Camera Section, Hamilton Association - 1899

When the summer days of 1899 arrived, the members of the camera section of the Hamilton Association, were very active. Members of the group, carrying their big cameras had already got together and visited Greensville, Van Wagner’s Beach and the vicinity of the Burlington Heights

A most successful visit in July 1899 entailed a journey to the beautiful area near Dundas:

“An easy way to reach some of the most picturesque spots in Canada is to take the Hamilton & Dundas Electric Railway, and from the terminus at Dundas a walk of about a mile and a half will bring an enthusiastic camera devotee who never calculates fatigue or distance to see the most romantic and enchanting scenery which the environs of Hamilton present to the eye of the artist and lover of nature.”¹

¹ “Summer Camera Work : Beautiful Views to Be Had Near at Hand”

Hamilton Times.  July 20, 1899.

Members of the camera section of the Hamilton Association after alighting from the H & D. train at the Hatt Street terminal facing a trek to their chosen destination which was indeed not too far in distance from the station, but did involve a 300 foot climb up the escarpment.

The destination was the Dundas Peak:

“The view from the lookout point at Dundas is one never to be forgotten if the conditions are favorable for clear atmospheric effect. The eye, aided by a powerful field glass, may scan the distant landscape. At this particular spot, the vista is unexcelled. Beneath is the Valley City, nestling snugly under the friendly protection of the rugged pine-clad hill. The silvery stream, winding its devious course, rushes through the gorge as if impatient that its force and energy should be misspent by industrial activity now lying dormant. The verdure of the hills and undulating plains waving with grain betoken an abundant harvest. Away in the distance may be seen the Ambitious City, with her clustered dwellings and busy workshops, and yet beyond the narrow silvery thread of Hamilton Beach outlining the boundless expanse of mighty Lake Ontario. Spellbound, one thus views nature’s amphitheater.”¹

The Spectator columnist stressed that just because one had a camera that in itself did not mean that quality photographs would result :

“The eye has the aid of human imaginative powers, but unfortunately the camera is only a machine, and its powers are limited. The lens can do everything but think. This fact accounts for the frequent failures of the merely button pressers.”¹

For members of the camera section of the Hamilton Association, the button pressing was just the first part of their efforts. The glass plates used would have to be carefully carried back to downtown Hamilton. On the second floor of the Hamilton Public Library building on Main street west (pictured), the necessary equipment to develop and print the images was available, as were instructors ready to teach beginners how to process their work.

Come the fall of 1899, a large selection of the images taken by the camera section were to be displayed in the library :

“The season’s work of the camera section will be on view at the opening meeting of the Hamilton Association in the fall. The artistic side of photography is not being overlooked this summer. Several fine enlargements have been made by the younger members.”¹