views from the life of paul briol: cincinnati's...

Fall 1989

Views From the Lifeof Paul Briol:Cincinnati'sUnconventionalPhotographer

Cincinnati's Unconventional Photographer

Kriste Lindenmeyer

It is Paul Briol's enduring merit.... that he has

revealed Cincinnati to itself. He has approached his task with the

spirit of an artist; he has known how to estimate values. With no

eye for the trivial or ephemeral, he has seized upon every aspect of

our city which gives it charm and individuality.1

Paul Briol's photographs clearly reveal his loveof Cincinnati and its surrounding countryside. They alsoexpose the soul of a sensitive human being. Briol was asunorthodox in his art as in his lifestyle. His artistic eye, loveof languages and music, intolerance of tyranny and prejudice,fiery determinism, and evangelical spirit made him a complex,interesting, and loved man.

French-Swiss immigrants, Fannie Nusbaumand Pierre Phillippe Briol, married in Greenbay, Wisconsin,on June 6, 1888. A little over one year later, on September 18,1889, in Spencer, Massachusetts, their first and only son, PaulAuguste Briol was born. Briol's mother was an artist, teacher,and musician.2 His father was a teacher, scholar, and ordainedPresbyterian minister who spoke seven languages.3 Briol'sonly sibling was a younger sister named Almee FannieVirginia, born in Carthage, Missouri, on June 22,1893.4

Briol's father's occupation as a minister forcedthe family to relocate frequently. Other than in Massachusettsand Missouri the Reverend Briol served congregations inArgyle and Red Lake Falls, Minnesota; and Gary, SouthDakota. In 1903 when Paul Briol was fourteen, the familymoved to New Orleans. There the Reverend Briol acted as aPresbyterian missionary and in 1905 founded the First FrenchPresbyterian Church of New Orleans. But, becoming pastorof this tiny congregation of seventeen did not end the Briols'nomadic lifestyle. While in New Orleans they lived at fiveseparate addresses, and Fannie Briol taught music tosupplement their income.5

The fact that Briol's father was a Presbyterianminister in heavily Catholic New Orleans must havecomplicated his adjustment to the family's frequent moves.

Friends remember that Briol's father's Protestant evangelismwas not generally well accepted by Catholics.6 Additionally,young Briol's northern accent encouraged his southernclassmates to ask him, "Are you a damned Yankee?" But,despite these tauntings, Paul Briol graduated from highschool in 1908 and soon moved to St. Louis where he got hisfirst job as a newspaper journalist. It is not clear why Briolleft New Orleans so soon after high school graduation,

Kriste Lindenmeyer is a doc-toral student in American his-tory at the University ofCincinnati.

His columns "Old World ChitChat" which he wrote from1912 to 1920 provide insightsto Paul Briol's beliefs as ayoung man. (Photo courtesyJan Briol McLean)

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nevertheless, it is likely that his parents encouraged him tochoose St. Louis because he could live there with his uncle,the Reverend Charles Nusbaum.7

But, Briol's stay in St. Louis was relatively brief.In 1909 he moved to Cincinnati where his Uncle Charlesarranged for him to live at the home of the Reverend LouisG. Hoeck, minister of the city's Swedenborgian Church.8 InCincinnati Briol joined the staff of the Cincinnati CommercialTribune as a journalist and photographer.9 One of his earliestassignments was to photograph the first rehearsal of theCincinnati Symphony Orchestra under the leadership of itsnew conductor Maestro Leopold Stokowski.10 This was adifficult task due to the poor lighting available in Music Halland the fact that Briol had no flash equipment.11 However,he convinced another photographer to share his flash and theresulting picture appeared on the front page of the next day'sCommmercial Tribune crediting Briol and listing him as anofficial staff photographer.12 This classic photograph was PaulBriol's first professionally credited work.

To date no clear records showing how or whereBriol learned the art of photography have been found.However, the fact that photojournalism was still a relativelynovel phenomenon probably provided him the freedom heneeded to develop his skills. The difficulty of transportingphotographs speedily over long distances and the cumber-some size of box cameras encouraged few early twentiethcentury editors to utilize photojournalism extensively.

Although it had been possible to reproduce photographs innewspapers since the Civil War era, early twentieth centurynews photography was generally limited to portrait stylereproductions.13 This fact coupled with Paul Briol's love ofliterature and writing encouraged him to continue pursuinghis journalistic interests at the same time he was improvinghis photographic skills.

In 1910 Briol received a greater opportunity tocontinue this professional path when he left the CommercialTribune and joined the staff of the Cincinnati Enquirer}* Inthis new job, Briol was a staff photographer and beginningin May 1912 the author of the paper's "Old-World Chitchat"column.15 Similar to many other journalists of the period,Briol chose to write under a pseudonym. Interestingly, hischoice of "M. Coligny" most likely had special meaning forthe son of a French-Swiss Protestant minister.16

Briol's "Old-World Chitchat" columns ranregularly Monday through Saturday from May 28, 1912,through November 1, 1920. They cover a broad range ofsubjects and provide an important insight to Paul Briol'sbeliefs as a young man. His choice of topics and editorialcomments show his intelligence, curiosity, strong belief inChristianity and its traditions, intolerance of tyranny, andabove all his evangelical spirit.

One of Briol's favorite topics concernedwomen and what he perceived as their proper role in society.In many ways he appears to have appreciated intelligent

His photograph of the firstrehearsal of Leopold Sto-kowski conducting the Cincin-nati Symphony Orchestra wasBriol's first picture publishedin the Commercial Tribune.

Fall 1989

women and acknowledged their expanding roles outside ofthe domestic sphere. Nevertheless, he also showed littletolerance for women who employed radical methods to gainequal rights or "shirked" what he believed to be their maternal"responsibilities."

Several articles laud the accomplishments andindependent thinking of some individual women. In one suchexample Briol praised a British headmistress who was willingto withstand the controversy concerning her teaching of "themystery of birth" to her female students. In another, Brioladmired Maria Montessori and her "system of education thatpromises to revolutionize ordinary methods of pedagogy." Hewas especially impressed with the fact that Montessori was thefirst woman graduate of the University of Rome's medicalschool. During one column he argued that "the old idea thatwomen should be protected from danger of every kind mustsoon rapidly die out for the younger generation with its highspirits and its well-balanced nerves will have no traffic withtimidity of any sort."17 These examples seem to suggest hisacceptance of women as equals.

