1849 6 Exchange, Chicopee, Massachusetts. [1]
1849 9 Brinley Hall, No.9, Worcester, Massachusetts.
1850 9 & 10 Brinley Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1851 9 Brinley Hall, No.9., Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1852-1855 Waldo Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1856 227 Main, Clark’s Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1857 Main, Clark’s Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1859 Clark’s Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1860-1861 American House Block, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1862 197 Main, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1862 Union Art Gallery, New Bern, North Carolina[2]
1863-1866 Address Unknown, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1876 86 Front, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1877 Address Unknown, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1878 204 Front, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1879 Address Unknown, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1849 October 4. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) October 4, 1849, Vol. 5, No. 96, P. 2.
Premium Daguerreotype Establishment, No. 9 Brinley Hall, No. 9
The proprietor of this Establishment is prepared, as usual, to furnish his friends and the public with the most perfect Daguerreotypes that can be produced. Of the character of the pictures executed at this long established Gallery, it is enough to repeat that they have secured the very highest tokens of award from the late Mechanics’ Fair in this City, and from other equally competent sources. Probably no Establishment in the country enjoys a more enviable reputation for its Perfect and Life-Like Types, as well as for the beauty and expression of their minutest parts. Having secured the services of Mr. Moses S. Chapin, as an Artist, to take charge of my operating department, allow me to invite the attention of your readers to the beautiful Daguerreotypes executed at Dr. Van Alstin’s Establishment, No. 9 Brinley Hall.
Those who visit our City for the purpose of procuring Daguerreotypes, cannot be more satisfactorily accommodated than at No. 9 Brinley Hall.
Miniatures put into Silk for $1—and into Velvet Cases for $1,50. N.B. Stock constantly on hand and for sale at reasonable prices.
Advertisement ran from October 4 to December 6, 1849.
1849 December 7. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) December 7, 1849, Vol. 5, No. 149, P. 2.
Premium Daguerreotype Establishment, Types taken with Voightlander’s Quick Camera.
No. 9 Brinley Hall, No. 9
The proprietor of this Establishment has fitted up entirely anew his spacious and commodious Rooms, and furnished them with every convenience and comfort that can be obtained in the most fashionable rooms in the city. He has procured one of Voightlander’s Large and Quick Cameras—as large as any in this city—for the purpose of taking large types, groups of persons, and children, in a style of elegance and perfection that cannot be obtained by the use of smaller and less perfect instruments. He has also procured a large lot of Gold Lockets, double and single, of all sizes and descriptions, which he offers for sale at lower prices than they can be bought at any other place in the city. He is prepared, as heretofore, to furnish his friends and the public with the most perfect Daguerreotype that can be produced. Of the character of the pictures executed at this long established Gallery, it is enough to state that they have secured the very highest tokens of favor from the late Mechanics Fair in this city, and from other equally competent sources. Probably no Establishment in the country enjoys a higher reputation for its perfect and skillfully executed types, which exhibit the form and minutest parts of the original, fully and accurately delineated.
The public here and those visiting this city are invited to call and examine for themselves the beautifully and skillfully executed types at Dr. Van Alstin’s Establishment, at No. 9 Brinley Hall, under the charge of Mr. Moses S. Chapin.
Miniatures put into Silk for $1—and into Velvet Cases for $1,50. N.B. Stock constantly on hand and for sale at reasonable prices.
Advertisement ran from December 7 to December 31, 1849.
1851 May 13. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) May 13, 1851, Vol. VI, No. 292, p. 2.
To The Public. This is to certify that the undersigned, Daguerreotypist of this city have visited the Rev. Mr. Hill, of New York, the discoverer of the process of taking portraits and landscapes, in natural colors, and that Mr. Hill presented to them the communication which appeared in the Daily Spy last Saturday, May 10th, with a request to hand it to the Editors of the aforesaid paper, for publication; and he furthermore stated that if Mr. Van Alstin persisted in his assertions, he should send one more communication to the Spy, which would be definite and effectual.
Signed Moses S. Chapin. & C. R. B. Claflin
Advertisement ran from May 13 to June 3, 1851.
1851 June 20. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) June 20, 1851, Vol. VII, No. 17, P. 2.
Notice.—In reference to a certain article that appeared in the Spy, dated June__, I would say, in reply, being requested so to do by that Daguerrian Artist to “take notice” who it was that took the medal in 1848. It was Walker & Adams, not Adams alone, as be stated. Who was it that took the medal alone, in 1848? A. W. Van Alstin.
