Description:

The photo features a large group of 17 Poncas Indians with guns and bows. Francis Marion Steele started to work and learn the photographic business at the age of thirteen, under G.T. Atkinson of Kansas City, Missouri. Referring to himself as a “tourist photographer and artist,” he spent fifteen years of his life roaming around the Great Plains taking photographs. In Dodge City he established his career as a traveling photographer in 1890. A genius with the camera, he made a living traveling around southwest Kansas, Oklahoma Territory, Texas, New Mexico and Colorado, taking shots of cattle drives, ranch life and farming operations from 1891 to 1905. Mr. Steele advertised in the Meade Globe newspaper that he has the newest equipment for taking flash light photos and in his studio he had an exhibit on display of at least fifty ranches and farms south of Meade. He guaranteed his work, which he claimed to be first class. Steele had “a specialty of crayons, pastels and a copying machine as well as a camera that would take good pictures on cloudy or clear days.” He guaranteed that his photos wouldn’t fade. Francis Marion Steele left behind a legacy of an entire “way of life” captured on film. Often touted around Meade as, “a no-good bum who wouldn’t even stay put and take care of his family,” Steele must have seemed eccentric to the ordinary people in the 1890’s. But, one only has to look at his photographs of a time lost forever to appreciate the passion he had for his craft, and the sacrifices he made to pursue it. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request

    Dimensions:
  • 8" x 13.75"
  • Condition:
  • Very Good Condition with no tears

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October 8, 2021 6:00 PM EDT
Canandaigua, NY, US

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