Bogardus, Abraham

1846 363 Broadway, New York, New York.[1]

1846 Barclay & Greenwich Streets, New York.¹

1847-1850 217 Greenwich Street, New York, New York.

1849 126 Washington Street, Newark, New Jersey.¹

1850-1851 8 Clinton Street, Newark, New Jersey.¹

1851-1863 229 Greenwich Street, Corner Barclay Street, New York, New York.

1862-1879 363 Broadway, New York, New York.

1870-1874 1153 Broadway, New York, New York.

1875-1886 872 Broadway, New York, New York.

1880-1889 349 Sixth Avenue, New York, New York.

1887-1890 11 East 42d Street, New York, New York.

1852 November 25. New York Daily Tribune. (New York, New York.) November 25, 1852, Vol. XII, No. 3622, P. 4.

Daguerreotypes.—A Card.—The undersigned takes this method of reminding his numerous friends and the public of the of the necessity of calling for their pictures during the “early part of the day.”

Our facilities for the executing pictures with accuracy and dispatch are unsurpassed, and yet we are compelled to disappoint hundreds from the fact of their calling “too late.”

During the short days sitting should always be taken before 3 P. M., as the light fails soon after that hour.

N. B.—Extra exertions will be made to supply the demand for pictures during the holidays.

Bogardus, Practical Daguerreotypist, No. 229 Greenwich st., south-east corner Barclay-st.

1853 March 8. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) March 8, 1853, Whole No. 7381, P. 5.

To Daguerreotypist—Wanted A Young Man that understands putting up daguerreotypes. Apply to Bogardus, 229 Greenwich street.

1853 May 12. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) May 12, 1853, Whole No. 7446, P. 4.

Something Good out of Broadway.—Persons wishing a first class daguerreotype, at a reasonable price, can always depend on a very fine picture, by visiting Bogardus Daguerreotype establishment, 229 Greenwich street, south corner of Barclay.

Advertisement ran on May 12 to 17, 1853.

1856 January 1. Photographic and fine Arts Journal. (New York, New York.) January 1, 1856, Vol. IX, No. 1, P. 19.

In an article entitled the Photographic Galleries of America. Number One, New York. The author visited 69 Galleries in New York City.

Bogardus — This gentleman is well-known to the public. He has gone through the photographic mill, and mastered all the difficulties of the art. His pictures are sharp, clear and well-developed. They possess an artistic excellence which distinguishes them above the mass. His galleries are very tastefully arranged and the specimens are so placed that their advantages are at once perceived; (this is not often the case.)

We cannot select any one specimen as being superior to the rest, there is an evenness and regularity throughout. Mr. Bogardus seems to have his hands full. He deserves it.

1857 April 28. The Evening Post. (New York, New York,) April 28, 1857, Vol. LVI, P. 2.

We have received from A. Bogardus, No. 229 Greenwich street, a well executed photograph of Columbia College, in its present condition. As in a few weeks, this venerable pile will be levelled with the ground, so exact a representation of it as this will be ordered by many of its alumni in this city.

1858 February. The Photographic And Fine Art Journal. (New York, New York.) February 1858, Vol. XI, No. 2, P. 63.

We had occasion to visit Mr. Bogardus’ gallery in this city, and were highly pleased, not only with his arrangements, but with the majority of his pictures. Mr. Bogardus is one of those who attends strictly to his business, pleases his customers, and fines his advantage in the attention he bestows.

1858 February 11. New York Daily Tribune. (New York, New York.) February 11, 1858, Vol. XVII, No. 5245, P. 1.

Photographs of the late Rev. Dr. Knox, from a most perfect daguerreotype, executed a few months before his decease, for sale at Bogardus’s Daguerreotype Establishment, No. 229 Greenwich-st.

1861 April 23. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) April 23, 1861, Whole No. 8992, P. 7.

A First Rate Photographic Printer Wanted at Bogardus’ 229 Greenwich street.

1862 April 26. Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper. (New York, New York.) April 26, 1862, Vol. XIII, No. 337, P. 18.

