PROFILES
words by AUBREY TYSON
photography provided by SCHERLING PHOTOGRAPHY
fa m i ly, h a rd work, an d fa ith
local photography business celebrates 100 years You wouldn't guess by walking into their studio for the first time, but Scherling Photography is in their 100th year of business. A feat that very few family businesses accomplish. Patrick and Larry Scherling laugh about it as if it's just another year for them, but we know the significance behind this accomplishment. Sitting down with Patrick and Larry, it is easy to see they are proud to be part of such a long-standing business in the Fargo area. Happy to share their story, we dive right into the start of Scherling Photography.
a 313 Broadway Reception Are
a.r. scherling
Grandfather A.R. Scherling was a small-town Minnesota farm boy with a strong faith-based upbringing. His passion for photography started in Pillager, Minnesota. He then relocated to Fargo to do an internship with Dewey Studios. After learning about the trade, A.R. set out to build a business of his own. In 1919, A.R. started Scherling Photography at 113 1/2 Broadway in Fargo. He offered coupons for 25 cent roll processing in addition to photography services. In 1948, his son Orlando Scherling took over the business and eventually relocated to 313 Broadway. Orlando founded a company called Scherling Photo Products. Customers could send in film, receive their prints, and get a free roll of film. The business was so successful, both Patrick and Larry remember when they were processing up to 40,000 rolls per month. Their first studio in Downtown Fargo was where the processing magic happened and holds some special memories for the Scherling Brothers.