Between 1847 and 1922, Glenalvin, Wallace L. and William O.
Goodridge made thousands of photographs in formats ranging from
daguerreotypes to motion pictures. 
First in York, Pennsylvania, and
later in East Saginaw, Michigan (later, Saginaw), this family of African American entrepreneurs
demonstrated an extraordinary ability to adapt and change with the
times. In doing so they created a rich legacy of images: city scenes and
lumber camps, individuals and groups, picnics, parties and natural
disasters.
Sample nine different types
of the
Goodridge brothers' photographs. See the
photographs.
The
exhibit Enterprising Images is based on the book of the same title
by Professor John Jezierski of Saginaw Valley State University, published by the Wayne State University Press (2000). Over a
period of two decades, Jezierski identified over a thousand photos taken
by the Goodridge Brothers. Although he drew on census data,
court records and newspaper accounts, the Goodridges' work constituted
the major source of information about them. In presenting the work of
this remarkably long-lived photo studio, the Enterprising Images
exhibition tells the story of the Goodridge family's experiences as
black businessmen and leaders of the African American community in a
world dominated by whites.
Enterprising Images
closed at the Michigan Historical Museum January 21, 2001, then traveled
to the Historical Society Museum of the York
(PA) County Heritage Trust, and Saginaw,
Michigan.
The following publication is available for purchase in connection with the
exhibit at the Michigan Historical Museum Store. Enterprising Images
may also be purchased from Wayne
State University Press and at many book stores.
- Enterprising Images: The Goodridge Brothers, African
American Photographers 1847-1922 by John V. Jezierski. Published
by Wayne State University Press, 2000, 300+ pages, over 300 black
and white illustrations.
