Thoreau Society to exhibit photographs by Dexter man

DEXTER -Some of the late Bert L. Call’s photographs that depict places in the Maine woods mentioned in Henry David Thoreau’s journals will be on display by the Thoreau Society of Concord, Mass., in July.

The Dexter man’s photographs, which range from 1888 to 1941, show spectacular black-and-white views of the woods of northern Maine.

Plans are to exhibit the photographs at the Emerson Umbrella Center for the Arts, which has studio space for more than 60 artists in the former Emerson School, a gallery, and a 435-seat performance space. The showing will be in conjunction with the annual Thoreau Society’s gathering that begins July 12. The four-day event attracts people from throughout the world who participate in a series of lectures, workshops and local tours concerning Thoreau.

Frank Spizuoco of the Dexter Historical Society has been working with Carrie Flood, managing director of the art center, on the display that will show original Bert Call prints that match Thoreau’s visit to the North Woods 150 years ago.

Thirty years after Thoreau’s three journeys to the Maine woods, Call walked in his footsteps, taking photographs of places that Thoreau mentioned in his journals.

Call also took photos of local people, but his love was the woods, lakes and rivers of Maine where he traveled annually and took scenic photos. Many of his photographs have been preserved by the Dexter Historical Society and have never been viewed by the public.