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'Hello, Norma Jean': Raton’s Old Pass
Gallery Exhibit To Feature Rare Photographs of Marilyn Monroe
“The girl people recognize as Marilyn Monroe, I don’t believe ever existed
…Norma Jean is one of the very few (models) for whom … memories are clear and
defined. She was impressive, to say the least. My day at the beach was with a
delightful young woman who was articulate, intelligent and eager to do the very
best she could. “
Never-before-exhibited photos of Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jean Dougherty), taken in
1945 by photographer William Carroll, will be featured throughout the month of
July 2005 in Raton, New Mexico’s Old Pass Gallery. Carroll will be on hand at
the opening reception June 28, 2005.
“In 1945 many Southern California photographers were using my AnscoColor film
processing and printing service,” Carroll said in his book “Norma Jean,”
published by Coda Publications of Raton (2004). “My company was expanding… and
our representatives needed point-of-sales material … demonstrating the quality
of our work.”
“About 8:30 on an August morning, bright and sunny as expected, I headed off
toward the Pacific coastal area. On the way I was to meet this unknown and
untried model known as Norma Jean Dougherty.”
Photos courtesy New Mexico Tourism
Department |
Photographer William Carroll |
All photos copyright 1945
by William Carroll |
“Not often does the New Mexico Tourism Department (NMTD) get the opportunity
to be a part of history,” said Mike Cerletti, secretary of NMTD. “This promises
to be a very enjoyable exhibit, and we commend the folks in Raton and the Old
Pass Gallery for their hard work and creative insight to offer an event of this
high caliber at the beginning of the summer tourism season.”
The Marilyn Monroe Exhibit is a project of the Raton Arts and Humanities Council
Inc. and Raton Chamber and Economic Development, Inc. It is funded by NMTD, New
Mexico Arts (a division of the Department of Cultural Affairs), the National
Endowment for the Arts, the Whited Foundation, the Macaron Foundation and the
City of Raton Lodgers’ Tax.
Operating from a restored Wells Fargo Express building situated along the Santa
Fe Railroad at 145 S. First Street, the Old Pass Gallery offers original views
of the people, places and objects that represent the great Southwest. For a
schedule of exhibits or to learn more call 505-445-2052.
Article and photos courtesy New Mexico Tourism Department
All photos copyright 1945 by William Carroll
Photographer William Carroll
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