DeWane Studio closes after 74 years

DeWane Studio in Woodstock is closing after 74 years of business.

In a letter, Jim DeWane, the business’ main photographer, said COVID-19 has been, and continues to be, “devastating” to all our lives.”

“Unfortunately, we have made the difficult decision to close DeWane Studio, which was established by my parents Bernard and Arlene DeWane in 1946,” Jim DeWane wrote. “In our 74 years of business, we have served many customers, and we are thankful for your support and loyalty. There will always be a special place in our hearts for all of you.”

In the letter, Jim DeWane thanked employees, including Marilyn Anderson, with 50-plus years of service, and Bonnie Andresen, with 15 years, for their work at the studio.

Customers can contact the store at dewanestudio@dewanestudio.com or at 815-338-1880 to make arrangement to pick up orders.

On Facebook, a status from DeWane Studio from May 11 said “All good things must come to an end. A heartfelt Thank You to all of our customers!!!”

As previously reported by the Northwest Herald in 2016, when the studio was celebrating its 70th anniversary, DeWane Studio, during its time in Woodstock, has survived a fire, photographed a baby elephant and transitioned into the digital age. According to its website, the business has photographed thousands of area families.

The business had started in the basement of a Crystal Lake hair salon, before it moved to the DeWane home on Jefferson Street in Woodstock, then to Calhoun Street, before finally ending up at 220 Main St., where it is now.

Jim DeWane could not be reached for comment.

DeWane Studio isn’t the only area business closing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kiera Confections, cupcake bakery and ice cream shop, located at 1114 N. Green St. in Downtown McHenry, announced earlier this month that they would be closing as well.

Kiera Confections served community organizations, including the McHenry Downtown Business Association, the McHenry Riverwalk Foundation and the McHenry Events Committee.

The owner, Kim Loewe, announced the news on Facebook “with a heavy heart.”

“We did everything in our power to try and remain open during these uncertain economic times,” she said.