Roberts, Dr. Harry Fowler

HARRY FOWLER ROBERTS was born in 1869 in Mankato, Minnesota, and died in February 1907 in Colfax, California, at age 38. After partnering with Ira A. Kautz in 1892 at the Sterling Studio, 912 2nd Street in Seattle, Washington, Roberts moved to Petaluma and opened a studio on Main Street across from the American Hotel. Throughout January, February, and March 1893, the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier ran an advertisement for Roberts’ services. The ad was composed as an interview entitled “A Mystery Solved,” in which Roberts is referred to as the new photographer in town. Roberts is asked, “How is it that you claim to do better any more satisfactory work than the San Francisco artists?” Robert is then quoted as replying, “That is easy enough. I can show my patrons proofs of their photos, and if they are not entirely satisfied I will keep on giving sittings until they are pleased.”

Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, March 14, 1893, p. 1

The exact date Roberts closed his studio in Petaluma has not been determined; however, it was reported in the Petaluma Daily Morning Courier several times between August 1895 and February 1901 that Dr. Harry Roberts, former Petaluma photographer, was in town visiting friends. According to his obituary, written in the Ventura, California, Morning Courier, Roberts had arrived in Placer County in 1907 and, as a medical professional, had specialized in dentistry.

Petaluma Photographic Studio: Roberts’ studio was on Main Street, across from the American Hotel.

Active in Petaluma: as early as 1892, as late as 1895

Bibliography: Carl Mautz, Biographies of Western Photographers, A Reference Guide to Photographers Working in the 19th Century American West, Expanded and Revised Edition, 2018, p. 162; https://digital.sonomalibrary.org/about/photographers; https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv52062#idm6679; Morning Free Press (Ventura CA), February 5, 1907, p.1; Petaluma Daily Morning Courier, January 12, 1893, p.2; April 11, 1894, p. 3; August 16, 1895, p.1; February 4, 1901, p. 4.

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