In my last post, I discussed how I was puzzled to learn that Lionel Heymann had been a well-regarded photographer, but had listed his occupation as a waiter on the census records for 1930 and 1940. Well, now I have found an explanation.
In the course of looking for a print of one of Lionel’s photographs to purchase (which I’ve not yet been able to locate), I found this bit of information about Lionel online, quoting from the catalog of the Sixteenth Detroit International Salon of Photography, Photographic Society of Detroit, Detroit Institute of Arts, 1947.
“Started photography as a hobby by joining Fort Dearborn Camera Club in Chicago in 1928. Started professionally January 1945, and conducts a portrait studio in Blackstone Hotel. Conducts a weekly photographic class on portrait and paper negative process. Associated professionally with a photographer in Detroit, 1937-38.”
This explains so much. First, it explains what Lionel was doing in Detroit when his brother Walter arrived from Germany. Second, it explains why Lionel did not list photography as his occupation on the 1930 or 1940 census or on his World War II draft registration. He did not become a professional photographer until 1945.
Brotmanblog: A Family Journey 
Another question answered. Oh, to get your hands on the 1950 census and see what his occupation was listed as!
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LOL! How much longer do we have to wait for that one? I feel lucky that by the time I started doing research the 1940 census was available. That would have been very frustrating!
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In German and in Luxembourgish they say holding thumbs instead of crossing fingers. I’m holding my thumbs for you that you’ll find a print. Good detective work!
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Thank you, Cathy! And while you’re at it, hold your thumbs that it will be affordable! 🙂
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That too! 🙂
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Now that is a rarity. You found an answer that didn’t lead to dozens more questions. Hahaha!! Congratulations. Next, hopefully you find that print. 🙂
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I am still looking. I think the actual photos are probably too expensive but I’d settle for a copy!
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He’s probably just well known enough to make the originals expensive and not well know enough to have large quantities of prints available on the market.
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I think you’re exactly right!
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