The Swartz Brothers: Fort Worth's First Family of Photographers

The Swartz brothers -- David, John and Charles -- were three Virginia farm boys who ventured west, arriving in Fort Worth in the mid-1880s. Over the next 30 years, they observed the city through the lens of a camera, snapping pictures of people, events and architecture -- leaving a priceless legacy. They collectively produced thousands of photographs that were scattered to the four winds after their deaths.
Hundreds of those images have survived, although the brothers themselves are largely forgotten. The best-known photograph shows the five members of the "Wild Bunch" (aka, the "Fort Worth Five") posed in John's studio in 1900. It is the basis of the downtown development known as "Sundance Square." The Brothers' cumulative work provides a stunning visual chronicle of late 19th- and early 20th-century Fort Worth as well as a window into American life during that era.
In addition to an exhibit, the library hosted two lectures presented by Quentin McGown and Scott Barker discussing how photography and photographers enhance our understanding of history and the world in which we live.
A Precarious Profession: Photographers in Early Fort Worth Presented by Scott Barker
Much about early Fort Worth is known to us through photographs. However, our understanding of the men and women who took these photographs is unclear. Discover the work and legacies of the dozens of photographers who devoted themselves to their city and the art of the photographic image. Barker is a Texas art historian with a keen interest in Fort Worth and its past. Barker is co-author of Intimate Modernism: Fort Worth Circle Artists in the 1940s. His interests include collecting pre-1950 Fort Worth paintings and photographs, then seeking an understanding of the history behind them.
Images of Home: Vintage Photographs and Local History Presented by Quentin McGown
Learn how historic photographs breathe life and detail into the study of local history. The program also features an overview of the many archival resources available to researchers. The speaker encourages audience members to bring photographs to identify and discuss. McGown serves as an associate judge for the Tarrant County Probate Court. He is a former chair of the City of Fort Worth Historic and Cultural Landmarks Commission, and the Tarrant County Historical Commission. McGown teaches courses on Fort Worth history at TCU and is an adjunct instructor of political science at Texas Wesleyan. He is the author of two books: Fort Worth in Vintage Postcards and Historic Photos of Fort Worth.

[@tracimcmurray5244]

I believe I first watched this around 2016. I've watched it three or four times since then. It's such a treasure honoring my hometown. Thank you for making and sharing this.

[@FWLibrary]

You're quite welcome - glad you enjoyed it!

[@jodyrichards4762]

I grew up in Fort Worth. Been gone 20 years. This helps my home sickness, since The Fort Worth I grew up with is not there anymore. Thank you.

[@UrbaNSpiel]

Thanx for uploading.

[@SovereignBlade]

As a life long professional fine artist I am thrilled to hear of these image resources. After many years creating art of New Orleans, it has been a joy to return to my native Texas to delve into this heritage. What a goldmine of imagery you are revealing. It'll be a ball to paint this colorful city's past.

[@dimnimrod2978]

Very disappointed with the video quality. 480p and 4:3 was poor even for 2013. And I'm sure the original scans of the photos were high quality too. It's just upsetting. Other than that, fascinating video.

[@FWLibrary]

We won't disagree with the quality, but in defense of our predecessors here at the Library who created it, we work for a publicly funded entity and that means we don't always have the most cutting-edge tech. That said, if you haven't read it, there is a recent book on the brothers: "Photographing Texas: The Swartz Brothers, 1880-1918" that is a great read and features some photos rarely seen in public.

[@dimnimrod2978]

@@FWLibrary I understand and appreciate the response. And if that's the case, I live in White Settlement and am in possession of an arsenal of higher-end tech and software. I'd be more than happy to volunteer my skills and assets for the FW Library if you ever came to need it; especially in regards to the preservation of local historical entities. And I'll look into the book recommendation ;)

[@mobsnitchanonymous213]

I seen an older pic