Illinois College of Photography

The Illinois College of Photography and Bissell College of Photo Engraving was founded in the late 19th century and was located initially on the Austin College campus in Effingham County, Illinois. It later moved to its separate studio and buildings in 1900 at 910–945 Wabash Ave in Effingham. At one time the school had several hundred students from the U.S., Canada and 52 countries.

It was founded by L.H. Bissell and welcomed students from c. 1900 to 1932, when it closed due to poor enrollment during the Great Depression.

Graduates were expected to "go out fully equipped and the fact that they are alumni of the Illinois College of Photography is a guarantee that they are artists in their lines. A diploma from this institution assures them the most remunerative positions in the best studios in the country."

Personnel 1905–1906

• LEWIS H. BISSELL, PRESIDENT
• HON. WM. B. WRIGHT, VICE-PRESIDENT

  Grand Master Mason of Illinois

• JOHN A. RINEHART, SECRETARY
• HON. BENSON WOOD, TREASURER

  President Effingham State Bank

  Commander Illinois G. A. R.

• THEODORE F. MOCK, SUPERINTENDENT
• GEORGE ROSCOE GRUBB

  Instructor in Half-tone Operating

• A. V. LESLIE

  Instructor in Three-Color Work, Etching and Re-etching

• FELIX RAYMER

  Demonstrator in Department of Lighting, Posing, Composition and Flashlight

• CHARLES W. FISHER

  Finisher and Proofer

• O. E. REYNOLDS, B. S., A. M.

  Instructor in Latest Approved Methods of Chemistry, Optics and Laboratory Work

• RUBY W. BISSELL

  Department of Retouching and Etching

• F. A. STRICKLAND

  Instructor in Department of Retouching and Etching

• DAVID J. COOK

  Instructor in Negative Making, Process and Laboratory Work

• THEODORE HOWE

  Instructor in Department of Carbon and Platinotype

• LEON S. DUDLEY

  Instructor in Department of Printing and Finishing

Notable Graduates

• Robert Bagby
• Arthur Serviss Dudley, graduated 1903
• Avery Edwin Field, graduated 1906
• Fred Hultstrand (1888–1968), graduate 1911
• Amando Céspedes Marin (1881–1976), graduated 1900
• Edward Weston (1886–1958), attended 1908–1911
• Ellery Vladimir Wilcox (1882–1960)
• Tomar J. Hileman (1882–1945), Glacier National Park photographer
• Ross Hall (1905-1990)

External links

• Banbury, Larry Francis (1982), The Sesquicentennial of Effingham Co., 1831-1981, Illinois: Banbury Publishing Company.
• The Illinois College of Photography Bulletin, 1905 (PDF), Illinois, 1905.
• Avery Edwin Field Panoramic Photographs, Riverside, CA.
• TI4NRH: Estación pionera Costarricense.