Bogardus, the well-known Daguerreotypist, has sent us a most excellent likeness of Captain Johnson of the New York 51^st, who fell, mortally wounded, while leading a charge at the battle of Newberne. It was this gallant soldier whose last words were, “I die gladly for my country!”

1862 October 30. New York Observer. (New York, New York.) October 30, 1862, Vol. XL, No. 44, Whole No. 2060, P. 3.

Bogardus’ New Photographic Establishment, 363 Broadway, corner of Franklin, Now Open. The Premises have been remolded, and every convenience added to insure the comfort of visitors; new Sky-lights constructed, and all the arrangements necessary for the production of first class Photographs in every desirable style.

Special Attention To The Carte De Visite.

My prices are reasonable for fine work.

Having unusual facilities, we shall be able to take sittings with rapidity, not subjecting our customers to tedious delay before sitting.

My Old Gallery, corner Barclay and Greenwich Streets, is still continued, having been in successful operation over 15 years.

Patronage is respectfully solicited. Abm. Bogardus, 363 Broadway.

1863 May 9. Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper. (New York, New York.) May 9, 1863, Vol. XVI, No. 397, P. 11.

Illustration. The Late Lieut. Col. Edgar Addison Kimball. 9th N. Y. Vol.—From A Photograph By Bogardus.

1865 January 26. New York Observer. (New York, New York.) January 26, 1865, Vol. XLIII, No. 4, Whole No. 2177, P. 6.

Bogardus, 363 Broadway, has published excellent photographs of Rev. Dr. Ormiston, of Canada, whose many friends in this city will be pleased to obtain this admirable likeness.

1866 February 24. Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Newspaper. (New York, New York.) February 24, 1866, Vol. XXL, No. 543, P. 13.

Illustration. The Rev. Thomas E. Vermilye. This photograph gives as good a likeness, probably, as there is of Dr. Thomas E, Vermilye, pastor of the Collegiate Dutch Reformed Church of this city. It was taken by Bogardus…

1867 February 14. The New York Herald. (New York, New York.) February 14, 1867, Whole No. 11,125, P. 1.

A Desirable Photograph Gallery For sale for half its value. Apply to or address Wm. F. [Kidney, care of Bogardus, 363 Broadway.

1872 February 23. The Jewish Messenger. (New York, New York.) February 23, 1872, Vol. 31, No. 8, Whole No. 735, P. 8.

Bogardus & Bendann Brothers’ Photographic & Portrait Galleries No. 1153 Broadway, Near 27^th Street, New York. Photographs in all styles.

Oil and Pastel Portraits in the Highest Style of Art. Small pictures of deceased persons copied to any size.

Advertisement ran from February 23 to June 28, 1872.

1872 April 19. The Jewish Messenger. (New York, New York.) April 19, 1872, Vol. 31, No. 16, Whole No. 743, P. 2.

Messrs. Bogardus & Bendann Bros. have issued timely photographs of the late Prof. Morse, which excite general admiration. The large painting of the venerable gentleman, which is on exhibition at their gallery, has been pronounced faultless, recalling vividly the deceased, and forming a rare work of art; and the photographs are faithful reproductions. Of course, Bogardus enterprise is richly rewarded by the rapid sale of the photographs, in card, cabinet and imperial styles.

1872 July 5. The Jewish Messenger. (New York, New York.) July 5, 1872, Vol. 32, No. 1, Whole No. 753, P. 2.

Bogardus & Bendann Bros., Photographic And Portrait Galleries, 1153 Broadway, (near 27th Street,) N. Y. Pictures In The Highest Style Of Art At Moderate Prices. Daniel Bandann. A. Bogardus. David Bendann.

Advertisement ran from July 5, 1872 to February 21, 1873.

1873 February 11. The Evening Post. (New York, New York.) February 11, 1873, Vol;. 72, P. 2.

The Firm Of Bogardus & Bendann Bros. is this day dissolved by mutual consent, Bendann Bros. retiring. A. Bogardus will receive and settle all accounts due to or from the late firm. Dated New York, Feb. 1, 1873. Wm, (sic.) Bogardus, Daniel Bendann, David Bendann.

