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- 25 September 1964 Tonawanda Evening News
H. F. Wittkowsky Is Dead; Veteran Area Photographer
The dean of photographers in the Twin Cities, Herman F. Wittkowsky, 80, of 287 Oliver St., North Tonawanda, died this morning in his home after a brief illness.`A lifelong resident of the community, Mr. Wittkowsky was a man whose main interests were his family, his church and his work. He belonged to no organizations other than those associated with his church and his vocation.`His close identification with the community and its history and progress began when he was in his early 20's and his work brought him into contact with prominent families and industries of the community.`Mr. Wittkowsky's first studio was in Niagara Street, Tonawanda, when the canal ran down through the middle of the street. In 1911, he moved his studio into the North Tonawanda IOOF building in Schenck Street, and in 1923 to the present studio, 287 Oliver St.`Mr. Wittkowsky owned an extensive collection of historical pictures of the Niagara Frontier and the Tonawandas. His initiation into photography was as a young boy when he superimposed pictures on buttons to be sold at the Pan-American Exposition and pedaled the merchandise to the fair in Buffalo on his bicycle.
Mr. Wittkowsky and the former Ella Salow of North Tonawanda were married in Friedens Church in 1911. They observed their 53rd wedding anniversary Sept. 14. Both were diligent church workers and Mr. Wittkowsky was congregational president for a record number of years in Friedens Church.`One of the first presidents of the "old" Oliver Street Businessmen's Association, Mr. Wittkowsky was one of the few area photographers who survived the depression years and one of the last of the "old time" photographers still in business in Western New York.`Survivors are his wife; a daughter, Mrs. Edward Kick; two sons, Herman F. Jr. and William C. and four grandchildren, all of North Tonawanda.`Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Wattengel Funeral Home, 307 Oliver St. The Rev. Carl K. marks will officiate. Burial will be in Friedens Cemetery.
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1884 - 1964 (80 years)