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Kukkonen Studio Photograph Collection

 Collection — Box: 1-56
Identifier: MS-032

Collection Scope and Content Summary

Photographic collection from the Kukkonen Studio of Hancock, Michigan. Includes a register with names, addresses, and negative numbers of the studio customers. Also includes numbered negatives that correspond with the register as well as unnumbered and unorganized negatives and studio records and correspondence.

Dates

  • 1847, 1913-1976

Languages of Material

English

Conditions Governing Access

Available for use in the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections.

Conditions Governing Use

Various copying restrictions apply. Guidelines are available from Michigan Technological University Archives & Copper Country Historical Collections.

Biography

Charles A. Kukkonen, born in Muhos, Finland in 1889, arrived in Hancock, Michigan in 1903. He registered immediately at Suomi College. After learning the English language he apprenticed with the photographer, Louis Auer. He set up his own photographic studio in 1912 and captured innumerable images of Copper Country Finns and their activities. The studio was first located at 318 Quincy Street in Hancock, relocating in 1917 and finally settling in 1973 at 119 Quincy Street. Charles’ son Carl bought the store in 1955, and he and his wife expanded the business to include two stores in Houghton, one downtown (opened in 1973) and one at the Copper Country Mall (opened in 1980). All three stores were under the Hallmark Corp. Charles later sold the family business to Jim and Brenda Ferris. In about September of 1995, the original Hancock store closed.

Extent

25.34 Cubic Feet (56 manuscript boxes)

Abstract

Photographic collection, 1847, 1913-1976, from the Kukkonen Studio of Hancock, Michigan. Includes a register with names, addresses, and negative numbers of the people who came to the studio. Also includes number negatives that correspond with the register as well as unnumbered and unidentified negatives.

Arrangement

This collection is arranged in eight series with Series 2 divided into three subseries: 1. Studio Records and Correspondence, 2. Studio Portraits, 3. Local Businesses and Product Displays, 4. Church and Religious, 5. Education, 6. Organizations and Government, 7. Miscellaneous Local Photography, and 8. Unprocessed Portraits and Photo Processing. Series 2 is divided into three subseries: 2.1 Portraits Identified in Studio Register, 2.2 Portraits Unidentified in Studio Register, and 2.3 Group Portraits/ Events.

Acquisition

The photographic prints, negatives, and studio register of the Kukkonen Photographic Studio in Hancock, Michigan was donated to the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections by Nancy Manninen on September 1, 1998.

Processing History

Finding aid created by Elizabeth Russell, 2/9/2011. Revised by Rachael Bussert, 5/11/2012.

Title
Kukkonen Studio Photograph Collection
Status
Completed
Author
Elizabeth Russell, revised by Rachael Bussert.
Date
2/9/2011
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Description is in English
Sponsor
Funding provided by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Repository Details

Part of the Michigan Technological University Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections Repository

Contact:
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton 49931 U.S.A. US