Ruth Alexander Nichols Beach (1893-1970), Oberlin College Class of 1915, was an accomplished photographer. She began to use a camera at an early age, using small animals as her subjects. Her photographs of babies and children appeared in advertisements and illustrations for magazines such as Good Housekeeping and McCalls, and for companies such as Delmonte and Beechnut. She was known for her ability to catch her subjects (primarily children) in natural poses and unaware of the camera.

The Oberlin College Archives holds the Nichols Family Papers (RG 30/372)

Ruth A. Nichols Oberlin Alumni Magazine Article

Shown left: Ruth A. Nichols Beach with her 5" x 7" Graflex camera, 1941
Photograph and biographical information courtesy of Jane N. Spragg