Item M12825 - Stocker's Security Storage trucks

Edward Jack Savannah was born in Victoria, British Columbia on October 19th, 1898. He was educated at the University of California, where he attained a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. Afterward, he pursued post-doctoral work at the University of Washington. He returned to Victoria shortly after the death of his father, John Savannah, in 1925. John had operated a commercial photography studio in Victoria, and Edward took over the business upon his death.

The studio operated under the names Savannah Studio, Savannah Portraits, and simply Savannah. Whereas Savannah Studio was located at 500-1122 Government Street from 1925-1939 and operated solely as a photography studio, Edward also opened the Art Centre, in 1935, at 752 Fort Street. Initially, the new business was wholly distinct from the Savannah Studio and operated as a camera repair and photography supplies store. In 1939 Edward commissioned, and moved into, a new building to house both the Art Centre and Savannah Studio at 780 Fort Street. In 1947 he moved the Art Centre to 798 Fort Street, and shortly after, in 1948, he moved the studio as well. The Art Centre continued under his ownership until 1952 when he sold the business, which also marked the end of Savannah Studio. However, photographs taken by him continued to appear in the Daily Colonist until at least 1958. He also maintained a career outside of photography as a professor of chemistry at Victoria College from 1929 until his death.

Edward married Yvonne Frances Willsie on September 2nd, 1953, and they had two daughters: Anne and Jane. Edward, for the majority his life in Victoria, lived at 921 Cook Street, and his family lived there until after the death of his mother, Maude Savannah, in 1962. Edward himself died two years earlier, on October 26th, 1960.