Old Cordell Photo Studio
by Toni Hopper
Title
Old Cordell Photo Studio
Artist
Toni Hopper
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
The old Cordell Studio sign continues to hang on the historic building at 10th and Willow in Duncan, Oklahoma, as a testament to Duncan's early beginnings and in honor of the late owner, J.E. Cordell, who died at the age of 93, in January 2015. I was fortunate to have had a few conversations with J.E. who was a familiar face to everyone, even newcomers to town as he served as a Walmart door greeter in retirement. He told me once that he was glad he "got out of the business before the digital age." He was not a fan of digital photography. His father originally opened the studio and combined toy store after moving his family to Duncan from Texas in 1930. J.E. joined the U.S. Navy and served in WWII. The following paragraph is from his obituary: After becoming owner of Cordell�s Studio, J.E. became a nationally-recognized photographer, earning the degree of Master of Photography in 1979. A 25-year member of Professional Photographers Association (PPA) he became the President of Oklahoma�s PPA, President of Oklahoma Photographic Artist Guild, and a national PPA adjudicator. J.E. retired from photography in the 1980�s and enjoyed working for Wal-Mart (honored for 25 years of service, November 2012, retired 2013, at 92!)."
J.E. really was a great person to visit with and when I worked at The Duncan Banner, I made a point of driving by this building daily. I love that the new owners of the building, which now houses a cake shop, have kept this sign visible. Photographed in November 2016.
The building served as home for years to the local Toy Shop, a charitable organization that makes sure Duncan children get refurbished bikes and new toys for Christmas each year. And while the Cordell Studio was the place to get a portrait made many years ago, now the sign and building serve as a popular backdrop for today's seniors, and also an iconic image captured by area photographers to frame for display in their own offices.
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Uploaded
November 22nd, 2016
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Viewed 585 Times - Last Visitor from Ottawa, ON - Canada on 03/27/2024 at 8:08 PM
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