Guide to the William H. (Dad) Martin Exaggerated Postcards, 1908-1909

William H. (Dad) Martin, originally from Maple City, Kansas, took over a photograph studio located in Ottawa, Kansas in 1894 that was previously owned by his mentor and boss, E.H. Corwin. In 1908 Martin began using photo composite photography to create series of exaggerated post cards depicting people among oversized produce and animals. These Martin initially created in the basement of his home at 815 South Main, Ottawa. Martin's business quickly grew and by 1909 he had constructed a two story business behind his house and had a staff of about 20 people producing approximately 10,000 cards per day. Even though his postcard business was very popular and profitable, Martin sold it in 1912 to Williams S. Fallis and William H. Jones of Ottawa who moved the business to Kansas City and re-named it the North American Post Card Company. Martin then founded the National Sign Company in Ottawa. Dad Martin died around 1940.

Martin utilized the photo montage, first photographing each element of his desired scene. These pieces were then cut and pasted together, then the whole composition was re-photographed creating a unified image.