Fite's Photography Studio
From History of Owensboro
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Mr. Samuel L. Fite born 1864 Canada, was reported to be the best photographer in Owensboro, and perhaps the only African-American to own a photography studio in the state of Kentucky.
A photo card lists his studio address as 613 Main Street, Owensboro in 1898. Around 1890, Fite's Studio was located on the second floor of the Breidenbach Building, located at 208 West Third Street in Owensboro.
Samuel L. Fite married his wife Georgia E. Mahen (b. 1868 TN) February 12, 1890, and the couple is found living on Elm Street In Owensboro in the 1900 census.
Source: Notable African Americans
Source: Photo card on file at DCPL donated 2016
Fite's Studio - Mr. S Fite, owner of Fite's Studio, at Owensboro, KY., is in a position to render the race a great service. It is acknowledged that he is by far the best photographer in that city, and his patrons are not only the leading white people there, but they come from other towns to have work done. Mr. Fite had a hard struggle when he first location at Owensboro, because of the unfair means used by the white men engaged in the same line of work to defeat him. But he has more than won the fight, and stands at the head as an example of what push and pluck will do.
Source: Evidences of Progress Among Colored People; G. F. Richings, pg. 511