But on the other hand, in other articles PaulBriol demonstrated his reluctance to support nontraditionalroles for women. Briol condemned British women's rightsadvocates for their "meddling . . . resumption of suffragetteactivities." Further, Briol scolded the British government foremploying "comedy methods in dealing with these silly andwicked women."18 Another problem faced by the British inthis era was the overwhelming disproportion of women tomen in England as a result of the high number of British maleskilled during the war. Briol warned that "the social effects ofsex disproportion are evident in the crumbling of many oldethical standards . . . and [lowered] morality." He held womenresponsible for maintaining high morals. In such circumstan-ces Briol suggested that married men might be tempted bysingle women to seek "relations" outside of marriage.Accordingly, argued Briol, the desire of many married womento have fewer children contributed to these difficulties.19 Heloved the company of intelligent women and many were veryattracted to him, but, as these examples illustrate, he heldsome very ambivalent feelings concerning women. Some ofhis ideas were likely a product of his Christian backgroundand others reflected significant trends of the period.20

Another set of issues discussed in Briol'scolumns were the circumstances of many individuals inEurope during and after World War I. In 1915 he wrote twovery sensitive articles describing the plight of French andBritish soldiers blinded in battle. Another called for the publicto extend special caring and tolerance to the "hundreds of'war

Cincinnati's Unconventional Photographer 11

babies' about to be born to unmarried mothers in England."21

These are only a sample of the many articles written by Briolto describe the sufferings of those in Europe during and afterthe war.

As the fighting intensified, Briol used hiscolumn to inspire support for the countries battling Germany.He praised Britain's Prime Minister David Lloyd George as"an admirable statesman — an active, progressive, frank, full-blooded, horse-sense man." Another column published onMay 12, 1917, contended that despite a variety of languagesamong Allied peoples ("including Japan and the SouthAmerican republics"), all were striving to preserve civilizationand democracy. In other articles Briol expressed appreciationspecifically to France.22 In general his columns held the Alliedpowers in high esteem.

In contrast with his high esteem for the Allies,Briol wrote very negative articles concerning Germany. Onecolumn described Germany's use of poison gas against Frenchsoldiers and civilians.

Since Germany set forth on its criminally insane

course in the dog days of 1914, the world has had many painful

surprises, but none so terrible as the lesson that the soldier of the

spiked helmet spares neither women nor children, and that the

doctrine of Military Necessity excuses, nay encourages, any enormity

designed to terrorize from deeds of the most unbridled kind to

murders of revolting cruelty.23

Another column was illustrated with a drawingof a "homeless, penniless, emaciated" Frenchwoman sufferingfrom what Briol described as the German "invasion." Near theend of the war he called for "justice" against Germany — "GiveGermany Justice — Nothing More. Her people must reapwhat they have sown, and they should give a town for a town— a ship for a ship."24 Briol's support of the Allies andcondemnation of Germany during the war was very probablyquite well accepted by many of his readers. A strong anti-German feeling existed in the United States during thisperiod, even in a heavily German immigrant area such asCincinnati.25

After the war Briol continued his unrelentingcriticism of Germany. Throughout 1919 and 1920 he calledfor strong punishments against Germany's leadership and itspeople. Briol contended in a March 4, 1920, article that "asyet we have been able to recognize no sign of regenerationor penitence in the German people."26 He had little patiencefor those he viewed as the "criminal aggressors" in the war.However, Briol's friends contend that this criticism waslargely political and not necessarily ethnically based.27

This viewpoint is particularly evident in his

12

comments on revolutionary events which occurred in Russiaduring these years. He was sympathetic to the plight of theRussian people and their suffering under the czar. But, Brioldenounced the Bolsheviks as "for themselves alone, theysubject all others to their exploitation." He contended thatthe result of Bolshevism is "the foulest, most hateful andsucidal [sic] of all tyrannies." For Briol, Bolshevism was adirect threat to Christianity. He lamented in February 1920that "the war is not over. We failed to finish it and theBolsheviks mean to finish us from the Baltic to the PersianGulf."28 Briol believed the Bolsheviks, like Germany, were theepitome of evil and anti-Christianity. His hatred of Bolshevismand Germany translated well to the swelling "Red Scare"mentality spreading throughout the United States after thewar. His reactions were not unlike those of many otherAmericans.29

Some of Briol's most insightful columnsconcerned the subject of Asian and American foreignrelations. As a high school student in New Orleans, he hadmet a Chinese scholar who taught him how to write numbersusing Chinese characters.30 Interestingly, Briol used Chinesecharacters to date and identify his photographs throughouthis life. He also had a special fascination for Japanese andChinese art and furniture. Perhaps these factors influencedhim in his Cincinnati Enquirer column to condemn"Japanophobia" and encourage better United States Japanesecooperation. In a very prophetic article on January 20, 1920,he warned that the next war might take place in Asia. Hiscolumn the following day discussed the complicated situationin China during the early twentieth century.31 While Briol'sinterpretation of Asian American relations was somewhatlimited by his Western viewpoint, his sensitivity and insightinto the negative effects fostered by America's racist policiesare unusual for the time in which he was writing.32

As unceremoniously as he had become theauthor of "Old-World Chitchat," Briol handed the columnover to another journalist in November 1920.33 Hiscontribution to Cincinnati journalism during this period isgenerally overshadowed by his photographic artistry.However, it is apparent from his broad range of topics andstrongly advocated viewpoints that Briol's journalistic effortsprobably influenced the opinions of many readers.

Why Briol left the Enquirer in late 1920 is notcompletely understood. Some have speculated that his anti-German stance may have become an issue of controversy withhis editors. Others contend that he might have tired of thepressures associated with a daily column and additionalphotographic responsibilities. He particularly disliked his

Queen City Heritage

assignments to photograph Cincinnati Reds baseball games.Not being a baseball fan made the difficulty of carrying hisequipment to the best vantage points in old Crosley Fieldespecially distasteful.34 Whatever his reasons for leaving thepaper were, 1920 was an exciting year for Paul Briol.

The stage for the most outstanding event whichoccurred in Briol's life in 1920 had actually been set about fiveyears earlier when he met Mary Elizabeth Emerson at GraceEpiscopal Church in College Hill, a northern Cincinnatisuburb. Mary suffered from symptoms of tuberculosis andsporadically spent time at a sanitarium in Minnesota.Touching love letters exchanged during these periodsillustrate Mary and Paul's developing relationship.35 On May26, 1920, Mary Emerson and Paul Briol married at the samechurch in which they had first met.36

Born in Cincinnati in 1884, Mary ElizabethEmerson's background was very different from that of PaulBriol's. She was reared in an upper-middle class home locatedat the corner of Larch and Belmont avenues in College Hill.As a girl she attended Miss E. Antoinette Ely's Clifton Schoolfor Young Ladies and in 1909 graduated from WellesleyCollege. Following her graduation, she returned to Miss Ely'sschool as a math teacher.37 Mary Emerson Briol's parents,Mary Adelpha Simpson and Dudley Emerson, were membersof two wealthy and prominent Cincinnati families. DudleyEmerson served as head of the Ohio Military Institute locatedin College Hill and her mother was active in a number ofCincinnati's philanthropic women's organizations.38 Hersister, Ruth Emerson Hannaford, was a Presbyterianmissionary in Japan. Mary Emerson had two brothers, one ofwhom, Earl Emerson, headed the Armco Steel Corporationplant in Middletown, Ohio.39

