Ely Studio Posts

Mystery Photos: Handsome Men at Ely Studio

Jun 09, 2023 1 Comment

The identities of the four gentlemen in this photo are not known, but the postcard is marked as having been shot at the Ely Studio. Photographer Cook Ely operated in Duluth from roughly 1895 to 1914, with a stint in St. Paul somewhere in the middle. Ely Studio was located at 2030 W. Superior St. — the corner where the Anderson Furniture building stands today.

This photo sold recently on eBay, where it was titled “RPPC Handsome Men w Hats Ely Studio of Duluth Studio Real Photo Postcard.”


History , ,

Mystery Photo: Another from Cook Ely

Aug 17, 2020 1 Comment

This image from the Ely Studio of Duluth comes to Perfect Duluth Day via Neal Eisenberg, a native Duluthian.

Read More


History, Photos , ,

Mystery Photos #106-112: Ely Studio

May 24, 2020 1 Comment

It’s a nearly impossible challenge to put names on people in century-old cabinet card photos, but we occasionally try nonetheless. At least in most cases we know the photographer’s name, which can lead in all sorts of directions.

Read More


Photos , ,