Adams; perhaps the public will say. Why not A. W. Van Alstin? Because he was in California.
Who was it that took so many poor pictures in my room while I was there?
Moses S. Chapin.
Where is George Adams operating at the present time?
Providence, R. I., not in Worcester.
Who is in the rooms formerly occupied by Adams?
Moses S. Chapin.
I hope that the remainder of the Artist’ will soon appear, and place him in his proper position, which is at the bench, with a saw and jack-plane. A. W. Van Alstin.
Advertisement ran from June 20 to June 23 1851
1851 October 3. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) October 3, 1851, Vol. VII, No. 108, P. 2.
It will be seen that Adams has removed his Daguerreotype establishment to rooms opposite the American Temperance House, where he will accommodate those desirous of his services. Mr. Chapin continues at the old stand.
1851 September 29. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) September 29, 1851, Vol. VII, No. 104, P. 2.
Particular Notice.—Geo. Adams would respectfully announce to his friends and the public, that the limitation of his engagement with Mr. Chapin, of Waldo Block, having expired, he has taken a suit of rooms in Brinley Row, over the Citizens Bank, and directly opposite the American House, where all those who are capable of appreciating fine Daguerreotypes are invited to call. Mr. A.’s Rooms are very easy of access, spacious, and fitted up with every convenience to produce good miniatures. The room for his Sky-light is of a size suitable for making a group of 40 persons on one plate.
Advertisement ran from September 29 to October 7, 1851
1852 January 9. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) January 9, 1852, Vol. VII, No. 191, P. 2
To the Public—The well known Daguerrean Rooms, Waldo Block, formally owned and occupied by Geo. Adams, and More recently by Adams & Chapin, have not been removed, but still are the center of attraction for all who appreciate good Daguerreotypes, as the facilities for taking daguerreotypes are such as cannot be surpassed in this city, if in the world. The limitation between Messrs Adams & Chapin and Adams & Co. Having ceased Sept. 18, 1851, Mr. Chapin would say to the public, that those splendidly finished Daguerrean Rooms, Waldo Block, are still open for exhibition, or all who may favor him with a call Mr. Chapin would say to all who would like good Daguerreotypes of themselves or friends, they will do well to call on Mr. C., Waldo Block, where all may be sure of obtaining perfect daguerreotypes for the extreme low price of 50 cents. Perfect satisfaction given or no charge. Particular attention paid to taking Children.—Hours for taking children from 9 A. M. to 3 P. M. Call and examine for yourselves.
Advertisement ran from January 9 to February 11, 1852.
1853 January 3. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) January 3, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 105, P. 3.
Christmas and New Year’s Presents, At Reduced Prices!
A large assortment of all the latest style Daguerreotype Cases, both fancy and plain Also a large variety of Gold Lockets, suitable for presents, to be had at Chapin’s Daguerreotype Rooms, Waldo Block, where you will be supplied with the richest, that the market affords.
Mr. C. would most cordially welcome all who may favor him with a call. Dec 24.
Advertisement ran from January 3 to January 31, 1853.
1853 September 27. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) September 27, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 331, P. 2.
M. S. Chapin having returned to Waldo Block Daguerreian Rooms, will attend personally to those who may favor him with a call.
All those wishing for a perfect gem of the art, will of course, avail themselves of the first opportunity of calling on Mr. C. and secure one or more of those mamentoes, which in the hour of affliction no price can purchase.
Mr. Chapin is taking splendid Daguerreotypes and enclosing them in a very beautiful case, inlaid with pearl for $1,00. Also, in very fine cases for 50 cts.
Please call and examine specimens before purchasing at any other rooms, and satisfy yourselves that you can buy cheaper and better Daguerreotypes at Chapins, than any other Rooms in this City.
This is no humbug. Will you call and favor me with a sitting.
Advertisement ran from September 27 to October 26, 1853.
1853 December 24. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) December 24, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 404, P. 2.
Christmas and New Year’s Gifts. Mr. Chapin, having collected an endless variety of all the very latest and richest patterns of Daguerreotype Cases, selected expressly for Christmas and New Year’s presents, would most cordially welcome all who wish to procure a gem. Call on Mr. C., Waldo Block, and make a selection from the largest stock of Daguerreotype Cases ever offered to the public.
