Voscar shares images in new book

By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE Maine — Local photographer Oscar Nelder — better known as Voscar, the Maine Photographer — first began sharing some of his works through calendars. With two successful printings and tons of compliments, and with the encouragement of family and friends, he’s published a book of his work throughout the years, featuring scenes from Aroostook County and beyond, entitled, “As I See It.”    Voscar credits his wife with the original idea to move beyond calendars and publish a book.    “It was Darlene’s idea basically. I’ve been thinking about it for years — written a lot for the Bangor Daily and The Star-Herald,” said the Houlton native.
The 68 pages of photos range from those taken in the 1950s through the 1980s.
“Folks urged me to share some of my many photographs through this medium. I chose to use black and white rather than color because I like the tones created. Viewers aren’t distracted by the color, but at the same time I do have some pretty good color pictures — perhaps those are for another book or calendar,” he said. “Printing in color is more costly, so I’m not sure if or when that will happen, unless someone wanted to sponsor the book.”
Scenes include shots from the following communities: Masardis, Presque Isle, New Sweden, Linneus, Oxbow, Timoney Pond/Oakfield, Blaine, Easton, Houlton, Madawaska, Mapleton, Stockholm, Shin Pond, Monticello, Grand Isle, St. Francis, Portage, Allagash and Trafton Lake.
“I’ve included politicians to potato pickers, animals to flowers — including my favorite, apple blossoms,” said the photographer.
Individuals pictured range from local residents to state and national leaders.
“The shot of President John F. Kennedy remains my most popular and is in the book. I also have a shot of my mother, Velma Nelder and great-nephew Ralph Closson; John Taggett of St. Francis; Nancy Closson; Cluney McPherson Sr.; ‘Hi Kids’ members Dick Howe and Rosalee ‘Ros’ Lavelle; Ron Bouchard and Cynthia Rodrick; Linwood Cronkhite; John Logan; Sen. Edmund Muskie; Pres. Richard Nixon when he was campaigning; Ted Williams and Bud Leavitt,” said Voscar.
On hand for the first trans-Atlantic balloon takeoff, Voscar was able to get a photo of the Double Eagle II. Later, he caught up with the pilots — Maxie Anderson, Larry Newman and Ben Abruzzo — at a Jeannie C. Riley show at the Northern Maine Fair in Presque Isle. Images from both occasions are in the book.
“Darlene and Richard (Graves, Presque Isle’s resident historian) helped select the images. Richard had most of them. The selection process took several weeks and involved narrowing down the thousands of shots I’ve taken over the years to a select few for publication,” he said.
Voscar will be on hand at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library on Friday, May 4, from 6-8 p.m., offering a slide presentation that is open to the public as part of the First Friday Art Walk event. He will also be signing copies for those interested.
“Books are available in Presque Isle at Goin’ Postal, Merchants on the Corner and Morning Star Art & Framing. They are also for sale at Deep in the Woods in Oxbow,” said Voscar. “Or anyone interested can contact me directly at 762-3089.”
Voscar said he’s interested in sharing his work should a club or organization be interested.
“I”m open to making presentations to civic organizations,” said Voscar. “I’ll be at the library the first Friday in May, showing some original drawings and slides that include Muskie, Pres. Jimmy Carter, Sen. Olympia Snowe, Sen./Secretary of State Bill Cohen and Gov. Angus King,” said Voscar.
The book will be a collector’s item, with historical significance to many in the communities represented.
“The photographs capture different times and places throughout the region’s history. I wanted to share what I’ve captured on film and hope others will find them as interesting as I did when I took them. The book makes for a good conversation piece and hopefully will stir fond memories for those who buy it,” said Voscar.