Walter Kwolek
born 1890
BirthplaceOrzechowka, Poland
BiographyWalter Kwolek was born in Orzechowka, Poland, on June 22, 1890. He emigrated to New Castle, Pennsylvania around 1915. Although Kwolek had no formal training, family lore suggestes that he taught himself photography after cutting coupons from soap boxes to buy his first camera. Around 1920, he bought Robinson Art Photography Studio at 252 1/2 E. Washington Street in New Castle and renamed it Kwolek Photography Studio. Walter served as the photographer while his wife, Josephine Ostrowski Kwolek, cut prints and did coloring. Their son Joseph Kwolek held an interest in landscape and aerial photography. Joseph assumed control of the studio with his wife, Lillian Warso Kwolek, after Walter and Josephine retired. Throughout its operation the business specialized in studio portraits and weddings, but also created group shots at several local events. The studio closed in 1980 after Joseph's retirement.