Mary Briol possessed the spirit, intelligence,and elegance her new husband found so attractive in women.Likewise, Paul Briol was a debonair young man who emitteda rather European style which Mary Emerson enjoyed verymuch. In addition, Briol led what looked to Mary Emersonlike an exciting lifestyle. He often wore a beret and smokeda pipe. His curly mustache and bushy eyebrows made himuniquely handsome. There was a "spiritual" bond betweenthem that was tied by a shared love of literature, nature, andmusic. Mary Briol commented in later years that marryingPaul saved her from what she believed might have been a veryconventional and dull life.40

Upon leaving the Cincinnati Enquirer in 1920,Paul Briol began working as manager of what soon becamea unique book store in downtown Cincinnati. A boardconsisting of a variety of influential Cincinnati citizens

Fall 1989

provided financial backing and business direction for thebusiness venture and sent Briol to New Haven, Connecticut,to learn about the book and publishing business. Excitedabout the store Briol planned to make it a center forintellectual activity in Cincinnati.41

On Monday, May 9, 1921, The Book Shelfopened its doors at 112 Garfield Place. The building was theformer elegant home of the Seasongood family. According toan article in the Cincinnati Tribune, a reception held on thestore's opening day featured the display of "a Bible 250 yearsold, . . . many rare publications, and 10,000 volumes writtenby noted authors from all over the world." Its inventory alsoincluded over 1,000 children's books and its atmosphere wascozy and warm.

Well chosen colors, tastful [sic] paper, an old

fashioned fireplace, agreeable hangings, and, above all, the well-

lined cases, produce the recreative literary aspect.... The purpose

of the store "was to stimulate the reading of good literature and

to supply the wants of Cincinnati book lovers.}*2

Indeed, during the early 1920's The Book Shelfwas a center of local culture and literary discussion. Specialevents included dinners featuring guest speakers followed byhotly debated discussions. Sales for the store's third fiscal year

Cincinnati's Unconventional Photographer 13

tripled those of its first year of operation. By the mid-twentiesThe Book Shelf was a popular success. Briol welcomed anyoneinto his shop and gave away books to people whom he judgedcould not afford them. He also mailed books to individualshe felt should read them. These unsolicited "gifts" and theiraccompanying bills were often not welcomed by theirrecipients.43

While managing the store Briol heightened hisphotographic skills by taking excursions throughout theCincinnati area with his 8 x 10 inch box camera and tripod.Using some of the picturesque photographs gained on theseadventures Briol authored The City of Rivers and Hills whichThe Book Shelf published in 1925.44 This lovely collection ofblack and white photographs, dedicated to his wife, Mary, isenhanced by his own artistic descriptions. Its pages havebeautifully frozen many aspects of Cincinnati in the 1920's.

But despite the bookstore's early success,Briol's lack of business expertise and the disastrous economiceffects of the Great Depression forced The Book Shelf intobankruptcy in 1930.45 At that time Robert A. Taft, who oftendisgusted Briol with his "conservative" business as well aspolitical viewpoints, was the company's president. It isdifficult to imagine a more unlikely pair of business partners.46

During his years at The Book Shelf Paul andMary Briol set-up housekeeping at their home on 1812 LarchAvenue in College Hill. The house was located on propertyowned by Mary's maternal grandparents. Next door, in "thebig house" lived Mary's parents and maternal grandmother.Early in their marriage, Mary gave birth to a son who wasstillborn. The Briol's were heartbroken over this loss. But, theywere exuberant when their only child, Joan "Jan" Briol wasborn in 1923. The twenties were happy years in which theystarted a family and cultivated an active social life.47

After the closing of The Book Shelf, Briolcontinued his photographic work and opened a studio on theeighth floor of the Doctors' Building located at 19 GarfieldPlace. There were forty-nine photographic studios listed in theCincinnati City Directory during the early 1930's. Briol'sprospective income as a photographer among this heavycompetition was especially meager during these tryingeconomic times. But, it was also during this period that Briolbegan to gain significant recognition as a free lancephotographer. Some of his pictures were used as illustrationsin two books authored during these years. Captain FrederickWay, Jr. published the first in 1933 and Clark B. Firestone thesecond in 1936.48

During the 1930's Briol gained a reputation asa portrait photographer by taking pictures of some of

Mary Elizabeth Emerson mar-ried Paul Briol on May 26,1920. (Photo courtesy JanBriol McLean)

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Cincinnati's most prominent families.49 This kind of workhelped to pay the bills, but it also took Briol away from hisfamily on holidays so that he might photograph a client'sfamily gathering. In addition, Briol complained that peoplewho had their portraits taken did not really want to see whatthey actually looked like. One method he utilized to relax hissubjects was to engage them in friendly conversationaccompanied by a drink before he took their photograph.50

This practice probably also made portrait photography morepalatable to Briol.

Queen City Heritage

Some of Paul Briol's most touching photo-graphs were taken during the 1930's. They document the hardtimes faced by many Cincinnatians during these years. Onepicture features a destitute looking family standing in frontof their beached houseboat beneath the Southern RailwayBridge. Another silhouettes the shadows of male day laborerswaiting for work. The sign above them reads, "All men mustbe clean and tidy — dirty men will not be sent out." Otherphotographs show pictures of the Cincinnati Children'shome.51 Briol had a soft spot for the underdog, but he realized

In 1923 Mary and Paul Briolbecame the parents of adaughter Jan.

Fall 1989 Cincinnati's Unconventional Photographer 15

that he must at times forgo art in order to make a living.Money was a problem for the Briols just as it

was for most other Americans during the Great Depression.But, the Briols were more fortunate than many. They remainedin their home on Larch Avenue and Mary Briol attempted tomaintain her family's refined lifestyle despite their economicdifficulties. First she operated a small nursery school in thehouse and later worked with the New Deal's Federal Writers'Project. Mary Thomas, a black woman from Georgia who wasemployed as the family's live-in maid for many years remainedwith the Briols despite the economic hard times.52

Things appear to have improved somewhat forthe family by the late 1930's, as in 1937 Mary Briol and herdaughter, Jan (toting a Kodak "Brownie" camera), took anextended trip to visit Ruth Hannaford in Japan. Paul Brioldid not join them because he feared leaving his business forsuch a lengthy period of time.53 In addition, by the mid-thirtiesBriol had acquired a small cottage on the Little Miami Riverin Foster, Ohio.54 He purchased the property from ShiroTashiro, a Japanese American professor who taughtbiochemistry at the University of Cincinnati Medical Schoolfrom 1919 to 1955. For the next fifteen years Briol religiouslymade weekend retreats to the cottage he lovingly referred toas "Camp."55

Briol's property was located on Davis Road, onthe banks of the Little Miami River. The cottage was builtin a Japanese style and some of its furnishings reflected theAsian ethnicity of its original owner. Because of Briol'sinterest in Asian culture, the Japanese influence present at theCamp pleased him. A handsome Steinway upright piano stoodin one room. Hundreds of photographs adorned the walls,a variety of books lined the shelves, and loud classical, folk,or "jazz" music constantly resounded from the phonograph.Huge national flags of a variety of nations hung inside andoutside the cottage. The aroma of orange peels placed on thewood stove competed with that of the "famous" stews Briolconcocted for his many guests. During the Camp's existencethe inviting atmosphere and Briol's stimulating company drewa constant stream of visitors.

