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Al Rippe New Owner of Meyers’ Studio

1946

1920 advertisement, Orbit

 
Al Rippe
 

Meyers Studio at 112-1/2 South Third Street, one of the city's old business institutions, has changed hands. The business has been acquired by Al Rippe who will operate it under the name of Al Rippe's Studio.

A. R. Meyers who has operated the business for many years has sold out and will retire as an active photographer, though he expects to do commercial photography.

Mr. Rippe, who was born in Watertown, has been associated with Marv Helgesen, nationally known photographer, where he worked for eight years as assistant cameraman and retoucher and did commercial and aerial photography.

He was also associated with John E. Platz, Milwaukee, where Mr. Platz, formerly of Watertown, now operates three studios in one of the most successful photographic businesses in that city. Mr. Rippe was head retoucher in charge of the retouching department for Mr. Platz.

Mr. Rippe attended the Winona School of Photography, Winona Lake, Indiana. He has studied under Victor Keppler, nationally known color photographer. He has gained statewide recognition as a retoucher.

In addition to-his other work and preparation, he studied portraiture and portrait painting at the Layton School of Art, Milwaukee.

He is arranging the studio for his opening next week having installed new carpeting and new furniture and bringing his own equipment to make it one of the best equipped studios in this area.

Mr. Rippe is married to the former Arlene Seefeldt of this city. They have one daughter, Sherry, and have taken up residence at 206 North Church Street.

A. R. Meyers

Mr. Meyers took up photography as a young man, going to work for the late Henry Donner whose place of business - Donner's Gallery - was located in West Main Street (1). Later the business moved to 203 Main Street and some time later Mr. Meyers went into the business for himself, and has operated in South Third Street for many years. He became associated with Mr. Donner in 1900.

Mr. Meyers has been one of the most widely known photographers in this section for many years and has enjoyed a wide clientele from neighboring cities and communities. He has photographed many confirmation classes for churches and his work in taking wedding pictures was widespread.

In addition to his studio work, he has also done much commercial photography and plans to keep that line of work up, operating from his home at 206 North Washington Street.

Cross-References:

Footnote 1: Donner Bros, Henry and Lawrence, Furniture and Photographers, 209-211 W Main. Henry Donner lived next door (204 N Church) to the home bought by Al Rippe (206 N Church).

Donner Home. In Their New Home. Henry Donner and family are now occupying their new home in North Church Street [204 N Church]. It is one of the finest in the city, equipped with all modern improvements and everything arranged with a view of comfort and convenience. Their many friends wish them long life and happiness in their new home. Watertown Gazette, 04 23 1909