On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Roland Penttila shared rare photographs from Kurt’s Camera Corral and striking black-and-white images by Jim Kubié that capture Albuquerque railroad workers at their craft in 1971. This presentation offers a nostalgic glimpse into a beloved Nob Hill landmark and the skilled labor that once powered the city’s rail history.
For decades, Kurt’s Camera Corral thrived on Central Avenue in Nob Hill. It was a gathering place for those with an interest in the science and performance of photography in the film days. It’s now gone. Roland has images of the store’s interior that may bring back some memories. Kurt’s son, Jim, was bitten by the photography bug and became quite an accomplished candid image photographer. In 1971, he was granted complete access to the interior of one of the last working buildings on the campus. What has resulted are excellent, black-and-white images of Albuquerque workers using their skill, their hands and machines to repair the equipment that kept the railroad running.
The program was held at the Albuquerque Museum at 2000 Mountain Rd. NW in Old Town. Parking is free in the lot south of the Museum. Admission to the Museum and the AHS program is also free.
Roland Penttila is a civil engineer who moved to New Mexico in 1998 to work on the NM 44 highway improvement project. It was his plan to finish the project and move back to California. But he met Peggy whom he married in 2003 and has lived in the Land of Entrapment now for 27 years. Roland is also an amateur photographer who has had his photos published and displayed in local galleries. After retirement in 2012, he immersed himself in Albuquerque’s history and is now a member of HAI and AHS. Roland has given talks to HAI, AHS, Wheels, Oasis and Parkland Village. He and Peggy live in the southeast heights and have one (very senior) dog named Bitty.
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