I can't think of a public event I've been to over the past 25 years that Howard K. Watkins hasn't been there taking photographs. On Sunday, Watkins donated his collection of more than 150,000 photos to the Henry Madden Library at Fresno State. The collection chronicles a community, going back more than 30 years.
Howard not only takes photos, he gives copies of them to his subjects. On several occasions, he has sent me photos that I'm in. The reception Sunday afternoon on the fourth floor of the Madden library brought together a cross section of the community, including judges, city council members, county supervisors and civic leaders.
Here's Susie Pakoua Vang's story in The Bee about the event.
Vang wrote: "The goal is to digitize Watkins' photos so people could have online access, said Peter McDonald, dean of library services. But funding, he said, is key because the project is estimated to cost about $200,000. The nonprofit Fresno Regional Foundation is accepting tax-deductible donations to support the project."
This is a wonderful project and will help fill out the Valley's historical record.
You can always count on Howard to capture the essence of any event. Thanks Howard! Larry Salinas - UC Merced (former Fresnan)
Howard's pictures through the years have saved our presonal and professional memories that are worth billions and billions of words. He represents pure public service and public heart because he never has sought self-glory, just simply has shared his passion and hobby with our community. Thank you Watkins family......
Hi, Howard. You took some pictures at the Hastings reunion. I;d like to see the, Terry Shannon