The Mount Vernon Bank & Trust calendar’s origin began with an observation and an idea.
In 1992 I noticed that the bank distributed generic calendars to its customers.
Being a photographer, I appreciated our community’s rich visual content and paid attention to seasons, structures, activities, and light. I had gathered sufficient images to make a calendar.
I shared my observation with Dennis Herrick, the former Mount Vernon Sun publisher and a bank board member. Dennis was a person of ideas and action.
We approached then bank president Ed Fordyce with our idea. Bank sponsorship and calendar distribution seemed a logical fit. Ed, ever cautious, declined.
Not giving up, Dennis offered the newspaper to publish it. We gathered my images and designed a 1994 calendar. Found in newspaper archives were tidbits of historical information which we placed within the calendar. A true local calendar.
Ed saw our good product and offered the bank’s sponsorship for the 1995 edition.
Ed needed to know cost. I jokingly said, “some people say my photos aren’t worth 2 cents, but I disagree.” The two cent fee for photographs was decided. Design and printing also cost. We produced the 1995 calendar for less cost than the bank’s generic product.
From 1995-2011, I was the bank’s sole photographer. That required me to use my “mind’s eye” to anticipate seasons, light, weather and activity.
Each fall I brought a new selection of Kodachromes for Ed Fordyce and Friends-Plus director Carol Dillard to peruse. Dave Ryan took over upon Ed’s retirement. Laid out on a light table, using an eye piece, we scrutinized these transparencies. Opinions offered. Trades made.
Ed Fordyce explained, “Bob had a particular eye for art. He liked reflections, shadows, sunlight. I deferred to him on the artistic part. For some photos, I wasn’t too excited until he explained the artistry.”
Satisfied, the calendar was then sent to press.
When I left Mount Vernon in 2007, moving to Colorado, I had stockpiled many images. I often returned to town and photographed. Alas, by 2011, the 800 mile journey and struggle for timeliness proved difficult. My role as sole photographer ended.
For decades I had amassed thousands of Kodachromes, capturing a visual history of the Mount Vernon/Lisbon area.
The bank now selects images from four photographers. I am one of the four.
By creating this calendar the bank honors our community and visually preserves our history.
Though photography is now digital, my collection of transparencies is not obsolete. These images are carefully preserved. The poster and individual images are historical and available for reprint.
Bob Campagna is a local photographer and writer. His email is [email protected].