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Roy Mathany, the photographer of the Dominion Glass Company Second World War Postcard Series, was the official photography for the Wallaceburg glass factory. Mathany joined the Dominion Glass Company in 1929. He started as an office clerk. However, when one of his supervisors discovered he was a gifted artist he transitioned into the decoration of glass containers. He held several art degrees one of which was commercial photography. He spent most of his time in the art department making glass designs or photographing factory events. Three of his more evocative projects took place during the 1940s. These included a series of "old timer" glass employee photos, the strike of 1943, and the Second World War Postcard Series.

The Second World War Postcard Series began in order to supply employees overseas with a little taste of home. It was hoped that the postcards would raise the morale of Wallaceburg's service men. The photos Mathany took included prominent members of Wallaceburg, familiar locations around the community, employees of Dominion Glass, and of course recognizable scenes from around the factory. Women were also commonly the subject of his photography. Men at the front, some of which had been away for six years, must have appreciated this.

The series has 156 post cards in total. There are forty included in the exhibit. They were chosen for inclusion because of their subject nature, preservation quality, and picture clarity.

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Eddie Davies, Manager, and T.W. Bassett, outside of the Wallaceburg Dominion Glass Factory
Circa 1942
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer

3

Darcey brings some treats to some of the hardworking women of the Wallaceburg glass industry
Circa 1942
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer

4

Joe Jones retirement portrait after 70 years of service in the glass industry
Circa 1943
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer
Wallaceburg and District Museum

5

The mould shop is visted by officer Geo Cairns
Circa 1942
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer
Wallaceburg and District Museum

6

Wallaceburg's local bowling club
Circa 1942
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer
Wallaceburg and District Museum

7

Sgt. Don Hill home on leave in Wallaceburg visiting with two young women
Circa 1942
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer

8

John Bracken receives a souvenir from glass town
Circa 1942
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer
Wallaceburg and District Museum

9

Barber, Fin Mcrae, cuts a local man's hair
Circa 1943
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer
Wallaceburg and District Museum

10

George Bowen relaxing
Circa 1942
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer
Wallaceburg and District Museum

11

A group of young women employees at Wallaceburg's Glass Factory
Circa 1942
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer
Wallaceburg and District Museum

12

The interior of the Wallaceburg Postal Office
Circa 1944
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer
Wallaceburg and District Museum

13

A Dominion Glass Company nurse, Molly O'Flynn
Circa 1942
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada

Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer
Wallaceburg and District Museum

14

The Dominion Glass Company Ltd., Wallaceburg, landscape
Circa 1942
Wallaceburg, Ontario, Canada
TEXT ATTACHMENT


Credits:
Roy Mathany, Photographer
Wallaceburg and District Museum