All pictures taken at his rooms are warranted to give satisfaction. Mr. Chapin is now the only Daguerreotyper in this city to whom was awarded a silver medal, for the best Daguerreotypes, at the Mechanics’ Exhibition, 1851.
Ladies and Gentlemen make a wise selection, and go to Chapin’s where you can get a rich gift for a little money, and where you will be treated with respect and attention. M. S. Chapin, Artist.
Advertisement ran from December 24, 1853 to January 14, 1854.
1855 October 23. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) October 23, 1855, Vol. X, No. 252, P. 2.
257…New Daguerreotype Rooms…257. M. S. Chapin having now removed from Waldo Block, and taken rooms in Wm. C. Clark’s new and splendid block, corner of Main and Mechanic streets, and directly over Martin Stowe’s Dry Goods store, would call the attention of his numerous friends and customers, and all in want of a first class Daguerreotype, (not second to any made in this city,) will be doubly paid by calling on Mr. C. and obtaining one of the same, thus securing one of his superior toned types, which are so much admired by all lovers of this truly beautiful art. Having speared no pains in arranging a very large North sky-light, which is acknowledged by all artist to be much the best, and always sought for whenever to be had, he feels confident that his long experience and practical knowledge of the business, will be sufficient to warrant him a large share of public patronage. Mr. Chapin’s operating room is very large and commodious, enabling him to take groups of any number desired.
Mr. C. will take Daguerreotypes at as reasonable prices as any room in Worcester, including case. Copying done in the very best manner.
Daguerreotyping of the sick, and deceased, taken in the most satisfactory manner. Also—Great pains taken with children. Each person is allowed the privilege to sit till they are satisfied with their Daguerreotypes, and no pay in advance. Remember—Rooms in Clark’s Block.
Advertisement ran from October 23 to November 8, 1855
1856 January 17. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) January 17, 1856, Vol. XI, No. 14, P. 2.
Gallery of Female Beauty.—It will be seen by reference to an advertisement in our columns, that Barnum’s plan for a “Gallery of American Female Beauty” is about to be into affect, and that portraits of the most beautiful women in various parts of the country, are to be taken, First by daguerreotype, and then to be painted in oil. A large amount is to be awarded in premiums. Three artists are appointed to take daguerreotypes for the purpose in this city, without any expense to the sitter.
1856 January 17. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) January 17, 1856, Vol. XI, No. 14, P. 3.
Gallery of Female Beauty. Prizes amounting to [$ 0000] for the likeness of the Handsomest Women in America. Daguerreotypes of Beautiful Females taken, with out expense to the sitters, by the first artist in the country! The celebrated enterprise of Mr. P. T. Barnum, the “Gallery of American Female beauty.” Is now being actively carried out by the proprietors of Barnum’s American Museum in New York, Messrs. Greenwood & Butler, as originally designed by Mr. B.
The premium for the likeness of the handsomest lady is $1,000; for the next most handsomest $300; the next, $200; the next $150; the next $100; and the next ninety, $25 each. The entire one hundred are to be painted in oil portraits, afterwards, by distinguished artists, and the ten handsomest of all will be engraved for the World’s Book of Beauty in Paris. The following artists will take the daguerreotypes in this city free of expense to the sitter:
C. R. B. Claflin, 188 Main Street; Lewis Babbitt, M. S. Chapin, Clark’s Block.
Advertisement ran from January 17 to January 22, 1856
1935 April. The Worcester Historical Society Publications (Worcester, Massachusetts) New Series Vol. I, No. 8, p. 438.
The Daguerreotype Art And.
…Moses Sanford Chapin was a native of Milford, Mass., and before entering the daguerreotype business had learned the cabinet trade. He conducted a successful gallery until shortly after the close of the Civil War, when he retired to take up his earlier calling.
During the War he went to Newbern, N. C., and for a time did photographic work with the Northern Armies.
The society is fortunate in having a considerable collection of daguerreotypes made by Mr. Chapin. These are very interesting as illustrating the appearance of the patrons of a daguerreotype gallery three quarters of a century ago.
[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.
[2] Photographers In North Carolina The First Century, 1842-1941.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 