By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — For those born before 1970, memories are captured in black and white, from snapshots tucked away in a shoebox stored on a closet shelf to favorite television programs and movies that depicted life in the simple shades of day and night, unencumbered by the myriad of colors that now reflect life in the 21st century.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
Dr. Dick Graves, Presque Isle’s historian, at left, recently joined Voscar, the Maine Photographer — aka Oscar Nelder — for the unveiling of Voscar’s newest venture, a 2011 calendar entitled “Vintage Voscar.” The calendars will be available at various locations throughout Aroostook County. Here, Voscar presents Graves with the first calendar produced.
Voscar, the Maine Photographer — aka Oscar Nelder — has spent a lifetime documenting moments in Maine’s history — for publication during his tenure with the Bangor Daily News or various printed projects, capturing special moments for brides and graduates or for his own personal enrichment. In many cases, black and white film was his tool of choice. Now he has put some of his favorite black and white photographs together to create a calendar entitled “Vintage Voscar.”
“I feel black and white images tell the story better. It sets a mood,” said Voscar, noting for the calendar he used original black and white photos.
Photos were selected by the season they were taken in and depict scenes from throughout The County.
“I’ve included shots from Allagash to Linneus and various locations in between,” he said.
The idea came about through the encouragement of loved ones.
“My wife, Darlene Nelder, and friend, Dick Graves — it was really their idea,” said Voscar.
Graves indicated his was a minor role in the whole of the project.
“He approached me and asked me to put photos on a CD for him. I was happy to be of help,” said Graves.
With his wife’s help, Voscar narrowed his vast collection of photos to the 12 included in the calendar.
“He had some he insisted on using because they were his favorites. I added my suggestions to it,” said Darlene Nelder.
Voscar said he’s particularly fond of his earlier two-tone pictures.
“There’s just something about black and white photographs that seems to do a better job in telling a story in some cases,” said Voscar. “Color can be distracting — take away from the story you’re trying to tell.”
Pictures in the calendar include scenic shots of life in Aroostook, from summer blossoms to snow-capped mountains.
Calendars will be available beginning the end of this week.
“I’ve been talking with several vendors who’ve agreed to displaying and selling the calendars,” said Voscar.
The following merchants have agreed to carry Voscar’s 2011 calendar: York’s book store in Houlton; Spring Break Sugarhouse and Gift Shop in Smyrna Mills; Judy Sherman with Deep in the Woods in Oxbow; Morning Star, Goin’ Postal, Merchants on the Corner, Dick Graves’ office and through Voscar, all in Presque Isle.
A public event is being scheduled to mark the release of the calendar.
“He’ll have a signing Oct. 1, during the monthly art walks, from 6-8 p.m. at Merchants on the Corner, located at the corner of Main and Academy streets,” said Graves.
Voscar said anyone interested in acquiring a calendar can do so by visiting one of the vendors.
“Or they can call either Dick or me. Dick’s number is 764-3185 and mine is 769-5911,” said Voscar.
Calendars will sell for about $12.99, including tax.
“That helps cover production and distribution costs,” said Voscar.
“For a minimal charge, they can also be mailed anywhere,” added Graves.
This culminates a year of preparation and planning.
“This is something I’ve been thinking about for a year. I wanted to share some of my favorite works with others. A calendar allows others an opportunity to record special moments as the days pass, while looking at photos that may bring back fond memories of the past,” said Voscar.
