George Eastman: The Visionary Behind the Memories

George Eastman was born in 1854 and grew up in Waterville, New York, and then Rochester after his father passed away. In 1877, Eastman had hopes of traveling to Hispaniola and looking into real estate there. One of his friends suggested that he bring camera equipment along on his trip and he became so focused on photography that, even though he never went on the trip, he desired to find a way to improve the bulky photographic equipment he loved. So, he began learning from other photographers and experimenting. He began his experiments with wet and dry-plate photography.[1]

Eastman was able to give so much money away because he never married and much of his family passed before his success with Kodak. In his will, Eastman left his money for his philanthropic pursuits and for the community in Rochester. Throughout his life, he truly did focus on the needs of others; that was his passion along with photography. He also loved traveling. His life, however, ended as a bleak tale.[7]

By 1932, Eastman had been struggling with a debilitating spinal disease that made it hard to walk. His mother had experienced a similar disease, and he knew that she had ended her life in a wheelchair. In his pain and time at home, however, Eastman still supported and loved the arts. He hired an organist to perform during his breakfast time and continued his support until his death.[8] On March 14^th, 1932, George Eastman committed suicide by shooting himself in the heart. An article by PBS describes: “besides Eastman, only two famous American inventors have died by their own hand.”[9] The physical pain he endured and the familial loss he experienced contributed to Eastman’s deep suffering and depression. While his philanthropic pursuits could not save him, his innovations and love for the community made a name for himself and for the Kodak company.