1850-1853 142 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.[1]
1854-1863 188 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1864-1871 229 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1872-1889 377 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1890-1892 405 Main Street, Worcester, Massachusetts.1
1850 June 20. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) June 20, 1850, Vol. 6, No. 16, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes, The subscriber who has been favorably known in Worcester County, for a number of years past, as a Daguerrean Artist, would respectfully inform all those wishing to procure a Miniature of themselves or friends that they can procure a beautiful and correct Likeness, (with or without color,) and have it inserted in a neat and handsome case, for $1,00 by calling at his rooms, 142 Main St., nearly opposite the Exchange, entrance under the sign of Miller & Newton, Dentist, where he has decidedly the best Sky-light in the city.
The subscriber wishes it distinctly understood, that he uses none but the very best materials that can be obtained. He is also confident that he shall be able by the use of new chemical compounds which has been discovered by experimental practice, to furnish pictures, which in point of depth of tone general delineation and life-like appearance, will be second to none that can be obtained in the city.
Persons having pictures by other operators which are unsatisfactory, can have them exchanged for those that are at a reasonable price. Particular attention paid to taking in fair weather, from 10 o’clock A. M. to 4 P. M.
Pictures taken from Sick or Deceased persons at their residence, copies taken from Daguerreotypes and Portraits. Perfect satisfaction guaranteed. Pictures taken of persons over ten years old equally as well in cloudy as in fair weather. Ladies and Gentlemen are invited to call and examine specimens. C. R. B. Claflin. Worcester, June 19, 1850.
Advertisement ran from June 20 to November 23, 1850.
1850 December 19. Worcester Daily Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts) December 19, 1850, Vol. 6, No. 169, P. 3.
Claflin’s Sky-Light Daguerreotypes, 142 Main Street—Worcester.
The subscriber invites the attention of the public to his superior Daguerreotypes having decidedly the best sky-light in the city, (up only one flight of stairs) he is by new chemical agents enabled to produce pictures in the most perfect manner, almost instantaneously, thereby doing away the necessity of long and tedious sittings, formerly required, and retaining the life-like expression so desirable to all.
Pictures taken of adults from 8 A. M. to 5 P. M. C. R. B. Claflin.
Advertisement ran from December 19, 1850 to March 21, 1851.
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. Worcester, May 12, 1851.
Advertisement ran from May 13 to June 3, 1851.
1851 June 27. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) June 27, 1851, Vol. VII, No. 23, P. 3.
Sky-Light Daguerreotypes. C. R. B. Claflin invites the attention of the public to the superior Daguerreotypes he is now taking at 142 Main street.
Particular attention is invited to the clear and life-like expression of the eye; the rich and beautiful softness of tone; the rare and exquisite finish of both plate and picture.
From his long experience in, and extensive knowledge of the business, together with the facilities with which he has to operate, he feels justified in saying that the pictures he is now producing are not excelled by those of any other operator either in the city or country. Persons having pictures taken by the best operators, are earnestly solicited to call and compare them with the pictures now being taken at his rooms. It is a fact, universally acknowledged, that the pictures taken at his rooms, in point of delineation, boldness, and unerring truthfulness, are equalled by few, and excelled by none.
Price $1,00 and upwards, according to size of plate, and richness of frame or case. Persons having pictures taken by other operators, with which they are dissatisfied, can have them re-taken at a reasonable charge. Copies taken from Daguerreotypes and Painted Miniatures, Busts, and Portraits. Children taken at all ages. Recollect the number—142 Main Street, (up only one flight of stairs.) 2 doors north of B. L. Hardon’s & Co. Worcester, June 25.
Advertisement ran from June 27 to September 2, 1851.
1851 July 11. Barre Patriot. (Barre, Massachusetts.) July 11, 1851, Vol. 7, No. 52, Whole No. 542, P. 3.
Sky-Light Daguerreotypes. If you wish to procure a Perfect Likeness, please call at C. R. B. Claflin’s Room, 142 Main Street, two doors north of B. L. Hardon & Co., where you can be furnished with Pictures, (either in cloudy or fair weather) that will be pleasing and satisfactory, or no charge.
By use of a Magic Preparation I am enabled to take types of children of all ages in one to three seconds.
Prices of Pictures $1 and upwards.
Advertisement ran from July 11, 1851 to July 2, 1852.
1852 January 5. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) January 5, 1852 Vol. VII, No. 187, P. 2.
Now is your time. Claflin is taking Daguerreotypes at the reduced price of 50 cents. We would advise our friends and the public generally, if they wish to procure a Perfect Likeness, to call at his rooms, 142 Main street 2d, door north of B. L. Hardon & Co.
