Name/Title
Frank Garvey with Mr. & Mrs. Forest Wasaga Beach, Ontario, 1934Entry/Object ID
2020.802.91Scope and Content
PhotographContext
A photograph of Frank Garvey standing between Mr. and Mrs. Forrest of London in front of Maple Leaf Film Studio on Main Street in Wasaga Beach, Ontario. The individual far left in the photograph is not identified.
The photos contained in the Garvey collection were photographed and developed by Frank Garvey. In 2000, the collection was donated to the Archives by Judy Garvey.
Frank Garvey arrived in Wasaga Beach in 1929 and opened his photography business on the beachfront. The business was “Maple Leaf Film Service”. Frank’s initial business consisted of two tents; one used for a studio and the second used for processing films. In Frank’s own words from a handwritten note: “Maple Leaf Film Service photo shop. End of street-on the beach 1929. Washed films in basket in the bay, 2 tents - one to take in films - one to develop them. Good business.” For the first summer, Frank operated his business from the two tents on the beachfront.
Judy Garvey indicated “He’d take pictures of all the local hotels, and lodges and businesses and make postcards out of them. Then he’d offer them to the businesses and the negatives so he could make more when he ran out.“ Frank also provided a service of personal photographs for sale. Pictures featured people sitting at a lunch bar, riding bicycles or horses on the beach, strolling Main Street shops, and playing games in the arcades.
In 1930, Frank rented a property on Main Street, opening the Maple Leaf Film Studio. It was a small studio and had space to develop pictures. This meant washing films in the bay as part of the developing process would no longer be required. Frank left his photo business circa 1936-1937 when he purchased The Malty Way Sandwich Shop from Frank Walker and opened Garv’s Marine Lunch Bar. He continued with his passion for photography by photographing people at the Lunch Bar. This is also where Frank met his wife, Judy, whom he married in 1940.
The Garvey’s eventually relocated to Meaford where they opened and operated a grocery store and then a clothing store. Frank was the Mayor of Meaford from 1962 to 1964.Acquisition
Accession
2020.802Source or Donor
Judy GarveyAcquisition Method
GiftDimensions
Height
3-1/2 inWidth
2-1/2 in