Mall features historic photos from UM
archives
History and photography buffs will have more than shopping to occupy their visits to
Southgate Mall beginning next month. Southgate Mall has collaborated with the Friends
of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library to bring the public an exclusive photography
exhibit that explores the history of Missoula.
"Hallways to History - A Photographic Walk Through Missoula's Past" opens
with a 5 p.m. reception Wednesday, Oct. 6. The public is invited to attend the reception,
which takes place at JC Penney Court.
The free exhibit consists of 90 historical photographs taken of Missoula and western
Montana that will be featured in Southgate Mall's three major hallways. The exhibit will
be displayed for three years, after which the framed photos will be offered at public
auction to benefit the Friends of the Library.
The photos, which date back to 1883, came from the UM Mansfield Library's K.Ross Toole
archives. Each photo bears a caption describing its historical significance.
The exhibit includes historical pictures from local Missoula photographers R.H. MacKay,
whose work chronicles Missoula from 1908 through the late 1940s, including photographs of
American Indians, Glacier National Park and early UM campus sites, as well as local people
and events. Photographer K.D. Swan's photographs of Montana scenes also are featured.
Southgate Mall is an advocate for historical photography preservation, and the photo
gallery is funded by the shopping center's owners.
"We value the goal of the Friends of the Library and are honored to provide a
place where Montanans can view a slice of their own history," said Kimberly Roth,
Southgate Mall marketing director. "Our common objective bridges the gap between
generations as well as raises an awareness of the need of photographic heritage
preservation."
The "Hallways to History" exhibit is dedicated to Bonnie and Leonard
Hamilton, two of Southgate Mall's owners, in recognition of their community service and
philanthropic endeavors.
Mary Staninger, local art broker and head of the Friends of the Library photo
committee, acquired the McKay collection for the University archives and has been retained
by the mall to coordinate and select photos for the exhibit. Dale L. Johnson, retired UM
archivist, also assisted in preparing photos and historical explanations for the exhibit.
|
