Hanna & Hanna

1910s - 1984

BiographyMilton Edmond Hanna (ca. 1890, Illinois – July 1964, Albuquerque)
Ottilia Hanna (ca. 1895, Russia – 1957, Albuquerque)

Ottilia and Milton Hanna arrived in Albuquerque and opened Hanna & Hanna in the mid-1910s. Ottilia spoke several languages and her outgoing nature contributed greatly to the success and longevity the family’s studio enjoyed. Her civic activities ranged from war bond drives and mentoring women in business, to speaking at conferences about the importance of women using their right to vote. Ottilia was involved in the fiscal side of the partnership, purchasing competing studios like Barnum Studio in 1920, to add to the inventory and equipment of Hanna & Hanna. Through her efforts and the scientific knowledge of her husband, Milton, the Hannas became a sought-after commercial studio. Friendly with Clyde Tingley -- the unrestrained and intense Albuquerque Mayor and, later, Governor of New Mexico -- the Hannas took many photos at the theatrical photo ops that Tingley enjoyed. Ottilia and Milton had a son named Milton, Jr. (“Bud”), who inherited and ran the studio until its closure in 1984, making Hanna & Hanna the longest operated photography studio in Albuquerque history.

Person TypeInstitution