Saturday was "Paul's private day" at the cottage.Only his specially invited guests were allowed to visit onSaturday. Increasingly over the years Briol's "special guest"was likely to be an attractive younger woman with whom hechose to spend his time. Mary Briol suffered over herhusband's extramarital affairs, but she tolerated the situationbecause she believed that he needed "Camp" and its"accompaniments" to keep him happy. She offered to give hima divorce, but Briol refused. In hindsight, it may be difficult

to understand such a relationship. However, Mary Briol'sfriends and family describe her as one of the most tolerantand patient individuals they have ever known. She acceptedpeople for whom they were, including her husband whom shefelt made her life interesting.56

Sunday was open house which meant thatanyone was welcome. Briol's close friends often broughtothers with them and the circle widened by word of mouth.Some of the visitors were members of the local emigrecommunity. Briol, who spoke fluent French, was especiallyattracted to French immigrants and other refugees fleeingHitler's oppression. Other visitors were members of the localintelligentsia connected with the University of Cincinnati.Some were musicians working with the Cincinnati SymphonyOrchestra and Zoo Opera. Reform minded politicalsupporters were another segment of Briol's varied group ofguests. Even Mary Briol attended Sundays. Sometimesdaughter Jan and nephew David T. Harvey, his sister Almee'sson, also came along.57

Besides the phonograph, books, and concertsprovided by visitors on the Steinway (many of them

Briol purchased his "Camp"from Shiro Tashiro, a Japa-nese American professor whotaught biochemistry at theUniversity of Cincinnati.

accomplished concert pianists) there was a variety ofrecreational activities. Summertime brought swimming in theriver and sunbathing on the building's tin roof. Dancing andsinging were year round entertainments. The highlight of thewinter season was a grand costume party held each New Year'sEve. Briol loved to dress as a Catholic Archbishop in flowingrobes adorned with a corkscrew pendant in place of the usualgilded cross. In this costume he dispensed "heavy water" tohis guests. Drinking accompanied each visit to camp and allsessions ended with a passing of the "loving cup" filled witha potent, but sumptuous, mixture of liquors and wine. Itcannot be overstated how much Briol loved his visits to Camp.He tried to travel there each weekend, whatever the weather.58

The Briols also attended formal parties andsocial functions with friends in College Hill, but increasinglythe social lives of Paul and Mary Briol separated. Their homeon Larch Avenue became known as "Mary's house" and shedevoted larger amounts of her attention to her work with theWoman's City Club, the Charter Party, and the League ofWomen Voters.59 Nevertheless, daily life in the Briol homeduring the late 1930's and early 1940's followed a fairlyconsistent pattern of elegant style, almost Victorian in nature

Queen City Heritage

— except, of course, for a few of Paul and Mary Briol'seccentricities which made things interesting.

The three bedroom Larch Avenue house wasfurnished with impressive Rookwood Pottery fireplaces, fineoriental rugs, and an extensive library stocked with literaryclassics, poetry, and books on nature and animals. CorrectEnglish, manners, and dress were considered importantbehavior by the Briols. However, some things about thehousehold made it unique. Briol frequently opened his hometo stray animals — despite the fact that many were flea infestedand disruptive. One of his favorites was a three legged Spitzdog. Cats were the most numerous house guests and someeven went along with him to Camp. For her part, Mary kepta closet full of blue canvas walking shoes with yellow rubbersoles as evidence of her travels. David Harvey, Paul Briol'snephew, lived with Paul, Mary, and Jan from the time he wasin the fifth grade until he graduated from Hughes HighSchool in 1951 and entered college. Harvey remembers eachday began with the same routine. Mary Thomas called thefamily to breakfast with the chime of a bell. The meal consistedof tea, fruit, warm cereal, egg, bacon, sausage, and toast. PaulBriol regularly interrupted his meal between the fruit andcereal to go outside and warm-up his blue 1939 Hudson whichhe drove to his downtown office. The car's loud engine wouldrace throughout the morning meal waiting for Briol to leavefor work.60

Briol enjoyed a booming business duringWorld War II. Earlier in 1938 he moved his office to thesecond floor of a building at 114 Garfield Place.61 Heincreasingly received commissions to photograph the facilitiesof Cincinnati area corporations and private gardens. DuringWorld War II, Briol photographed local defense plants andaffiliated businesses. As an added benefit his association withthe U.S. Defense Department provided him with a privilegedgas rationing status which was especially important to Briolbecause it allowed him to drive his car regularly to Campdespite gas rationing. Near the end of the war Look magazinepurchased a few of Briol's pictures to include in theirpublication Look at America: The Country You Know and Don'tKnow (published in 1946). These professional successesprovided Briol with money in the bank for the first time inhis life.62

So in the spring of 1946 with money in hispocket, Briol climbed into his 1939 Hudson, lashed anAmerican flag to its side, and drove west to Yosemite,California. Mary Briol did not accompany her husband on hisadventure. Instead, various friends traveled with him along theway. In Ansel Adams style he took a plethora of photographs

The annual New Year's EveParty at "Camp" became alegendary event with theguests coming in costume.One year Briol dressed as aCatholic archbishop in longflowing robes dispensing

"heavy water" from a cork-screw cross. (Photo courtesyJan Briol McLean)


PAUL BRIOL

COMMERCIAL ' ARCHITECTURAL • SCENICPORTRAIT • INDUSTRIAL • MURALS * COLOR

11 RACE STREET • CINCINNATI 2, OHIO

PHONE: PARKWAY 5268

For his stationery Briol usedhis photograph of three chil-dren looking up at the statueof Lincoln in Lytle Park.

