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Lomen Brothers photographs, approximately 1900-1934

Overview of the Collection

Photographer
Lomen Bros
Title
Lomen Brothers photographs
Dates
approximately 1900-1934 (inclusive)
Quantity
3 boxes, (518 photographic prints and 67 nitrate negatives)
Collection Number
PH0328
Summary
Photographs of Alaska including images of Iñupiat people, Nome and residents, reindeer business, ships, airplanes
Repository
University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections
Special Collections
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA
98195-2900
Telephone: 2065431929
Fax: 2065431931
speccoll@uw.edu
Access Restrictions

Selections from the collection can be viewed on the Libraries Digital Collection website. Permission is required to view originals. Contact Special Collections for more information.

Request at UW

Languages
Collection materials are in English.
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Biographical Note

G. J. Lomen and his son Carl originally came to Nome as part of the 1900 gold rush. G.J. Lomen soon established a profitable law practice. In 1903 Carl's mother, sister Helen, and brothers Ralph, Harry and Alfred moved from Minnesota to Nome. Brother George arrived in Nome in 1906, opening a men's furnishing store in 1907. The family was involved in many commercial and civic interests including law, their reindeer corporation, lighterage, retail, and photography. In 1908 the brothers bought a photographic studio and later bought the negatives of several other photographers including Dobbs, Nowell, Goetze and Kinne. Brothers Carl, Harry, Alfred, and Ralph Lomen were partners in the business. Harry managed the studio and all of them took photographs, quickly learning how to keep cameras in working order at Arctic temperatures. Alfred became particularly interested in photography and took most of the photos. In September 1934, a fire destroyed their studio along with 25,000-30,000 negatives and 50,000 commercial prints. Approximately 3,000 negatives were salvaged. The Lomens never reopened their photography business but they remained in Nome, pursuing their other business enterprises, including the Lomen Reindeer Corporation. By the 1940's they all moved to Seattle, Washington, where George died in 1934, Alfred in 1950, Harry in 1957 and Carl in 1965.

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Content Description

Photographs and negatives depicting Nome and vicinity, Alaska, the Lomen family, their business activities, reindeer, residents of Nome, Iñupiat people, Nome mining operations, dogsled teams, ships and boats, and aviation. The collection includes Lomen Bros. Studio photos, informal snapshots, and photos printed from the negatives of other professional photographers.

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Other Descriptive Information

The Lomen Brothers bought negatives from several other professional photographers and reissued the photographs under the Lomen Bros. studio name, as was accepted practice in the early 20th century. Among the Lomens' purchases were negatives from Dobbs, Nowell, Kinne, Goetze and Kinne. About 40 were photos in this collection were identified as originating from non-Lomen studios, and are located in the Other Photographers series within this collection.

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Use of the Collection

Alternative Forms Available

View selections from the collection in digital format

Restrictions on Use

Restrictions may exist on reproduction, quotation, or publication. Contact Special Collections, University of Washington Libraries for details.

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Administrative Information

Arrangement

Arranged in 4 series.

  • Lomen businesses and family
  • Lomen Studio work
  • Other Lomen photographs
  • Other photographers

Acquisition Information

Donor: Ralph Lomen, 1965. [Preliminary Guide says "Mrs. Alfred J. Lomen, Jr., 1963?" ]

Processing Note

Processed by Susan Fitch, 2014

Title of some images revised to align with harmful language guidelines. Revison completed by G. Mandarino, June 2023

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Detailed Description of the Collection

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Iñupiats--Photographs
  • Reindeer industry--Alaska
  • Reindeer--Photographs
  • Visual Materials Collections (University of Washington)

Geographical Names

  • Alaska--Photographs
  • Nome (Alaska)--Buildings, structures, etc.--Photographs
  • Nome (Alaska)--Photographs

Form or Genre Terms

  • Negatives (Photographs)
  • Photographs

Other Creators

  • Corporate Names

    • Lomen Bros.--Archives
    • Lomen Bros.--Employees--Photographs
    • Lomen Bros.--Photographs


2009 (Last modified: 8/11/2025)

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