery. (www.sallowsgallery.ca)

To date the Gallery has collected over 1800 photographs and continues to enlarge its holdings. As research is done and donations come in, more comes to light about Sallows. This exhibit contains a series of photographs from Library and Archives Canada that illuminate some of Sallows' work in western Canada as well as his presence at the Spirit Lake Internment Camp around 1916. The Gallery welcomes all donations of Sallows' photographs and related memorabilia to add to its body of knowledge. Because Sallows' photographs document much family history, the Gallery also scans photographs and returns them to their owners, asking only permission to use the images in exhibits and for research purposes.

The Gallery, located on the mezzanine level of the Goderich Library, on 52 Montreal Street in Goderich, Ontario is open year-round, Tuesday to Saturday - noon to 5 pm. Those desiring to research the collection are asked to call ahead to ensure staff are available to assist them. To contact the Gallery, call 519-524-9261 or email sallowsgallery@huroncounty.ca

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View of the Sallows Gallery in Goderich, Ontario -they create 3 exhibits/year based on Sallows' work
2008
Goderich, Ontario


Credits:
Reuben R. Sallows Gallery, Goderich, Ontario