Midland’s Photographer, J. W. Bald
John Witherspoon Bald, born April 7, 1868 Parsonstown, 
Ireland – died 1961. He began his photographic business first in Penetanguishene. In 1896 he purchased a studio in Midland on King Street. Bald’s photographic career began shortly after the introduction of gelatine dry plate photography. This type of plate was commercially prepared and could be stored prior to exposure. This was a major improvement over the earlier collodion wet plates, improving the process and freeing photographers to take photographs practically anywhere. Bald recorded life in his community from 1890 until 1953 when he retired. He made portraits, landscape and other commercial photographs. He worked for both Midland newspapers, the Free Press and the Argus. He developed an extensive post card business.
Bald’s work is a complete record of the life, work and play of small town Ontario. Business, ships, harbour life, industries, social life, hunting, tourism, sports, portraits, all subjects found in his work.
The Huroria Museum has an extensive collection of Bald’s photographs, postcards, and equipment.
Large studio portrait camera
wjjgibson
nahanniborn
I have 4 old pictures taken by John W Bald,and they are related to me but I don,t know who is who. I amhoping someone could kindly help me with my task!
Iwould be glad to come to the museum to see if i could show them to someone.
Hoping to hear back, your truly Donna McLean.
Asmy relatives are from Midland Harriet johnston and aRegianld earl burns white .hie father was William , but that all I know!