Since 1976 the family owned Old Time Photos on the Bagnell Dam Strip has been creating vintage-style pictures of individuals and groups dressed in period costumes in themed settings. The addition of props and just the right pose allows customers to become the subjects of their own historical portraits during this fun experience for all ages.
Started by Don Roelofs and his wife Linda Berchem, the business has been in several locations throughout the Lake area. Originally located on the Bagnell Dam Strip, in 1990 it settled in its current location across the street from where it originated.
Built in 1947, the building which serves as the current location was once the Dam Club and in the 1980’s the World Fair, a shop that sold clothing and knick knacks.
Don grew up in Wisconsin and served as a photographer during the Vietnam War while stationed in Libya. He worked at a shop like this for a time in the Wisconsin Dells. Linda had always had an interest in costuming, even working one summer in the costume department of a Chuck Norris movie in San Diego in the late 1970’s.
After they were married the couple left Wisconsin and traveled the United States in search of a tourist location to start their business. In 1975, they chose the Lake of the Ozarks as their home.
Although much smaller in its early years, the business proved to be a success. Don was the primary photographer while Linda made the majority of the costumes, all the hats, and worked the darkroom. Everything from the first interaction with the customer to the final print was done in house, and all on the same day.
The couple had three children: Mary, Laura, and John. John Roelofs resides in Nashville, Tennessee but would come back to help with maintenance and such of the building. Daughters Mary Van Houten and Laura Wilson have been involved with the business since they were young, and have been managing it full-time for the past 20 years. Don passed away in 2020 and Linda still comes into the shop daily to clean and do other tasks.
“When we were kids we lived upstairs from the shop when it was in its first location next to Casablanca,” Laura recalled. “We were always in the shop playing and doing stuff.”
“We’ve had generations of people from the same family come in for photos,” Mary said. “We have a family that has continued to come regularly since the second year it was opened.”
The concept of the business has remained steady over the years, and so has the attraction. Customers can choose from thousands of costumes, props, and nine scenes that include a bar, bedroom, parlor, jail, old cabin, and more. Those of all ages, including pets, can create scenes depicting gangsters, flappers, the Wild West, civil war soldiers, southern belles, weddings, burlesque, and much more. Photos can be produced in old time sepia-tone, contemporary black and white, or color.
“Our parents were very involved with the community and very social,” Mary explained. “A lot of their business came from that. We’ve always been and continue to be very family oriented and welcome those of all ages.”
Old Time Photos is located at 1321 Bagnell Dam Blvd
For information, visit oldtimephotos-lo.com
