Recently, Martin Schweig asked if I wanted to sift though boxes of old photographs from the archives of his father, Martin, Sr., and grandfather, Morris Schweig. Martin is the third generation of Schweig photographers to work in St. Louis. He suggested that, on days when I was looking for "filler" to post on the blog, I could borrow from his treasure trove of photographs. I jumped at the chance, though I would hardly label these fascinating photographs–and ones that I'll post later on fashion, wedding dresses, and old Muny Opera costumes—"filler."
Morris Schweig, Martin's grandfather, opened his first photography studio in 1890 at 1717 Franklin. In 1914 he moved "Schweig Art Nouveau Photography" to 4727-4729 Delmar, shown in the photo above. The studio, which was torn down decades ago, was located just east of the vacant grocery store property at the northwest corner of Kingshighway and Delmar.Martin Schweig, Jr., moved the studio to 4657 Maryland (the site of the St. Louis Chess Club) in 1952. In the mid-seventies he moved across the street to 4658 Maryland, where Boutique/83 is now located.The photograph above shows a Post-Dispatch delivery truck, with a driver straight out of Central Casting.
From left, Lemoine Skinner, Alicia Polk Withers, unidentified woman (does anyone recognize the pretty lady?), William Julius Polk, and Wickham Moore at a reception following a music concert. When I asked Sarah Dunn, Lemoine Skinner's daughter, to help identify the people in the photo, she wrote back saying: "Aren't they elegant?" Alicia Polk Withers is Sarah's aunt, and "Polky" was uncle to Sarah and eleven other cousins, who all spent their childhood growing up in the CWE.
Hope you enjoyed these, there are many more to come. Thanks Martin.
Have a picture from jules pierlow studio’s of people in front of a TWA plane, possibly dressed in the 40s, mostly all important men, couple stewardesses. Just wanted to know who gentlemen are
Hey guys. my grandfather worked for Jules Pierlow and eventually bought the studio from the old man. he ran it until he retired in 1986. Edw. Hofmann was the one who did the wedding photos. He has a portfolio of photos that he kept. Other than those and our own family related photos all the negatives were destroyed when he closed the studio in 1986. At that time he put out a statement to let every customer know that if the wanted cpoies that they had to get them before a certain date. I do not remember when Ed started working for Jules but I have a recorded interview about the subject that i can review. When Ed took over the business he kept the established name of Jules Pierlow Portrait Studio. Ed Hofmann is survived by his wife Jane and I would be happy to talk to her about an specifics during my christmas visit.
I live in my families old home built in the 1850’s. I found an old photograph signed M. Schweig from St. Louis. It appears to be of age. The picture is of an undressed woman with long dark hair in a ponytail looking out of the window.The picture is called SURPRISED (above the authors name). I’m trying to see if this one of Morris Schweig’s photo. Can someone help?
I would check the Missouri Historical Society for Jules Pierlow’s photos.
Wonderful! Keep digging into those boxes of photos . . . And if you find out where the negatives from the Jules Pierlow Portrait Studio are, would love to know.
My parents 25th wedding anniversary is coming up next June and I was wondering if he still had the negatives from their wedding. Would you also be able to give him my email? Thank you so much,
Eva
I will send Martin your email address Angela and you can ask him. Hope he has an answer for you.
Help Please! Did Martin know Jules Pierlow and if he kept archives of photos from the 50’s. Wedding date is May 21 1955.Presnell/Kerckhoff wedding. My Mom just lost her Wedding photo’s in a fire. We are devastated. Please send info to [email protected]
Thank you, Angela