The Waldren Studios (PC2)

The Dalhousie University Archives and Special Collections holds a fascinating collection of 45,000 glass plate, film negatives, and prints from the Waldren Studios of New Glasgow and Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Approximately 90% of these negatives are portraits, nearly all of which are identified and dated. A number of the portraits represent some of the earliest photos of black Nova Scotians from Pictou, Antigonish and Guysborough Counties. Many of the remaining photos are local scenes, a few of which were taken in New Glasgow before the devastating fire in 1874. The photos show coal mining, shipbuilding and other local industries in action. Portraits of family groups, sports teams, social clubs and school groups are also well represented.