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during his journey that greatly broadened his portfolio.63

By the late 1940's Briol was clearly the mostsought after photographer in Cincinnati. His "signature" washis technique of superimposing magnificent skies on all hisphotographs of Cincinnati scenes. This method is especiallyrevealing of Briol's artistic style. He continued to use his huge8 x 10 inch box camera even after more sophisticatedequipment was developed. Although he took a number ofcolored photographs during and after the Second World War,he was never very comfortable with the light meters necessaryto use colored film properly. Instead, Briol preferred his "oldfashioned" black and white methods with which he felt hecould easily emphasize "art" over technology.64

In many cases Briol went to great lengths toget just the right vantage point for his photographs. Duringone particular session, he climbed to the top of the RoeblingSuspension Bridge to get the perfect camera shot. While hewas standing inside a small enclosure at the top of the bridge'stower, a wind blew the door shut and locked him inside.Fortunately, someone on the ground noticed that he had notcome down from his perch and called the police to set himfree.65 On another occasion, he was struck by a passing carwhen he placed his camera too close to the road in order toget a particular viewpoint of a traffic accident in Covington,Kentucky.66

Queen City Heritage

Briol's successful photographic career wastragically interrupted in 1950 when he was seriously injuredin a car accident. Briol and a companion, Mrs. Joselyn Farmer,left his Camp in Foster at about three o'clock one afternoonon an excursion to buy a baby gift for a friend.67 Visibilitywas poor and road conditions were slippery due to a severerainstorm. According to newspaper reports, at approximately3:30 p.m. about one mile south of Mason, Ohio, on Route42 Briol attempted to pass a truck and hit a Greyhound bustraveling in the opposite direction. Thirty-five passengers onthe bus were slightly hurt, but Briol and Farmer receivedserious head and body injuries.68

Paul Briol never fully recovered from thisaccident. He attempted to keep up his photographic work, butit simply became too difficult and he closed his downtownstudio in 1955. His friends and family contend that he wasnever quite the same after the accident. Probably the mostpainful aspect for Briol was that he was no longer able to "holdCamp." His drinking became a serious problem rather thana pleasure and his health declined.69

In 1962 Briols closed their College Hill homeand moved to Katonah, New York, to live with their daughterJan.70 The family's household furnishings were sold at auctionin May 1962, but over 6,000 of Briol's negatives had beentransferred to the Cincinnati Historical Society. The quick

During World War II Briolphotographed Wright Aero-nautical Corporation, a localdefense plant.


thinking of a close family friend, Jane Lotspeich, saved hisextensive personal collection of prints from the auctioneer'sgavel. She arranged with Mary Briol's family to remove thephotographs from the auction so that they might be displayedin an exhibition sometime in the future. From May 1962 toJanuary 1963, Lotspeich tirelessly searched for a way toprovide such an exhibition. Ultimately the CincinnatiProfessional Photographers' Association agreed to sponsorthe event. They would provide their expertise in selecting,mounting, and framing 300 prints for the show and theUniversity of Cincinnati agreed to provide display space inTangeman Center on the campus.71

From May 12 to 26,1963, the Paul Briol exhibitat the University of Cincinnati drew a wide range of admirers.The Cincinnati Post-Times Star reported that "some 50

prominent Cincinnatians are serving on the exhibitioncommittee." The paper quoted Jane Lotspeich as saying that"the remarkable thing . . . is that we have not needed to askfor any money. Even printing [was] donated."72 At the sametime the Cincinnati Enquirer ran a four page pictorial of Briol'sphotographs in its Sunday magazine.73 Briol was too feebleto attend the exhibition himself, but it was a fitting tributeto a talented and loved Cincinnatian.

Mary Elizabeth Emerson Briol died inFebruary 1968 in Katonah, New York. A memorial service andburial was held at Spring Grove Cemetery in Cincinnati.74

Paul Auguste Briol died a little over one year later on Sunday,August 3, 1969, in a nursing home near his daughter's homein Katonah. A memorial service and private burial was heldat Spring Grove the following Saturday.75

After World War II Briol tookoff with a flag lashed tothe side of his blue Hudsonto photograph the nationalparks of the West. Hereturned with a wealth of newmaterial.

20 Queen City Heritage

His signature was his tech-nique of superimposing mag-nificent skies on hisphotographs.


Since Briol's death two tributes to his artistryhave been featured in Cincinnati. In 1981 the CincinnatiHistorical Society published an appointment calendar and acollection entitled Paul Briol: Cincinnati 1925-1950 featuringsome of his prints.76 In 1983, an exhibition of Briol'sphotographs returned to the University of Cincinnati'sTangeman Center.77

The spirit of Paul Briol, who modestly calledhimself a "scenic, portraitural, architectural and industrial"photographer, lives on in his pictures. In an advertisement forhis studio Briol wrote, "I hope and believe that the picturesI may make of your home, your gardens, your family, yourstructural creations or your business may be a delightfulsurprise."78 Many would agree that his desire has been fulfilledand that their lives have been enriched for having known him.

1. Henry Wald Bettman, M.D. introduction to The City of Rivers and Hills,by Paul Briol (Cincinnati, 1925), p. 2.2. Fannie Nusbaum Briol was born in Switzerland on May 24, 1857. Sheimmigrated to the United States June 16, 1884. Her father was a tutor atthe Court in Vienna, Austria. Her brother, Charles Nusbaum, also taughtthere, but left his position in a dispute concerning Protestant beliefs. Hethen joined a French Protestant group which led him to many sights aroundthe world and eventually to the United States. He founded a French colonyin Tennessee and served as pastor of the Swedenborgian Church in St.Louis, Missouri. Another brother, Robert Nusbaum, founded a school nearVevey, Switzerland. Telephone interview conducted with David T. Harvey,September 16, 1989; "Aged Minister Expires at Hospital," CincinnatiEnquirer, January 26, 1935, p. 14; Howard Henderson, "Notes on the Lifeof Paul Auguste Briol," essay prepared March 3,1963, in possession of JanBriol McLean.

3. Pierre Phillippe Briol (1853-1935) was born in Villy, Switzerland in 1853.As a young man he immigrated to Montreal, Canada to study at McGillUniversity and then attended McCormick Theological Seminary inChicago, Illinois. He was ordained by the Presbyterian Church in SanFrancisco, California in 1887. He married Fannie Nusbaum in 1888. Thecouple had two children, Paul Auguste born in 1889, and Almee FannieVirginia born in 1893. In 1913 the Reverend Briol was a delegate to theWorld Sunday School Conference held in Zurich, Switzerland. During1915-1916 he preached in various churches throughout France in the placeof ministers who were serving at the front. Briol came to Cincinnati in 1917.He spent several months during 1918-1919 teaching French to Americansoldiers at Camp Sheridan in Montgomery, Alabama, as a Young Men'sChristian Association (YMCA) educational secretary. In 1920 he began toconduct services in French at the First Presbyterian Church in Walnut Hills.Starting in 1930 he regularly held French services at the Italian PresbyterianChurch at Magnolia and Elm streets. During the 1930's he taught a FederalEmergency Relief Administration French language class "because of hisgreat interest in the Administration's work." The Reverend Briol died inCincinnati in January 1935. Ibid.; "Preaches in French in Italian Church,"Cincinnati Enquirer, January 16,1930, p. 2.

