A Special Photographic Display from the Works of the late David L. Bugbee
Former TONAWANDA NEWS Photographer

City of Tonawanda Library
333 Main St. Tonawanda NY

Sponsored by the Historical Society of the Tonawandas

On Wednesday, June 3, the Historical Society of the Tonawandas hosted a reception at the city of Tonawanda library to celibrate the opening of the special photographic display from the works of the late David L. Bugbee. The event was a great success as evidenced by the 100 to 120 attendees. The exhibit will remain on display through September 1 during regular library hours. Below you will find photos from the reception and examples from Mr. Bugbee's collection.

As staff photographer for the Tonawanda News from 1969 to 1993, Bugbee had the dubious honor of documenting the demise of Tonawanda’s downtown. In both aerial and land-based photographs, he captures the demoralizing impact of the urban renewal program. He also documents some of the many devastating fires that wreaked havoc in both Tonawanda and North Tonawanda during the seventies. But overall, Bugbee’s sense of humor and artistic abilities dominate the show with many delightful and humorous images of community life in the Tonawandas. Who remembers ALL-WOMEN tug-of-wars between the Twin Cities (something for Canal Fest to think about), log-rolling competition in the canal or tubing down the Niagara River on a hot summer day? Many celebrities visited the Tonawandas, especially when Melody Fair was up and running. Bugbee had the opportunity to meet and photograph many of them starting with John F. Kennedy whom Bugbee photographed as a teenager when the future President visited North Tonawanda City Hall while on the campaign trail. However Bugbee’s favorite celebrity, according to his widow, Bonnie, was 1968 Olympic Gold Medal Winning figure skater, Peggy Fleming- “Yeah, there were lots of pictures of Peggy Fleming.”

Many thanks to our Heritage Partner, Tonawanda Public Library, for their assistance in setting up this display and sincere gratitude to the Bugbee family for its donation of David’s photographs to the Society’s collection.

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Twin Cities Memorial Bridge Under Construction.	Twin Ton Fire Photo	North Tonawanda Farmer's Market