The life of Harry Van Tine, with Diane Lapis

Photo Credit: Michael Isabell

Diane Lapis, former president and current trustee at the Beacon Historical Society, discusses the life of a notable native son of Beacon and offers a lesson on the importance of postcards to the study of Beacon’s history.

Harry Van Tine grew up in Beacon, the son of Robert Van Tine, who founded and operated the Van Tine stationery store. His early photographs were printed on souvenir postcards and sold by the thousands at the family business. Harry worked as a photojournalist for the Hearst Corporation and was sent to Washington, D.C. to open a field office in 1915. Joining forces with other news photographers to gain better access at the White House, Van Tine helped found the White House News Photographers Association in 1921.

Harry’s work is featured in a new exhibition at the Beacon Historical Society. “The Eyes of History” presents a century of the WHNPA’s White House and presidential photography. These displays are complimented with highlights from BHA’s collection showcasing images from Harry’s remarkable career.

You can support BHS’s mission to promote, preserve, and procure the history of Beacon by becoming a member. Members received a monthly informative newsletter full of interesting vignettes about Beacon’s history. Visit BeaconHistorical.org for more stories, photos, and upcoming events.

The historical society is open to the public Thursdays 10am-12pm and Saturdays 1-3pm.