4. Almee Fannie Virginia Briol was born in Carthage, Missouri June 22,1893, and died in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 9,1976. She had one child,David T. Harvey born in Cincinnati October 9, 1933. Harvey interview.5. Louis Voss, D.D., Presbyterianism in New Orleans and Adjacent Places,(New Orleans, 1931), p. 79. Soards Directory, (New Orleans) photocopiesof pages listing Briol family residences from 1904-1913 from Historic NewOrleans Collections, New Orleans, Louisiana.

6. Interview conducted with Kenneth Caster at his home in Cincinnati July24,1989.7. Henderson, "Notes on the Life of Paul Auguste Briol," p. 1.8. A search of the Cincinnati City Directory from 1912-1917 suggests thatBriol lived with the Reverend Hoek until his parents and sister Almee movedto Cincinnati in 1917. Ibid.; Williams City Directory, vols. 1912-1917(Cincinnati: Williams Publishing Company).

9. The Cincinnati Commercial Tribune was a daily morning newspaper whichbegan publication October 2,1843, as the Daily Cincinnati Commercial. Thepaper's name was changed to the Cincinnati Daily Commercial November13, 1965. The newspaper merged with the Cincinnati Gazette and becamethe Commercial Gazette on January 4, 1883. A merger with the Tribune in1896 resulted in a name change to the Commerical Tribune on February 14,1898. The paper ceased publication on December 3, 1930. For a history ofthe paper see Commercial Tribune, June 17,1923, p. 3; reference card locatedat the Cincinnati Historical Society (CHS).10. Leopold Stokowski served as the conductor of the Cincinnati SymphonyOrchestra (CSO) from 1909-1912; a variety of CSO papers are located atCHS.11. Flash powder was the major source of illumination for photographersuntil Paul Vierkotter patented the first version of a flash bulb in 1925. In1929 a more sophisticated version was patented in Germany as the Vacu-Blitz and in the United States as the Photoflash Lamp. With this equipmentpictures could virtually be taken anywhere. Beaumont Newhall, The Historyof Photography from 1839 to the Present Day, (New York, 1964), p. 157.

Joselyn Farmer, a College Hillresident and a chemist, waswith Briol in his car when hehad his serious accident in1950.


12. Commercial Tribune, November 1909, p. 1.13. Newhall, The History of Photography From 1830 to the Present Day, pp.175-177.14. The Cincinnati Enquirer began publication as the Daily Enquirer on April10, 1841. It changed its name to the Daily Message on April 27, 1844 andthe Cincinnati Daily Enquirer on January 21, 1845. The paper became theCincinnati Enquirer beginning February 13,1872; CHS newspaper referencefile.15. M. Coligny, "Old-World Chitchat" Cincinnati Enquirer, May 28,1912.16. Gaspar de Coligny (1519-1572) was admiral of France and leader of theProtestant Huguenots during the first half of the Wars of Religion. OnAugust 22,1572, Coligny was shot and wounded in Paris in an assassinationattempt. On August 24 he was attacked and thrown to his death from anopen window. His body was mutilated by a Paris mob and hanged on thegivet at Montfaucon; Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th ed., s.v. "Gaspard deColigny," p. 683.17. Coligny, "Should Girls Be Told the Mystery of Birth?" CincinnatiEnquirer, March 2,1914, p. 6; "Freedom for Self Development is the Keynoteof the Montissori [sic] System of Education that Promises to RevolutionizeOrdinary Methods of Pedagogy," Cincinnati Enquirer, March 4, 1914, p.4; "Aerial Looper of the LoopLady Victoria," Cincinnati Enquirer, February24, 1914, p. 4; Maria Montessori (1870-1952) developed the Montessorimethod of education as a system for training and instructing youngchildren. The fundamental aim of her system is self-education by thechildren themselves accompanied by special emphasis on the training ofthe senses; The Random House Dictionary of the English Language, rev. ed.(1973), s.v. "Montessori," p. 928.

18. Coligny, "Aerial Looper of the LoopLady Victoria," p. 4.19. Coligny, "A Million Surplus Women," Cincinnati Enquirer, February26, 1920, p. 4; Briol's statements are very similar to those of members ofthe American eugenics movement. For a discussion of eugenics see forexample Kenneth M. Ludmerer, Genetics and American Society: A HistoricalAppraisal, (Baltimore, Maryland, 1972); Daniel Kevles, In the Name ofEugenics: Genetics and the Uses of Human Heredity (New York, 1985).20. For a general discussion of trends in the area of women and family from1900-1930 see Steven Mintz and Susan Kellogg, Domestic Revolutions: ASocial History of American Family Life (New York, 1988), pp. 107-132.21. Coligny, "A Veil Over Their Eyes," Cincinnati Enquirer, June 12,1915,p. 6; "Learning to Be Blind—A Spiritual Miracle," Cincinnati Enquirer,December 29,1915, p. 4; "The 'War Babies' Problem," Cincinnati Enquirer,May 14,1915, p. 6.22. Coligny, "Political Economic and Military Class in Russia, the Lackof Transport and the Threat of Famine," Cincinnati Enquirer, October 13,1917, p. 6; "Send for Lloyd-George," Cincinnati Enquirer, June 17, 1916,p. 4; "A Universal or True Allied Language," Cincinnati Enquirer, May 12,1917, p. 4; "Two Verdun Heroes Who Are Directing the Military Destinyof France," Cincinnati Enquirer, May 19,1917, p. 4; "Foch, Our Chief andTypes of French and German Generals," Cincinnati Enquirer, May 30,1918.23. Coligny, "The Massacre of Innocents," Cincinnati Enquirer, June 16,1917, p. 4.24. Coligny, "Invasion: French Women Speak," Cincinnati Enquirer, May1, 1917; "Give Germany Justice—Nothing More," Cincinnati Enquirer,November 7, 1918, p. 6.25. For a discussion of anti-German sentiment in the United States duringand following World War I see Paul L. Murphy, World War I and the Originof Civil Liberties in the United States (New York, 1970).26. Coligny, "Summon Wilhelm Hohenzollern as a Fugitive From Justice,"Cincinnati Enquirer, January 26, 1920, p. 6; "Summon on the All HighestToo," Cincinnati Enquirer, February 6,1920, p. 6; "The War is Not Over,"Cincinnati Enquirer, March 16, 1920, p. 6; "Anglo-Phobia," CincinnatiEnquirer, September 1, 1920, p. 6; "A German Gentleman Officer,"Cincinnati Enquirer, March 6, 1920, p. 4.; "The Extermination of the

