Philander Barclay was an Oak Park gadfly,  bicycle repairman, and one of the area's earliest amateur photographers and possibly the most important of they many Village historians. He lived in Oak Park during the late 19th and early 20th centuries--certainly one of the Village's most exciting eras.

The quiet young man was an unlikely contemporary of Frank Lloyd Wright, Ernest Hemingway and Doris Humphrey. Those who knew him at the time might find it amazing that we are still celebrating his photographs today in the 21st century.

His parents ran a local drug store and beginning early in life, Philander rode his bicycle throughout the area taking photographs of places and people. By the time of his untimely death in 1940, he had amassed an amazing and priceless collection of more than 1,000 photos, which are now curated by the Oak Park and River Forest Historical Society. A selection is also available for viewing online.

He may not be famous, but Philander Barclay is still Oak Park's most noteworthy cyclist and photographer.

Related Info

Oak Park and River Forest Society Philander Barclay collection.

You can be like "Poor Phil," too. Find out more about The Philander Barclay Project on Flickr.com

Do You Know More?

Do you have information about Philander Barclay you would like to share? Post about Poor Phil on the Club Listserv.