Advertisement ran on February 11 & 12, 1873.

1873 February 27. New York Observer. (New York, New York.) February 27, 1873, Vol. LI, No. 9, Whole No. 2599, P. 3.

Dissolution. The Partnership heretofore existing under the firm name of Bogardus & Bandenn Brothers, Photographers, is dissolved (the Messrs. Bendann retiring). The business will in future be conducted by the undersigned, who will, as far as possible, give his personal attention to every Sitter.

Abraham Bogardus, 1153 Broadway, Near 27th Street.

Fine Photographs At Reasonable Prices, and pains will be taken, in every instance, to make satisfactory Pictures.

Old Daguerreotypes, Photographs, &c., enlarged to any desired size, and artistically finished in Oil, Pastel, Crayon, India-ink, &c., &c.

See Specimens On View. Bogardus, Established 1846.

1889 April 13. Anthony’s Photographic Bulletin. (New York, New York.) April 13, 1889, Vol. XX, No. 7, P. 211-214

Fifty Years of Light, Fifty Years of Practice, Fifty Years of Advancement, What are the Results!

By Abraham Bogardus. Read before the Photographic Section of American Institute.

The daguerreotype on the silver plate, followed by the ambrotype or positive on glass, and now the photograph on paper.

These various productions have followed each other in rapid succession, and the photograph, with its many variations, is the picture of to-day.

Results, did I say ? The exposure in the camera reduced from thirty minutes to the fraction of a second. The at first dim, evanescent image succeeded by the strongly defined impression.

Then, from each sitting but one impression; now, from one sitting impressions without limit. Then, a burdensome and complicated set of apparatus was necessary to secure a picture ; now, a spring is touched and the embryo picture is secured. Then, the nature of the materials used required the immediate and continued prosecution to the finish, no stopping or waiting in any part of the operation; now, there is no limit to the time ; do it at your leisure ; carry your plate thousands of miles, and develop it this year or the next Then, the picture must be under glass for safety; now, they are mailed as freely as any printed matter. These are some of the results.

Little do the general public know of the time, labor and money spent in experimenting to bring about these results. Many expensive and difficult experiments resulted in failure. These were followed by some variations, another trial and another failure; but its votaries were not to be discouraged. Every point, was discussed, every difficulty attacked, until success was attained, and the process has been so simplified that persons of very little skill can practice it with some degree of success.

Honor, all honor, I say, to the pioneers who, by hand and brain, have accomplished all this. Many persons now enjoying the benefit of the labor of these pioneers fail to give credit **to whom credit is due,” and some in their wisdom seem to consider the now easy process as the result of their superior ability ; they say, ** Those old fellows had a hard time to make pictures, but just see how easy we do it.” The hard time those pioneers were having was the means of placing it where you can reach it, my friend.

The usual result of simplifying any difficult process is to place it in the hands of those who never would have touched it had it remained difficult, and they are the first to say, **See how easy it is !” And, as I said last month at the Society of Amateurs, “The men who have worked for half a century to bring photography to its present status know of the difficulties encountered before success was attained, and can better appreciate its worth than the novice who finds his newly purchased satchel to contain everything required, and, as the patent medicine chest says, ‘with full printed directions inside.'”

Somebody acquired knowledge by careful experimenting to prepare and classify those chemicals. Somebody possessed brains enough to write those directions, and that somebody did not find it so easy as the aforesaid novice. Practical knowledge is acquired by hard work and does not come ready-made.

