“You’ve Got the Cutest Little Baby Face”

“Photography in all its branches, our specialty. True to life and nature… Don’t forget the babies – a photo now will be the more appreciated in years after. G. Vinnemeier” (Claremore Messenger, 6/27/1913).

The Aristo photography studio of Vinnemeier & Atkinson flashed onto the scene in Claremore, Oklahoma, August 20, 1909, when the Claremore Progress announced, “This newly established picture gallery is located on the second floor of the new, brick Gorey building just four stairways east of the post office (perhaps 404 W. Will Rogers Blvd.). The rooms and lighting are specially and scientifically appointed for the conduct of this popular art.  Every instrument of practical use in photo work, such as all sizes of cameras and lenses, also stylish card mounting, are all in evidence in greater numbers at the Aristo Studio than elsewhere.”

The Claremore deltiologist (one who studies and/or collects postcards) will recognize the name “Atkinson” which is superimposed on the foreground of many vintage Claremore “town view” postcards.  

Aristo promised that even with “children of the awkward age… we can make pretty good pictures” (Inola Register, 10/21/1909).

Week after week, Aristo Studio advertised in Claremore newspapers alongside competing photographer W.A. Carson. However, after November, the Atkinson name vanished from ads and Gerhard Vinnemeier goes solo as photographer and printing frame manufacturer (Claremore Progress, 11/19/1909).

For the Christmas rush Aristo ardently suggested, “How your children would be delighted to receive a picture of Father and Mother as a Christmas present. Be sure to have them taken at The Aristo Studio. G. Vinnemeier – Proprietor” (CM, 12/17/1909).

Baby photos became Aristo Studio’s focus in 1910. “999 Babies Wanted at the Aristo Studio. Babies’ pictures are one of our specialties. Fine Work. Moderate Price.” Surely the devoted parent would consider going nowhere else once the Aristo Studio installed “the latest models 8×10 extra fast lens. It is adapted to all classes of work, but especially for taking baby’s picture” (Rogers County News, 7/21 & 12/1/1910).

Aristo Studio disclosed, at Christmas time 1910, “You would not think of writing a family letter on the back of a hand bill, then let us suggest when you have your picture taken for the sake of having something to refer to in years to come, let it be the artistic kind and mounted upon a card that will retain its beauty. It is always a pleasure to relatives and friends to receive this kind of gift” (RCN, 12/15/1910).

Again, in 1912, Vinnemeier suggested, “Your photograph as a Christmas present is the proper idea. 1 dozen photographs please 12 of your friends. Of course, you want to send baby’s picture to Grandma and Grandpa. Don’t delay” (CP, 12/6/1912).

In the spring of 1913, Photographer Vinnemeier was honored to capture an iconic image of Austrian Princess Stefania Kaunitz during her historic Claremore visit. Kaunitz desired to meet the world-famous Pittsburgh Pirates’ baseball shortstop ‘Honus’ Wagner, the Flying Dutchman, as the team passed through Claremore en route to Tulsa. “Mr. Wagner came out and met the princess, who expressed herself as being delighted, and as he stood by the auto chatting, the photographer took their picture.  Then the whole team crowded around the car and had their pictures taken” (CP, 4/4/1913).

Suddenly, in 1915, Gerhard Vinnemeier changed careers and moved to Pittsburg, Kansas. The Claremore Progress informed, “The Aristo Studio, which for a number of years has been conducted under the management and direction of G. Vinnemeier, has been sold to J.F. Macy” (CP, 7/22/1915). Thereafter, Claremore would trust Mr. Macy to capture the treasured visages of babies and beauty queens to be admired for years to come.

By Christa Rice, Explore Claremore History

You are invited to click this link, which will take you to the Explore Claremore History website to read more about the early Claremore photography studio of Vinnemeier and Atkinson. Join the journey.

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