| Seated portrait of John A. Glander, 33 years of age, in the office of the Glander Art Studio at 822 Washington Street. In the background, pictures are displayed on a wall of his 1st floor art and gift shop. Mr. Glander earned a reputation for high standards very early in his photography career. His studio rapidly grew to employ up to 15 people during the 1920's at a time when still photo, motion picture and framing processes were labor intensive. Born a twin in Woldenburg, Germany in 1887, he arrived in Manitowoc with his family in 1892. His father, August Glander, passed away when John was 12 years old leaving a widow and six children, the eldest being his 14 year old brother, Fred. Due to the family's situation, John left high school in 1902, at the age of 15, to begin an apprenticeship with the photographer A.J. Packard whose studio was at 919 S. 8th Street, above the F.C. Buerstatte Drug Store. In 1908, at the age of 21, John purchased the photography business, including equipment, of William O. Dumke at 904 Washington Street, 2nd floor, and founded the Glander Art Studio. William Dumke worked for him for many years, and A.J. Packard worked for a few years, as well. About a year after starting his studio, he moved to the 2nd floor of the Henry Spoentgen building at 918 Washington Street. In 1914, needing more space for his growing business, he purchased property on the northeast corner of S. 9th and Washington Streets from Edwin Schuette for the construction of a large two-story brick photography studio and art store. |