I will just mention one troublesome, and, in fact, incomprehensible, difficulty. The workers of the old wet process will remember the uncertainty in making collodion (plates did not come ready coated then) ; the careful and exact weighing, the mixing and the shaking, and then on trying it we found it worthless. What was to be done ? Why, just buy another lot of ingredients and try it again, and perhaps with the same result ; and these large bottles of worthless collodion are placed on the upper shelf, and another mixture perhaps gives you something to work with, but its results are hardly up to your desires. Now, singular to relate, after those two bottles had “sparked ” on that upper shelf for two or three months, mix their contents together and they will often produce the best work you have made in years. Neither will produce a picture alone, but mix them and the combination seems perfect. When mixing our chemicals we could not tell whether they would be good or good for nothing. So much for the past

I am now going to indulge in imagination. If my audience will go with me, I should like to carry them to a meeting that will probably be held fifty years from to-night It will be the one hundredth anniversary of Daguerre’s discovery. I do not expect to be present on that occasion, but, as I said, we will* imagine ourselves there. It will be held in the year 1939. I do not know the name of the gentleman occupying the President’s chair. I do not know the speaker’s name; he speaks on subjects so far advanced that we do not comprehend him. The audience looks very much like the one assembled here to-night, except that the style of dress is entirely changed. The audience room is fitted up entirely different; the walls, the ceilings, the seats, all belong to an advanced age. And the light ! No gas-light, no electric light or any artificial light; these are as much things of the past as the old dip candle is in our time. Although it is evening, yet the room is lighted by day-light; by a simple contrivance the sunshine is stored in a reservoir during the day, and its rays are released as needed. There are no reporters present; all out of date. An instrument with sounding board is in front of the speaker; it is connected with wires with all the newspaper offices, and gives direct to the compositor in the printing room every word as it is uttered. This instrument is the result of a contrivance by a man named Edison some fifty years before. A venerable antiquarian reads from an old musty book found in his library the report of a meeting of a society called the Photographic Section of the American Institute, held in the City of New York, March 5, 1 889. That meeting celebrated Daguerre’s fiftieth year of discovery. Professor Henry J. Newton was the presiding officer and Messrs. O. G. Mason and J. B. Gardner were the members of his cabinet.

As the venerable man reads the audience laugh heartily at the antiquated ideas promulgated at that meeting, and they congratulate themselves on living in an age when such ignorance in regard to photography has passed away. The officers of that meeting are spoken of as fairly intelligent men for that dark age, but modem inventions had so completely changed everything connected with the process that the complications worried over fifty years before had become obsolete.

The reader said he found page after page occupied in the discussion of dry plates, dark rooms, flash-lights, over-timed and under-timed negatives, amateur outfits, etc. All these terms were out of use and the audience wondered what it all meant

The reader continued, and said at all the society meetings and in all the publications of that day the one subject that seemed to occupy the entire time and attention was something called developer, A member moved a recess of half an hour and the appointment of a Committee to examine the society dictionary and report what developer was, any way. (The dictionary was a book some three feet hy four and two feet tljick, mounted on a frame with rollers for convenience.) The motion was adopted and recess taken. During the recess the audience interested themselves in examining some photographs made fifty years before. These pictures had been carefully preserved, and were highly valued, not for intrinsic worth, but as relics of a former age. They bore the names of Sarony, Kurtz, Falk, Fredricks, Mora, Rockwood, Anderson, Hargrave, Alman and others. These men were spoken of as **old masters.” There were also exhibited some daguerreotypes bearing the stamps of Gumey, Brady, Lawrence, Becker, Bogardus and others, but there was not a person present who had ever made one or knew how they were made. It was stated that at the School of Mines of Columbia College a set of daguerreotype apparatus had been preserved, but the present feculty did not know how to use them.

On re-assembling the Committee asked for time, saying it would be impossible to report before the next meeting, as the subject of developer occupied a large portion of the big book, and the more they read the less they knew ; and they should be obliged to call to their aid all the professors of some college to explain the complication called developer. The remaining time of the meeting was used to show the great advances made since the semi-centennial referred to, and for the men of that day to think they knew anything about photography was simply ridiculous. ‘*Why,” said one worthy brother, “they could not produce a color, and they could not deliver a dozen pictures under several days, as they even printed with nitrate of silver in the sunshine only, and they did not know any better than to fix their prints with hyposulphite of soda, that miserable salt, that eats itself up and bleaches everything it touches.*’

The newspapers of that day, claiming a circulation of as many millions as they now do of thousands, are all printed from negatives. The matter once set «p is immediately photographed on plates the size of the sheet, and as many negatives as are required to print the immense edition are at once supplied.

