George R. Swain, 'U' Photographer, Dies At 80 Years

Had Been On Staff For 34 Years; Had Two ‘M’ Degrees George R. Swain, 80, University photographer for the past 34 years, died unexpectedly last night at his home, 1103 Packard St. A graduate of the University, where he received his AB degree in 1897 and his master’s degree in 1900, Mr. Swain became a member of the staff in 1913 when he began work with the former Prof. F. W. Kelsey of the Latin department. He previously had served as principal of the East Side High school in Bay City from 1900 to 1910, and at the Lockport, Ill., township high school for two years. Four Trips To Europe Mr. Swain accompanied Prof. Kelsey to Europe on four trips, making photographic records of valued manuscripts for the University collection. In 1924 he participated in the University expedition at Antioch in Pisidia, and in 1925 and 1926 he visited Italy, Greece, Mt. Athos and Patmos and worked with the Franco-American committee in Tunisia and Algeria. During this time he visited eleven monasteries, eight of which were on Mt. Athos. In addition to his work as University photographer, Mr. Swain and his wife also have directed a summer camp for girls, “Kamp Kairphree,” near Alpena for years, and later at Lake Charlevoix. Born in Meredith, N. H., on July 15, 1866, Mr. Swain received his primary schooling catch-as-catch-can. In 1888 he went to California, where he was one of seven out of 36 to pass a county teachers’ examination. He taught for seven years in ungraded country schools and in secondary schools on his teacher’s certificate. Other Teaching Posts After receiving his bachelor’s degree, Mr. Swain became principal of the Great Falls, Mont., High school, and after receiving his master’s degree he took a position with a school for boys in Cleveland. Mr. Swain was married to Edith Louise Rice near Ojai, Calif., in 1900. Mrs. Swain died eight years ago. Surviving are two sons and a daughter, Robert R. Swain, who is employed at Fort Walton, Fla; Edwin L. Swain, who is with an engineering construction company in Saudi Arabia; and Mrs. Don Hayne of Williamston; eight grandchildren; and a sister-in-law, Miss Tennie A. Rice of Ann Arbor. Funeral arrangements will be made at the Dolph funeral home after Mr. Swain’s daughter arrives in Ann Arbor this afternoon. IMAGE TEXT: DIES AT HOME: George R. Swain, University photographer since 1913 and a member of four University expeditions to Europe and Asia Minor, died last night at his home, 1103 Packard St. He would have been 81 on July 15.