O B I T
U A R Y
Charles L. Lewis
The death of Mr. Charles L.
Lewis, well-known photographer of Toledo, calls for more attention than
we were able to give it last week. He was well-known in Norfolk County
where he lived for a number of years.
His wife was formerly Miss Mary
Kitchen, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Egbert
Kitchen, who were two of the most widely known and best loved
descendants of our pioneers that have ever lived in this county.
As a boy Mr. Lewis was undecided
for a long time whether to adopt singing or photography as a profession.
He eventually became a photographer, but singing remained one of his
dearest pastimes.
He began his photography career
as an apprentice in Mr. George Perry's Photography Studio, Norfolk St.,
Simcoe. After a few years here he went to Toronto where he spent a few
years as a photographer.
At the age of 27 he went to
Toledo, where during the 40 years he has lived in that city he became
one of the best known photographers in the United States.
A few years ago he was elected
president of the Professional Photographers' Society of America. He has
also served as president of Michigan-Ohio-Indiana Society of
Photographers, and was a leader of the Toledo Camera Club. He was an
enthusiastic promoter of better photographic art among amateurs.
He was one of the founders of
the Toledo Tile Club and among his friends was Castle Keith, a famous
artist who presented him with a painting of the Tile Club which he
greatly valued. Elbert Hubbard was also numbered among his friends.
Mr. Lewis' love of music was as
deep as his love of photography. He sang in the choirs of several Toledo
churches until about eight years ago. He was formerly director of the
quartet of the Ashland Avenue Baptist church and sang in the Central
Congregational church. Music remained one of his loves until his death.
Mr. Lewis' first wife was Rose
Clouse, well known pianist. By his first wife Mr. Lewis had one
daughter, Helen Lucille Lewis, now Mrs. David Fetzer, secretary and
treasurer of C. L. Lewis, Inc. After the death of his first wife Mr.
Lewis married Mary Maude Kitchen of Ontario, a childhood friend, who
survives him. Mr. Lewis is also survived by a
sister, Mrs. Robert Duncan, Lansing, Michigan.
Mr. Lewis had been in failing
health for some years and last year Mr. and Mrs. Lewis spent July and
August occupying Mrs. Searles' house in Waterford in an effort to
recuperate.
His business in Toledo was
incorporated and his employees were very loyal. The printer had been
there for 15 years and the finisher for more than 30 years. Mr.
Lewis' eyesight had been gradually failing. But he remained in full
charge of his work.
He passed away at his home in
Toledo on Friday, 8 Jul 1927.
