Many Things Thurday - Burton Homes & My Grandfather at The George Eastman House

"The time has come," the Walrus said, "to talk of many things."

Thursday, on Shades Of The Departed, will be dedicated to
many things, and nothing in particular.

Many Things Thursday

My Grandfather and His Straw

A Close-Up

A photograph found with this one has written on the reverse, "Everywhere you go there's someone to take your picture." Usually those taking the photographs were Holmes and Greene.

E. Burton Holmes and E. Jesse Greene traveled the world together taking photographs and making films for the Burton Holmes empire. Always, I might add, dressed to the nines no matter where they were in the world.

Burton Holmes was a mega star of his day; for sixty years he was America's most famous travel showman. Yes, Burton Holmes traveled the world, but he didn’t travel alone. Producing the Burton Holmes lectures required the efforts of a close knit group of tough ground-breaking professionals. While much has been written about Burton Holmes’ career, little has been known about the men and women who traveled with him and contributed to his empire.

One of those men was my grandfather, Edward Jesse Greene. Greene left school at sixteen to begin his career with Holmes. Burton Holmes personally gave my grandfather an education in photography, travel, and the world. The stories of my grandfather and his association with Holmes, as well as his personal photographs are my legacy.

The George Eastman House has acquired several hundred of Holmes' films and is working to preserve his legacy. They have released the following video.

View more interesting occupations in the May/June

Issue of Shades published this week!

Photograph:

Holmes & Greene. Unmounted Photograph. Photographer Unknown. Unknown. Privately held by the footnoteMaven,  Preston, Washington. 2008