Romanoffs," Cincinnati Enquirer, September 25,1920, p. 6.27. Briol's close friends, Professor Kenneth Caster and Dorothy Muegel,and his nephew David T. Harvey, emphasized in interviews that Briol'shatred of Germans and Bolshevism was based on politics and not ethnicprejudice; K. Caster interview; D. Harvey interview; interview with DorothyMuegel conducted at the home of Kenneth and Anne Caster in Cincinnati,July 24, 1989.28. Coligny, "The Curse of Class Tyranny," Cincinnati Enquirer, March4, 1920, p. 6; "Bolshevism vs. the Christian World," Cincinnati Enquirer,January 19, 1920, p. 6; "World Revolution," Cincinnati Enquirer, March 3,1920, p. 6; "Crucifixions of Christianity," Cincinnati Enquirer, April 2,1920.29. For examples of Briol's "Red Scare" sentiments see Coligny, "As Othersand We See Ourselves," Cincinnati Enquirer, February 26,1920, p. 6; "TheOld Enemy in Our Midst," Cincinnati Enquirer, March 2,1920, p. 4.30. To date I have not discovered who the Chinese scholar Briol met inNew Orleans was.31. Coligny, "Japanophobia," Cincinnati Enquirer, October 30, 1919, p. 6;"Japan and America," Cincinnati Enquirer, January 14, 1920, p. 4; "BeatingAsian Drums of the Next War," Cincinnati Enquirer, January 20, 1920, p.4; for an earlier discussion of Japan by Briol see "The Significance of theMexican Envoy's Enthusiastic Reception in Japan," Cincinnati Enquirer,February 19, 1914, p. 4; "China," Cincinnati Enquirer, January 21,1920.32. It may also be significant that Briol's soon to be sister-in-law, RuthEmerson Hannaford, was a missionary in Japan; telephone interviewconducted with Jan Briol McLean, Paul and Mary Briol's daughter, August21 and September 16, 1989.33. Coligny, "Oliver Twist Home Closed," Cincinnati Enquirer, November1, 1920, p. 6 was his final article. There is no reference to his leaving thepaper in this or subsequent "Old-World Chit-chat" columns.34. Interview conducted with Anne Caster at her home in Cincinnati July24,1989; K. Caster interview; J. McLean interview.35. J. McLean interview; McLean has these letters in her possession.36. J. McLean interview; Henderson, p. 2.37. Miss E. Antoinette Ely's Clifton School for Young Ladies was wellknown as a private college preparatory school which trained female students"for admission into any of the colleges open to women." The school openedin 1896 and operated until 1920 when it closed suddenly withoutexplanation; Geoffrey J. Giglierano and Deborah A. Overmyer with FredericL. Propas, The Bicentennial Guide to Greater Cincinnati: A Portrait of TwoHundred Tears (Cincinnati, 1988), p. 228.38. The Ohio Military Institute was a private preparatory school for boyswhich was intended to provide "the influence of vigorous male control andexample." Where, as the school's catalogue explained, boys needs for a"virile atmosphere of the military school," could be met. The school's lastclass graduated in 1958. The property was then sold to the Cincinnati Boardof Education and reopened as Aiken High School; Ibid., pp. 496-497.39. J. Briol interview; D. Harvey interview.40. A. Caster interview; D. Muegel interview.41. No business records for The Book Shelf have been located to date,however, the 1930-1931 Cincinnati City Directory lists these individuals asmembers of the board: Robert A. Taft, president; Mrs. George Warrington,vice president; Carl Werner, secretary; Mrs. IJ . Cooper, treasurer; CityDirectory, 81 (Cincinnati, 1930), p. 279.42. "Lovers of Literature Find Old Favorites at BookShelf s Opening,"Commerical Tribune, May 10,1921, p. 3.43. K. Caster interview; A. Caster interview; J. Briol interview; Henderson,p. 2.44. Briol, The City of Rivers and Hills.45. The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that the company was approximately$23,000 in debt; "Receiver For Book Shelf," Cincinnati Enquirer, November13,1931, p. 15.46. Robert Alphonso Taft (1889-1953) was the son of President and Supreme


Court Chief Justice William Howard Taft. His nickname, "Mr.Republican," aptly suggests his political ideals. Taft served as a U.S. Senatorfrom 1938 until his death in 1953. He was considered a favorite for theRepublican Presidential nomination in 1952, but lost to Dwight D.Eisenhower. A Cincinnati Enquirer article published acknowledging thecentennial of Taft's birth described him as "an unwavering believer in soundfiscal policy, in balanced budgets and in controlling inflation, which heviewed as a mortally dangerous disease." Francis Lowenheim, "He Was 'Mr.Republican,'" Cincinnati Enquirer, September 10, 1989, pp. J:l, 5; see alsoJames T. Patterson, Mr. Republican: A Biography of Robert A. Taft (Boston,1972).47. Jan Briol contends that her parents grieved for many years over the lossof their son. A. Caster describes the Briols as very happy at the birth oftheir daughter and noted that "Jan was the apple of Paul's eye." J. Brioland A. Caster interviews.48. Frederick Way, Jr., The Log of the Betsy Ann (New York, 1933); ClarkB. Firestone, Sycamore Shores (New York, 1936).49. Briol's collection includes portraits of area families and individuals suchas the Emersons, Frank Davis Gorman, Henry Goodyear, the Pease family,and many others; CHS Briol photographic collection.50. A Caster interview; interview conducted with Benjamin Klein at hishome in Cincinnati in August 3, 1989; Mr. Klein, co-founder of theCincinnati printing and lithograph company Young and Klein, worked withBriol on a number of projects. He remembers that the time allocated tocomplete their work sessions was usually determined by the length of timeit took to share a generous bottle of wine.51. Some of these photographers are included in Cincinnati HistoricalSociety, Paul Briol: Cincinnati 1925-1950 (Cincinnati, 1981).52. Mary Briol most likely worked on the Federal Writers' Project of theWorks Progress Administration's (WPA) publication Cincinnati: A Guideto the Queen City and Its Neighbors (1943) which was the last volumeproduced in the WPA's American Guide Series. The Cincinnati HistoricalSociety produced a reprint edition of the guide in 1987; CincinnatiHistorical Society, The WPA Guide to Cincinnati: Cincinnati, A Guide tothe Queen City and Its Neighbors, (Cincinnati, 1987); Mary Briol studied pre-school education at the University of Cincinnati when her daughter Janwas young. She recruited the eight students for her school from thesurrounding College Hill neighborhood; J. Mclean interviews.53. Ibid.54. Foster, Ohio (also known as Foster's Crossing and Foster's, Ohio) isa tiny town originally settled by German immigrants along the banks ofthe Little Miami River. For many years a thriving flour mill operated onthe river's bank. The town's picturesque location and access to the DixieHighway encouraged its growth as a popular resort area. Hoppe's Island,complete with picnic grounds, refreshment stands, a beach, and dancepavilion drew visitors to the are. There were also a number of privatelyowned cottages, such as Briol's, located in the park's vicinity. The arearemained a popular retreat until the 1950's. Construction of a 3-C highwayviaduct in the 1930's literally directed traffic over Foster and eventually ledto its decline as a resort. "Foster: Community Was Once a Landing on Riverwhen Little Miami Main Means of Transportation," Lebanon Western Star,June 30, 1976, p. 64; Tom McRoberts, "Remember Hoppe's Island?"Middletown Banner, August 20,1980; "Morrow of Yesteryear," Morrow LittleMiami Express, October 19, 1981, p. 2; Edwina Essex, "Dance Hall, MillMake . . . .History at Foster," Lebanon Western Star, May 15, 1974, p. 8-A; Jim Myers, "Singular or Plural? Village Name 'Fosters' Confusion,"Dayton Daily News, date unavailable, copy of article located at WarrenCounty Historical Society (WCHS) in Lebanon, Ohio, Box 58; a run ofthe Warren County Western Star on microfilm is also available at WCHS;information on Shiro Tashiro was found in the University of CincinnatiAnnual and Catalogue located at the University of Cincinnati Archives andRare Books library in Blegen Library on campus.