There are no photograph galleries at that day. An individual carrying a camera under his arm goes from house to house and takes your picture. The lenses are at one end of the box and the finished picture comes out of the other end, if the box is long enough. It’s the make-’em-while-you-wait process.

All the photographic literature was practical. The writers on imaginary theories and impracticable nothings had long since gone to their own place. No demand then for articles on the “Evanescent nature of nothing as compared with the translucent equanimity of the intangible.”

When the meeting adjourned the audience were conveyed to their homes by real rapid transit, propelled by electricity, which had superseded steam ; and by its use time and space were almost annihilated.

There, I think we have been away long enough, and had better come home while it is safe.

1 am asked all kinds of questions. Will the colors ever be photographed?

Well, in this day of wonders I am not going to say. Scientific men say color is a sensation, and when we can photograph a sensation then we shall have the colors. A good story is told of a woman who brought her bouncing baby for a picture. When the operator came with his plate he found her ** spanking” the baby. When asked why she did that she said he always had such a good color after that operation. Still, I do not think the color in this instance was a chemical production. It seems to have been produced by hand.

Question. — Is photography a fine art? That depends on where you get your pictures. If you go down to Coney Island the proprietor is so clam-tiou% for patronage that he does not give much attention to the ‘*art” question ; but many of the pictures produced in Europe, and also in this countn*, show as^ much art in posing, lighting and composition as many of the world- renowned works of art do.

Question. — Will photographs fade? I hope so. I hope the cheap trash now made in quantities will fade, and that right early, and not disgrace this age in the eyes of the next generation.

Question. — Will prices continue to come down ? With the photographer on one side, and the employee, stock dealer and the landlord on the other, I hope not From certain notices at the photographer’s desk, I think it’s the sitter who is obliged to **come down.”

Question.— Is it true that the photograph of the murderer has been seen on. the eyes of the murdered man ? Well, we are using many substances nowadays for photographing, but I have not seen any exhibited on dead men’s eyes* When I see that I shall look for my picture on the eyes of every fish I catch.

Question. — Will the process be still shortened? They are taken prettyquick — so quick that some of the pictures of females seem to have been taken before they had had time to more than half dress themselves.

Question. — How many New York photographers have retired rich?

Question. — Where do photographers go to when they die ? These questions. I will answer when I get the statistics.

New York City Directories:

1844-1846 Not listed in city directories. Published by John Doggett.

1847 New York City Directories. (New York, New York.) 1847/1848, Published by John Doggett.

Bogardus, Abraham, daguerreotypes, 217 Greenwich.

1848 New York City Directories. (New York, New York.) 1848/1849, Published by John Doggett.

Bogardus, Abraham, daguerreotypes, 217 Greenwich.

1849 New York City Directories. (New York, New York.) 1849/1850, Published by John Doggett.

Bogardus, Abraham, daguerreotypes, 217 Greenwich, H – Newark.

1850 New York City Directories. (New York, New York.) 1850/1851, Published by John Doggett.

Bogardus, Abraham, daguerreotypes, 217 Greenwich, H – Newark.

1851 New York City Directories. (New York, New York.) 1851/1852, Published by Doggett & Rode.

Bogardus, Abraham, daguerreotypes, 229 Greenwich, H – Grove Between Bleecker & Bedford.

1852 New York City Directories. (New York, New York.) 1852/1853, Published by John Fowler Trow.

Bogardus, Abraham, daguerreotypes, 229 Greenwich, H – 36 King.

1853 New York City Directories. (New York, New York.) 1853/1854, Published by John Fowler Trow.

Bogardus, Abraham, daguerreotypes, 229 Greenwich, H – 36 King.

1854 New York City Directories. (New York, New York.) 1854/1855, Published by John Fowler Trow.