What's online?
The online collection of Frank France Photographs features images depicting people, homes, churches, schools, and businesses primarily in and around West Middletown, Washington County. Dating from c. 1904 to 1914, these images document the lives of residents, coal miners, farm workers, and baseball players. Some of the photographs also capture moments with Frank France and his family members.
What's in the entire collection?
The Frank France Photographs contains glass plate negatives and photographic prints that document people and places, primarily in the West Middletown area of Washington County from the turn of the century to approximately 1917. A series of images depict the 50th anniversary of the 100th Pennsylvania Infantry (also known as the “Roundheads”) taken at Gettysburg. The collection was acquired by Albert Miller, founder of the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village.
About Frank France.
Frank Lindsey France was born in 1877 in West Middletown, PA, to John Davis France and Clarinda Wherry. In 1902, he married Belva Lockwood Poole. France managed the France Hotel for a period and worked as a traveling photographer, establishing the Last Chance Photography Company until 1914. Following that period, he contributed his skills to film companies, including Feature Film and Calcium Light Company, United Theater Supply Company, and the Theater Supply Company. His final employment was with the Climax Chemical Company in Langeloth, Pennsylvania. France passed away in 1970 and is buried at West Middletown Cemetery.