55. Information about Briol's camp was gathered in interviews conductedwith A. Caster, K. Caster, D. Harvey, J. McLean, D. Muegel. CuriouslyBriol appears to have taken few photographs of the Camp.56. All interviewees agreed on their opinions of Mary Briol; A. Caster. K.Caster, D. Harvey, J. McLean, D. Muegel.57. David T. Harvey (b. October 9, 1933) lived with the Briols' in theirCollege Hill home from the time he was in fifth grade until he enteredcollege. Harvey states that he is very appreciative of the opportunity theBriols' generosity. He acknowledges that most of his contacts with theBriols were with his "Aunt Mary" and his cousin Jan. In fact, althoughHarvey remembers "Uncle Paul" fondly, he says that their relationship wassomewhat strained at times. This was especially true when Harvey failedto complete his chores and Briol would ask him, "Why do you eat?";suggesting that he "should earn his keep;" D. Harvey interview.58. Interviews conducted with A. Caster and D. Muegel.59. Mary Briol, similar to other members of the Cincinnati Woman's CityClub, was active in local Cincinnati Charter Party politics. Paul Briol wasalso a Charter Party supporter, but did not actively campaign for Partycandidates. However, he is listed as a member of the CincinnatusAssociation in a history of that group's work with the Charter Party; LouisLeonard Tucker, Cincinnati's Citizen Crusaders: A History of the CincinnatusAssociation, 1920-1965, (Cincinnati, 1967), p. 242; for a more general historyof the Charter Party and reform see Ralph A. Straetz, PR Politics inCincinnati: Thirty-two Tears of City Government Through ProportionalRepresentation (New York, 1958); for a history of the Cincinnati Woman'sCity Club see Andrea Tuttle Kornbluh, Lighting the Way: The Woman's CityClub of Cincinnati, 1915-1965 (Cincinnati, 1986).60. D. Harvey interview.61. Cincinnati City Directory, 1939); the directory lists no downtown studiofor Briol in its 1945 or 1946 volumes, however, the directory does showthat Briol had a studio located on the fifth floor of 811 Race Street from1947 through 1955. The Cincinnati City Directory, vols. 1939-1956.62. J. McLean interview; copy of correspondence from Jan McLean to JaneLotspeich March 6,1963, in McLean's possession; Look, "Look at America:The Country You Know and Don't Know," (Boston, 1946).63. Ibid.; A. Caster interview.64. B. Klein interview; Owen Findsen, "Photos Make the City Beautiful,"Cincinnati Enquirer, November 8,1981, p. G:7.65. J. McLean interview.66. Briol's daughter Jan does not recall the incident in Covington, but a1950 Cincinnati Enquirer article reported that it had occurred nine yearsearlier; "Photographer, 36 Others Hurt in Bus Crash," Cincinnati Enquirer,June 4, 1950, p. 1.67. Mrs. Joselyn Farmer resided at 5700 Belmont Avenue in Cincinnati. Shewas thirty-nine years old at the time of the accident. Farmer received a Ph.D.in chemistry from the University of Cincinnati and worked as a chemist.Although she survived, she never really recovered from her injuries resultingfrom the crash.68. "Photographer, 36 Others Hurt in Bus Crash," p. 1; "Briol SkiddedOn Wet Road; Report on Auto-Bus Crash," Cincinnati Enquirer, June 5,1950, p. 1:4; "35 Persons Injured in Bus-Auto Crash, Improving," LebanonWestern Star, June 8,1950, pp. 1, 8.69. Interviews conducted with A. Caster, K. Caster, D. Harvey, J. McLean,D. Muegel.70. Janet "Jan" Briol McLean (b. 1923) graduated from the University ofCincinnati. She tried industrial design, but spent most of her working careeras a psychiatric occupational therapist. While in Cincinnati she worked inthe General Hospital's Psychiatric Department. McLean and her firsthusband, Frank Chinnock, an editor for Readers Digest, lived with their fourchildren in Katonah, New York. After her parents' death, McLean remarriedand currently lives with her husband in Connecticut. They also have asummer home in Gig Harbor, Washington. McLean remembers her father


encouraging her to become interested in photography, but she was not ableto fully acquire the skill. She appears to be the only "student" Briol everhad.71. Jane Lotspeich is a contemporary of Jan McLean; undated letter to Mrs.Robert Hestorff from Lotspeich, copy on possession of J. McLean.72. Margaret Weaver, "Exhibit Focuses on Briol," Cincinnati Post-TimesStar, April 22, 1963, p. 3.73. "The Prints of Paul Briol," Cincinnati Enquirer Pictorial Magazine, May5,1963, pp. 30-35; "Briol Prints To Be Featured At Photography Exhibit,"Cincinnati Enquirer, May 5,1963, p. A-3.74. "Mary Emerson Briol," Cincinnati Enquirer, February 16, 1968, p. 26.

75. "Paul Briol Rites Set, Photographic Artist," Cincinnati Enquirer, August6,1969, p. 14.76. Ibid.; CHS, Paul Briol: Cincinnati 1925-1050, p. 1; Rosemary Munsen,"Sesquicentennial To Be A Celebration," Cincinnati Enquirer, October 7,1981, p. C-3; Findsen, "Photos Make The City Beautiful," p. G-7.77. Margaret Josten, "Vintage Cincinnati Is Looking good In UC's BriolShow," Cincinnati Enquirer, February 22, 1983, p. D-9.78. "Pictures by Photography," copy of undated advertisement done byWalter F. Haehnle Agency for Paul Briol located in Briol files of the HistoricNew Orleans Collection, New Orleans, Louisiana.

Mary Briol possessed thespirit, intelligence, and ele-gance her husband found soattractive in women.

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