HFC alumnus hosts “Uncle Stan’s Vintage Photography” of famous people; public invited

HFC alumnus Lance Rosol was inspired to become a professional photographer by his late uncle, Stan Rosol, who was a photographer in Hollywood after World War II.

“Uncle Stan just was a natural when it came to photography. I remember seeing his photos and how it inspired me to become a photographer like him. I strived to take photos just as well as he did,” recalled Rosol, of Dearborn, a professional photographer in his own right for more than 30 years.

“Uncle Stan’s Vintage Photography” at McFadden-Ross House

On Wednesday, September 6, at 7:00 p.m., Rosol will host a presentation called “Uncle Stan’s Vintage Photography,” showing his uncle’s photos at the Dearborn Historical Museum’s McFadden-Ross House, 915 S. Brady Street in Dearborn.

Rosol's uncle died in California in 2002. In 2021, due to Rosol's interest in photography, relatives sent him boxes that belonged to his uncle. These boxes contained tens of thousands of negatives, slides, and printed photos. The collection includes photos of celebrities from Hollywood’s Golden Age, politicians, pro athletes, and captains of industry – an absolute treasure trove for Rosol. There were also vintage photos of Dearborn and Hollywood landmarks and family pictures, including photos from Rosol’s parents’ wedding that he had never seen.

Rosol is still sorting through them to this day.

“I’ll be telling the story about how I got the pictures, as well as the story behind them,” said Rosol, referring to the Sept. 6 event. “This will be very informative.”

Photos of JFK, Catwoman, Bing Crosby, the Skipper, Sammy Davis, Jr.

Some of his uncle’s more famous photo subjects include:

• President John F. Kennedy
• Johnny Carson
• Sammy Davis, Jr.
• Rosemary Clooney
• Bing Crosby
• Alan Hale, Jr. (of Gilligan's Island fame)
• Julie Newmar

Rosol found photos of Newmar that were taken before she became famous for playing Catwoman on 1966-68’s Batman. Unsure when and where they were taken, Rosol emailed Newmar images of the photos. Newmar responded within hours, telling him they were taken on Broadway in 1956. She also inquired if she could get copies of the photos because she liked them so much!

To ensure his uncle’s photos would be shared online properly, Rosol signed a contract with Getty Images.

“I want to share my uncle’s photos, but I want to do so the right way,” he said. “I cannot tell you how blessed I am to have received these photos.”

Admission to “Uncle Stan’s Vintage Photography” is free and open to the public. For questions or more information, contact 313-565-3000.