Family Member Seeks Info On Former Photographer, T.C. Reese

Dear Editor,

I’m writing with the sincere hope that one or more of the kind residents of your community will be able to assist me.  Currently, I am engaged in a bit of amateur research on a relative (my deceased great-uncle) who once lived and worked in Water Valley, MS.  

The relative I am researching was a photographer who once operated a studio in the area of town known as “The Block” from the mid 1940s – thru the early 1950s (those are rough estimates).  His name was T.C. Reese.  From my understanding, my uncle opened his Water Valley photography studio with the help of his brother-in-law, James H. Harris (aka Jimmy Harris).  At some point during the ‘50s, TC moved his photography business to Memphis.  He also worked as a school photographer throughout the Mid-South.

My interest in my uncle’s work was sparked, in part, by my discovery of an exhibit (Photographs from the MEMPHIS WORLD 1949-1964) that was held at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in 2008 and featured a few of his photographs.  On obtaining a copy of the book (catalogue) that was produced in conjunction with the exhibit, I discovered that even though a couple of my uncle’s photographs were featured, not a single word of text had been written about the man behind the camera.

With the help of a number of relatives (among them, my 90-year-old aunt–TC’s ex-wife and two of their four children) I’ve already compiled a bit of information about T.C. with the primary intent of writing a short, but detailed bio about him (as well as, perhaps, an article or two).

I am interested in touching base with anyone who might have known T.C. Reese, visited his studio (in Water Valley or Memphis) or who currently owns photos of him or photos taken by him.  Also, any pictures of “The Block” from 1940-1960 would interest me.

If you have any information about T.C. Reese or pictures that you would be willing to share, I’d love to hear from you.  Please contact me at the following:

Ms. L.J. (Reese Info)

10612 D. Providence Rd

PMB #377

Charlotte, NC 28177

I will gladly assist with any copying or mailing expenses that might be incurred in your efforts or if you’d prefer to correspond with me via email, please send your email contact info to the address above.

Thank You!

Sincerely,

Lori Johnson