Clarence DeWalt was probably Helena's most prolific photographer of the 20th century. He took thousands of student and spcial occasion portraits over the decades, along with other work. DeWalt was not the documentarian that photographer Les Jorud was, but he certainly made a name for himself. DeWalt was known for his distinctive radio ads, a sample of which may be heard by clicking on the radio below. Audio courtesy of Wally Peel...

DeWalt Studio & Camera Shop Radio Ad

Born in Vermillion, Kansas in 1902, Clarence was married to Gail Meagher DeWalt (1908-2005) who worked in various stenographic, secretarial and administrative positions in Montana state government. Clarence had a son, Richard (1933-1986), from a previous marriage. The DeWalts resided at 1 Washington Place for many years.

DeWalt was a community activist, and was involved in several local organizations. He was one of the most vocal critics of the closing of Main Street to automobile traffic during the "Urban Renewal" period of the 1970s.

In 1953, Clarence was President of the State Board of the Examiners in Photography. It's hard to believe now, but you then had to have a license to take photos for money. Of course, the practical piurpose of the licensing board was to limit professional competition.

In early 1953, the board filed a criminal case against unlicensed photographer Everett A. Esterby for operating a studio in the Securities Building on Main Street. In November of '53, a District Judge found the law under which the examiners operated to be unconstitutional, and an abuse of police power.