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From Kev Franzi’s Journeys in Time –

Moments, Memories and Magic
“Snapshots” of George Eastman

When it comes to the “Big Bangs” of progress in
photography and motion picture technology the
spectacular contribution of George Eastman must head the
list.

“What!” You say “What about Eastman Colour and the
unstable dyes that destroyed so many of our prints! and
Acid Syndrome. Or the management decisions that caused
the demise of an international industry.” Sadly, that was
the product of another generation because George
Eastman’s spectacular journey ended in 1932.

It would take many editions of Reel Deals to tell the full
story of George Eastman and his Kodak Company that
became one of the largest industries in the world with the
name Kodak recognised for quality and service on every continent. So the following is
just a tiny fragment of the story, but a fragment I hope you will find interesting – it’s
about the beginning and you know my fondness for beginnings.
George Eastman was born in 1854 at the village of Waterville, New York, where his
father owned a nursery
business. Just prior to
th
George’s 6 birthday Mr
Eastman moved the family
to Rochester NY, to start a
new business – The
Eastman Commercial
College. Two years later
George’s father died and the
family was left destitute.
From that point onwards,
escaping from a life of
poverty became the driving
force that would shape the
boy’s future.

4 REEL DEALS March 2024