John Lewis Stage papers, 1949-2013

John Lewis Stage (1925-2021) was an American freelance photojournalist known for his extensive work in photo essays. Born in Warwick, New York, to Lawrence and Ruth (Ryerson) Stage, he was one of nine children. His passion for photography began in middle school and continued at the Rochester Institute of Technology until his studies were interrupted by World War II. Enlisting at eighteen, Stage served in the Army Infantry, landing at Normandy on D-Day and serving in both the European and Russian theaters. He was awarded a Purple Heart, a Silver Star, and a Bronze Star for his service. After the war, he utilized his GI Bill benefits to attend Kent State University, later beginning his professional photography career with International Harvester.

After moving back to New York, Stage embarked on a 38-year career as a freelance photojournalist, contributing to prestigious magazines such as Life, National Geographic, and Travel & Leisure, as well as working with book publishers and advertising companies. His work, characterized by its focus on people, landscapes, history, and culture, took him across all 50 states and over 100 countries. In 1959, he was named Photographer of the Year by the Magazine and Ad Agency Art Directors of America. Stage also authored the book “Birth of America” for the United States’ 1976 bicentennial. Later in life, he returned to Warwick, where he actively contributed to preserving the rural character and environment of his hometown through his photography.