club was formed. In 1950
Chorpenning, Judge Sauer, S. Durward Hoag and Bob Ley became charter members
of the Marietta Photographic Society affiliated with the Photographic Society
of America. (PSA)
In September, 1995 John Chorpenning - then 80 - founder and charter member of the Marietta Photographic Society reminisced at his 7th street home about the early years of the organization. Planning to attend the club's then 45th anniversary celebration, Chorpenning proudly related his part in forming the club.
John Chorpenning worked at Richard's Drug
Store on lower Front Street and was encouraged to attend a two week Eastman
Training School at Rochester, New York. This served as a catalyst
for his already developing interest in photography and he proceeded to
open a camera department in the drug store. His enthusiasm spread
to some friends and in 1949 a loosely knit club was formed. In 1950
Chorpenning, Judge Sauer, S. Durward Hoag and Bob Ley became charter members
of the Marietta Photographic Society affiliated with the Photographic Society
of America. (PSA)
The first meetings were held at the Lafayette Hotel across the street from Richard's Drug Store. After Professor Earl Bender joined the club meetings were held at Marietta College.
When Chorpenning opened a camera department at the Marietta Office Supply, 219 Second Street, they met there and made use of the available darkroom. The final move for Chorpenning was in 1973 when he opened the Photo Center at 132 Putnam Street. Once again club members followed the founder and met at that location.
According to Chorpenning, in the club's formative years, members competed with black and white prints. As the usage of color film became more popular the group switched to color slides.
With a still life color slide of a violin, candle and sheet of music, Chorpenning in 1956 won the prestigious Rochester Medal. This led to his later election as Associate of PSA in 1960 and to his becoming a judge in both national and international photo competitions. He was also listed in Who's Who in Photography.
When asked about the early equipment used by club
members in taking competitive photos, Chorpenning mentioned the Speed Graphic,
Argus C3,
Kodak 35, and Leica cameras. Today's technology has evolved
to the sophisticated automatics unheard of in the past.
Displaying some of his prize winning photos Chorpenning
pointed out that some were taken at the club's annual picnic held at the
Dunbarger Farm at Lowell. Members often dressed in folksy attire
as they posed for photo shoots at the rustic cabin on the farm. Chorpenning
laughingly commented that at one such event Professor Lee Walp looking
very comical was photographed as he lay on his stomach taking photos.
Good times, good food and good photos seemed to be the order of the day
at these past gatherings!
Photos this page by member Bill Jahn
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