J.E. Thomas Photographer

In 1886 after Mr. Eastman's departure, JE Thomas opened a photo parlor in upstairs rooms over the Chicago Grocery. His business was destroyed during the fire of February 23, 1890. The fire started in O'Donnell's hardware store and destroyed 10 businesses in the downtown district. This came less than a year after the horrific fire in April 1889 that destroyed 40 businesses and homes.

Mr. Thomas reopened his business, working in Cheney as a portable studio but left in 1891. Advertising card 015/2009.1.1

018/2011.4.1; 019/2011.65.2; 014/2008.40.5; 014/2008.40.7; 011/2568-FIC

1888 - J.S. Hull Grocery, Chicago Grocery, with J.E. Thomas photo studio on 2nd floor (2-story)

1890 - J.S. Hull Grocery, Chicago Grocery, with J.E. Thomas photo studio on 2nd floor (2-story)

1890-02-01 - Cheney Photo Parlors, J.E. Thomas, located over the Chicago Grocery.

1890-02-16 - The flames spread rapidly, soon enveloping the two-story structure jointly being occupied by J.S. Hull grocery and J.E. Thomas, photographer. Mr. Thomas did not even have time to unlock his studio door as the building first caught along the stairway, thus preventing anyone getting in or out.

1890-02-17 - J.E. Thomas, who lost his entire photograph outfit in the fire, has not yet secured quarters, but informs us that he intends to stay and will be on deck in the spring.

1890-03-20(CS) - Cards of Thanks from J.E. Thomas and Rosa M. Thomas: To those who have so kindly tendered their help and sympathy in these our hours of adversity, and especially to those who have solicited aid for us without asking, we take this means of returning our heartfelt thanks which is all that we can give now; but should the time come when we may do a kind act in return, we will not be slow in ?????ing the opportunity.

1890-04-10 - J.E Thomas intends to commence the erection of his portable photograph gallery next week on the corner of Main & G streets. Its dimension are to be 13x28, one-story. Mr. Thomas has done the work himself since the fire.

1890-04-17(CS) - J.E. Thomas will soon have his photograph gallery ready to commence operations and will be able to turn out first-class work in the future as in the past.

1890-04-24 - J. E. Thomas has his photograph gallery nearly completed. Mr. Thomas has a pleasant location and as his work has always been highly satisfactory he cannot fail to meet with success.

1890-05-01 - Cheney Portable Parlors, J.E. Thomas

1890-05-22 - J. E. Thomas has his new photograph gallery in running order and has already commenced making faces. He has been to considerable expense in setting up for business, and as he has a good north skylight and only the best of instruments, he will make nice faces for all. Give him a trial. Come early and avoid the rush.

1890-06-26 - J.E. Thomas has for sale views of the parade on Decoration day. They are exceedingly well taken and would prove a valuable addition to your album.

1890-09-05 - J.E. Thomas Portable Photo Parlors

1890-12-26: J.E. Thomas is our popular photographer. He has lived in Cheney for about four years; has been in the photographing business for over 8 years. Mr. Thomas has by superior skill and close application to business, succeeded in building up an enviable reputation as a photographer.

His work is pronounced by judges to be of the best quality, and it is general conceded that nowhere in Spokane County can his work be excelled, and it is universally acknowledged that his prices are most reasonable.

Mr. Thomas was burned out last February and had the misfortune to be insured in the Seattle Insurance company, and failed to receive ascent, as the company proved to be worthless. He now has a new building and new apparatus of the latest work, and in his studio may be seen samples from the smallest to life-size, all are first class. All who call upon him will be treated courteously and should they choose to patronize him will receive full value for their money.

1891-01-16 - J.E. Thomas tells us that he contemplates selling his photographic business in this city. We hope that in case he disposes of his studio that he will still remain in Cheney indefinitely.

1891-02-27 - J.E. Thomas, the photographer, left for Port Angeles yesterday morning, accompanied by his family.