Louis Edward Nollau was born 1883 in Quincy, Illinois. The son of Louis George and Lydia Mueller Nollau, little is known of his early life. He graduated from Manual Training High School, Louisville, in 1902, and received in 1904, a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering and in 1908, a Master of Engineering from State College of Kentucky (1916, University of Kentucky). While a student, he was an Instructor, 1904 and after graduation, an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department, 1911 - 1913. While teaching wood shop and engineering drawing, he was promoted to Professor of Engineering Drawing and was in this position, 1914 - 1953. During his professional tenure, he was named Head of the Department, 1918 - 1939. Because of his interest in photography and the University, Nollau was the first "official" campus photographer. He photographed individuals, buildings, events and scenes on campus during 1904 - 1955. Active as a speaker for the Lexington Camera Club, he lectured on the history of photography, from the discovery of the action of light on silver compounds to this art in his era. Retired in 1953, he was placed on Special Assignment and continued teaching and photographing until his death in 1955. There are other photographers who contributed to the collection: "Kentuckian" (University yearbook) staff, University Public Relations staff, Leon Frankel, James Wells, John Wyatt and unknown individuals.
From the description of Louis Edward Nollau Nitrate photographic print collection, ca. 1885-1966. (University of Kentucky Libraries). WorldCat record id: 192072642
From the description of Louis Edward Nollau F Series photographic print collection, ca. 1865-1966. (University of Kentucky Libraries). WorldCat record id: 192072637
