Although the Washington Salon clearly brought the sisters their first formal recognition as art photographers, their friendship with fellow Salon exhibitor, Frances Benjamin Johnston of Washington, D.C., was perhaps of equal importance. Beginning with this exhibition, Frances Benjamin Johnston played a critical role in advancing the Allen sisters’ careers.18 Her involvement as an exhibitor, judge, or organizer of significant turn-of-the-century photography exhibitions, and her press connections, worked to the Allens’ advantage.
Photographs courtesy of Memorial Hall Museum, Deerfield, MA.
