Edward Rolke Farber papers, 1914-1981

Author / Creator

Farber, Edward Rolke

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Physical

Summary

Papers of Farber, a prize-winning Milwaukee Journal photographer and inventor of the first portable flash unit (called the "stroboflash") used by news photographers. The papers mainly concern his d...

Papers of Farber, a prize-winning Milwaukee Journal photographer and inventor of the first portable flash unit (called the "stroboflash") used by news photographers. The papers mainly concern his development of the stroboflash, which the Journal began using in 1942, and his company, Strobo Research, Inc. There is also information about Aladdin Neon Signs, Inc., an earlier company founded by Farber; Farber's childhood and personal life; and material concerning his mother, artist Elfie Farber. The collection includes biographical information, a baptism record and baby books, clippings, advertising, patents and other technical drawings and specifications, letters from Elfie to Edward during his World War II service, and posters advertising the stroboflash and a 1981 exhibition of Farber's photographs. Photographs in the collection include exterior and interior images of his companies, examples of photos made with the stroboflash, and images of various stroboflash units.

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