Ansel Adams photographed Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming while doing work for the National Park Service. Photo from the National Archives.

By DeeAnna Muraski
and Darla McCammon
Guest Columnists

WARSAW — Ansel Easton Adams was born in 1902 in San Francisco in California. He remembered seeing all the smoke from the burning buildings that was generated by the famous 1906 earthquake. He was not harmed by the initial tremors but his small 4-year-old body was ruthlessly propelled by an aftershock into a hard garden wall of their home. Doctors recommended that his nose be re-set when he got older but he resisted this straightening of his features and the resulting situation left him mouth breathing for the rest of his life.

A year later his family moved a short distance to a new home in the Seacliff neighborhood. The Adams child told of his “splendid view” and the Golden Gate, the sea cliffs, Baker Beach, and the beauty of nature giving him ample space to collect nature’s souvenirs, including debris from old shipwrecks. Adams and his father made much use of their 3-inch telescope and developed a love of nature and astronomy. They often visited the Lick Observatory on Mount Hamilton. His mother, Olive, took little interest in the things that excited the young Adams and often showed her disapproval, particularly strongly over his interest in photography, while his father encouraged his son to follow the example of Ralph Waldo Emerson who lived a life that was a good example of modesty.

Adams’ family came from Ireland and settled in New England. They were considered wealthy but had several financial losses that affected the family standard of living, one of which was due to other members of the family having inside knowledge and selling off a large portion of their business.

As a young boy, Ansel was privileged to attend several private schools but because he was a struggle for the teachers, due to his lack of attention and his restlessness to be outside in the nature he loved, it was decided to remove him from the more structured education of the schools. His family, including his father and his Aunt Mary, took on his education and included much of their own political leanings. Adams was able to resume his formal training, graduating from the eighth grade at the Kate Wilkins Private School in 1917.

His life was altered when he visited Yosemite National Park. He was 12 years old and was gifted with a camera. His talent with camera became almost an obsession, and he was quickly recognized as a member of the Sierra Club. He was given a job by the government to photograph the beauty of our national parks. His love of the outdoors and his cleverness with all things photographic led him to become well-recognized for his ability to capture special moments.

Adams went on to achieve awards and accolades for his sensitive and beautiful photographic creations of the natural beauty of America. Favoring black and white results, he carefully crafted images that were breathtaking.

Events

Author Dinner: Operation Read USA Inc. will be hosting its annual Author Dinner from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, at the Shrine Building on the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in Warsaw. Contact [email protected] to order tickets. The author is Wendi Lou Lee, also known as “Baby Grace” from “Little House on the Prairie” television fame. She has written two books you will enjoy and is flying in from California for her first trip ever to Indiana. Let us give her a warm Hoosier welcome. The evening will also include a silent auction with many good items up for bid as well as some original art you can take home if you win the bid. A meal will be served along with more extras for your enjoyment. Hope to see you there to benefit this wonderful Operation Read organization.

Darla McCammon is an artist, columnist and author, and DeeAnna Muraski is executive director of Operation Read USA Inc. For information, call (574) 527-4044 or send an email to [email protected].