WADENA — A collection of photographs from the Rex McDonald Studio were moved to the archives of the Wadena County Historical Society in March.
The images were created over several decades by Rex McDonald, Sandford R. McDonald, Don Hoffmann and Kimberly Woods, who have all owned the business at one time.
Building owner Don Hoffmann and Historical Society director Lina Belar had talked about this for some time, in the hopes that the Historical Society could preserve this important part of local history. Recently, Hoffmann sold the building and everything stored in the basement had to go. The items included over 600 boxes of photos and negatives of the people, places and events of Wadena County, including many businesses in Wadena's historic downtown commercial district.
Woods purchased the files when she bought the business, which means the final donation is a gift from her. She is still in business and is offering her clients the opportunity to own their session files that were previously ordered. Woods can be reached at hello@kimberlywoodsportraits.com. The Historical Society will also continue to honor those requests.
The Wadena County Historical Society is open by appointment, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You may also submit research requests by phone at 218-631-9079 or email 603wchs@arvig.net.
