5.0 out of 5 stars
A Texas Journey, September 29, 2008
This review is from: A Texas Journey: The Centennial Photographs of Polly Smith (Hardcover)
This coffee table classic, complete with compelling black-and-white photographs, tells the story of pioneering photographer Polly Smith's journey to capture photographs of Texas for the 1936 Texas Centennial Central Exposition. With a writing style that is practical, informative, and friendly, Evelyn Barker details the struggles and successes Polly Smith encountered to obtain the photographs for the Exposition.
When a committee was formed to promote the 1936 Texas Centennial Central Exposition, they wanted fresh photos, something that would attract people to the Lone Star state--and not the familiar pictures of men wrangling cattle. The exposition decided to hire Polly Smith, a 1925 graduate of Austin High School, fresh out of the Clarence H. White School of Photography in Manhattan.
With a Home Portrait Graflex camera hanging from her neck, Polly Smith traveled the dusty dirt roads of the Lone Star State, taking photographs of real Texans. It was dangerous for a young woman to travel alone, and she encountered many difficulties--even having her camera stolen. But she persevered.
On June 6, 1936, the Centennial Exposition opened with Smith's photographs displayed in the Texas Hall of State. Evelyn Barker writes, "Amidst the Hall's romantic and stirring imagery were Polly's peaceful black-and-white photos of children on a wagon, a farmer in the field, and even Polly herself walking through the pines".
After all these years, several of Polly Smith's photographs are still on display at Texas Hall of State in Fair Park, Dallas, Texas. Some have been enlarged and permanently mounted on the walls of the North and East Texas rooms. Her artful work has been published in the 1936 Texas Centennial brochure, American Airlines Flagship World, and Texas Parade, a monthly magazine endorsed by The Texas Highway Association. And now, thanks to Evelyn Barker's excellent research, her life story is documented, together with some of her most memorable photographs. This book is a timeless tribute to a remarkable pioneer.
by Sallie Moffitt
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Texas Journey revisited, May 27, 2008
This review is from: A Texas Journey: The Centennial Photographs of Polly Smith (Hardcover)
An insightful and well-researched look at a little-known participant in Texas' 1936 Centennial celebration. Anyone who has ever visited the Hall of State in Dallas' Fair Park has encountered the work of photographer Polly Smith. Her distinct photographs grace the walls in several of the regional rooms. The Dallas Historical Society holds an excellent collection of Smith's stunning work and this book is a beautiful tribute to her vision and skills. Evelyn Barker has succeeded in bringing her appreciation of Polly's work to a larger audience.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
