102
MOUNTAINLIFEBLUEMOUNTAINS
SPRING2016
Out of the Past
Local Photographer Collects andCuratesCollingwood andRegionHistorical Photos
“It’s going to be a lifelong thing.”—JasonBooth
F
or some, the idea of collecting, scanning, cataloguing and sharingphotos ofCollingwood’s
historical pastwouldbe a daunting task. But for JasonBooth, it’s a passion thatwe’re all
benefiting from.
“Mywhole vision for this is preservation and education,” he says. “But it’s this kindof passion I
havewhere it doesn’tmatter howmuchmoney I throw at it. I just love it.
“I’ve beenbuyingupphotos off eBay and at local auctions. I’ve been collecting and trolling for
interestingphotos.Then someone said I shouldput aFacebook group together andnowpeople
are commenting; I’mhearing the stories and thewhole thing is evolving.”
Thiswholehearteddedication is exactlywhat this kindof project needs.Currentlywithover 2000
members, the group (CollingwoodHistorical Photos) sees regular updates, continuingBooth’s
endless taskof curating images fromour region.
“I’m creating something that pulls the images out of cupboards, out of lock-upwithmuseums and
lets people seewhat’s out there,”Booth adds. “It’s going tobe a lifelong thing.”
Indeed it is. And if noone else has said it, let us be the first: from
MountainLife
to you, thank
you, JasonBooth. For all your hardwork andperseverance.Our community is better for it.
—ColinField
WasagaBeach, early1950s.
