History of the Loomis Camera Company

	The Loomis Camera Story

R. Ford Loomis founded the R. F.Loomis Company in the latter half of the 19th Century. He carried office supplies, stationary and greeting cards. The business was originally located on Middle Avenue, which was also known as "Cheapside".

"Cheapside" or Middle Avenue at the turn of the 20th century.

Around 1944, the business was sold to Ed Prentke, who introduced cameras and photographic equipment into the product line.

1948 Loomis Camera Catalog
The cover of the 1948 edition of the R.F Loomis Co. catalog.

Below is a sample of the store stationary used when Loomis Camera was located on Middle Avenue.

Old Loomis Camera stationary
The "Loomis Guy."

In 1950, a young entrepreneur from Youngstown, Ohio, Howard Foxman, purchased the R. F. Loomis Company. He liked Elyria very much, and decided to live here. Around 1957, the business was moved to its present location on Broad St.

Present store front

The distinctive storefront camera has been a source of controversy. The city tried to remove it to conform to new regulations. This incited a public outcry, as citizens felt that the camera was a piece of history that preserved the original flavor of downtown Elyria. It was originally a press camera, then a Kodak Instamatic, and is presently a Pentax 35mm SLR.

postcard

Loomis Camera welcomes you and invites you to experience its tradition of friendly, knowledgeable service.

Camera girl
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The Loomis Camera Story

R. Ford Loomis founded the R. F.Loomis Company in the latter half of the 19th Century. He carried office supplies, stationary and greeting cards. The business was originally located on Middle Avenue, which was also known as "Cheapside".

Around 1944, the business was sold to Ed Prentke, who introduced cameras and photographic equipment into the product line.

Below is a sample of the store stationary used when Loomis Camera was located on Middle Avenue.

In 1950, a young entrepreneur from Youngstown, Ohio, Howard Foxman, purchased the R. F. Loomis Company. He liked Elyria very much, and decided to live here. Around 1957, the business was moved to its present location on Broad St.