Details

Title

Portrait photograph of publisher Lewis (Louis) Coues Page

Collection

L.M. Montgomery Institute. Ryrie-Campbell Collection.

Donor

Donated by Donna Jane Campbell.

Call Number(s)

905 SI Page Photo

Abstract

A large, sepia-toned print of a photographic portrait of Boston publisher Lewis (sometimes referred to as "Louis") Coues Page (1869-1956). Page was founder of L.C. Page and Company, renamed the Page Company in 1914: from 1908 - 1915, Page published L.M. Montgomery's first seven books; in 1920, five years after his contract with Montgomery had expired, Page also published an unauthorized book, culled from earlier manuscripts, entitled 'Further Chronicles of Avonlea', resulting in a protracted lawsuit in which Montgomery was ultimately victorious. The inked studio signature on the portrait print indicates it was taken in 1937, and the image shows Page as a robust and well-dressed man in his 60s. Page's public profile as a wealthy and successful businessman is reinforced by the large, high-quality printing and professional composition of the photo, which was originally enclosed in an elaborate card-stock folio (now broken and stained, although the photo print remains in good condition) bearing the imprint of the prestigious Moffett Studio of Chicago. Research by the donor indicates that this is one of the few surviving photographs of Page.