J.S. (John Strathearn) Thom (1853-1933), Lucan and Sarnia, ON

Born in Stratford, Perth Co. in 1853, his early life was focused on the military, where he reached the rank of Major.  Around 1876, he opened his first photography studio in Lucan, ON, which he operated for 5 years.  He then moved to Sarnia in 1881 and established a studio over the Dominion Telegraph office in the old Clark Block, opposite the Belchamer Hotel. 

From the collection of John Rochon

From the collection of John Rochon

 In 1884 he purchased the old McLellan Hotel on the northwest corner of Christina and Lochiel Sts. and set up his studio there.  He remained at this location until c1889-90 when his studio was destroyed by fire.

George Menzies

From the collection of John Rochon

One month after the fire, he opened his studio over the store of I.W. Proctor on Christina St., immediately beginning plans for a new building.  In 1893 the Thom Block, on the southwest corner of Christina and Lochiel Sts., was finished, his studio being located on the second floor.  Here he continued until his retirement.  The following are additional examples of his work with the reverse stamps/graphics.

From the collection of John Rochon

From the collection of John Rochon

Ella - Sept. 5, 1893

From the collection of John Rochon

From the collection of John Rochon

1915 Victory Bond Parade

From the collection of John Rochon

Sarnia Citizens Band marching south on Christina St. as seen from Thom's studio c1895

From the collection of John Rochon

Real Picture Postcard of unidentified woman

From the collection of John Rochon

Thom died at the age of 79 at his residence on Wellington St. in 1933.  He was buried in Stratford, ON.

  

Sarnia Observer Apr. 18, 1933 pgs.3 and 18, Apr. 21, 1933 p5

The Thom Block as it appears today.  This long derelict building is now being renovated to house the new Gallery Lambton.

 Photos by John Rochon

The information used for this post was primarily found in the entry for J.S. Thom in the Beers' Biographical Record of Lambton County 1906 pgs.291-93.