From the 'Turnback Tuesday' archives: Photography pioneer

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features Clara Barton Tomlinson Drew.

Clara was born in Seymour on Nov. 25, 1867 and was named after Clara Barton, the Civil War nurse who created the Red Cross. Clara Tomlinson moved to "Derby" (now part of Ansonia) as a young girl and later, in 1888, married Mr. John Wilbur Drew.

The Drews resided at 26 New St. where Clara (Tomlinson) Drew became a pioneer among women photographers. She operated a photography studio for decades out of her home. This is a photo of Clara Barton, the Civil War nurse, that was taken by Clara Barton Drew, the photographer, in 1909.

Clara Barton Drew died on Feb. 21, 1946 at the age of 79.

[First posted on this date in 2018.]

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.