Alfred A. Bish, Pioneering Photographer:
Small Town America, 1887-1916

   

“A.A Bish, photographer,” was his title and “Bish Studios” was his business.

 Bish was developing photographs of the changing landscape of Chippewa Falls, but he was literally taking pictures of the changing faces within the community. First, and foremost, Bish was a businessman. Starting in 1894 he owned his own building which he took time and money to renovate from a bank into a portrait studio. Since photographs were not being commonly used in the newspapers of Chippewa Falls until 1906, one either made wood carvings of the original photograph for the printing press machine or they had illustrations. In order for Bish to make a living in Chippewa Falls he would have need to make an income. Up until at least the year 1907, Bish was the only sustaining photographer within Chippewa Falls. Previous photographers had come, made an attempt at photography, but produced little to their success. Bish made Chippewa Falls his home and forever appreciated its beauty and its people.