Advertisement ran from January 5 to April 28, 1852.
1853 January 3. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) January 3, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 105, P. 2.
Christmas and New Year Presents. Adams & Claflin having formed a co-partnership, will be happy to receive a call from their friends and the public generally, at their rooms 142 and 188 Main Street. A magnificent assortment of all the different styles of Fancy Cases, suitable for presents, just received. Give us a call.
Advertisement ran from January 3 to March 11, 1853
1853 January 13. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) January 13, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 114, P. 3.
Listed under Worcester Business Directory of Manufactures, Trades & Professions under Daguerreotypes.
Adams & Chaflin (sic.), 188 and 142 Main Street.
Advertisement ran from January 13 to April 7, 1853
1853 May 2. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) May 2, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 206, P. 2.
Adams & Claflin, Artist. No. 188 Main Street, directly opposite the American House, Worcester, having a fine Sky-Light for Adults, we have recently added to our Establishment an adjoining Room, with a spacious Side-Light, expressly for Daguerreotyping Children, by the use of which Pictures are made almost instantaneously.—Those who have failed at other Rooms, are invited to give us a call. Hours for small Children, from 10 a. m., to 4 p. m.
Advertisement ran from May 2 to August 22, 1853
1853 May 3. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) May 3, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 207, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes—We respectfully at the attention of our readers to the Advertisement of Adams & Claflin in another column. They have recently had their Saloon elegantly and conveniently fitted up for the accommodation of lady and gentlemen sitters; and they have also made improvements, having special reference to taking the likenesses of children. The pictures of Adams & Claflin are pre-eminently beautiful. We believe it is impossible to excel them. The out-lines of their portraits are always clear, the full lights and shadows are broad and deep, while the half shades are taken with the most delicate nicely. Any one wishing to secure a true semblance of the “human face divine” of some dear friends or relatives should not fail to call on Adams & Claflin.
1853 August 4. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) August 4, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 286, P. 2.
Colored Daguerreotypes.—Adams and Claflin, of this city, having succeeded in making colored daguerreotypes, which immensely excel every thing of the kind we have seen. The color is laid on by chemical process, after the picture has been taken i the camera, and so skillful are Adams and Claflin in its application, that the outline, and even the most delicate shades are retained, in all their softness and beauty.
The coloring is clear and beautifuly toned, and in our estimation renders the miniatures which Adams & Claflin make, unsurpassable by anything in art.—These daguerreotypes artists are second to none in their profession; and when, to their skill in the use of the camera, is added this beautiful process of chemical coloring, we may safely say they can produce portraits which cannot be excelled. Those who wish to see what perfection they have attained, should visit their saloon, 188 Main Street.
1853 August 8. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) August 8, 1853, Vol. VIII, No. 289, P. 2.
The new and beautiful “Chemically Colored” Daguerreotypes are made by Adams & Claflin, and by them only in this City. For proof of the above statement call at our Rooms and examine our Pictures, colored by this process. In comparison with some which we have taken over, which were made and sold by another Artist as Chemically Colored Daguerreotypes. Comment is unnecessary. Adams & Claflin, 188 Main Street.
Advertisement ran from August 8 to August 10, 1853
1853 August 10. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) August 10, 1853 Vol. VII, No. 291, P. 2.
Five Dollar Reward! As a certain 50 center, in this city still persists in advertising that he makes and sells “Chemically Colored” Daguerreotypes, we make him the following proposition:
We propose that the Gentleman hangs a case of his “Chemically Colored” Daguerreotypes in the lower hall of the Central Exchange, front of the Post Office, for one week; we will hang a case of our new style side of his, thus giving the public a chance to examine specimens, and see who is the humbug.
A Gentleman who has a love of the beautiful, and who can appreciate the “Fine Arts,” and knows the modesty and retiring disposition of the 50 cent man, has deposited with us Five Dollars, to be given to him, providing he will accept of the above offer.
Will the 50 cent man accept or quibble. We shall see. Adams & Claflin, 188 Main Street
Advertisement ran from August 10 to September 27, 1853.
1854 May 11. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) May 11, 1854, Vol. IX, No. 101, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes.—Every body knows, who knows any thing about it, that Worcester is famous for the excellence of its daguerreotype artists, but we were not, ourselves, conscious of the perfection to which the art is brought, till we visited Claflin’s rooms a day or two since, and examined his pictures, and witnessed the process by which they are taken. By an exceedingly nice preparation of the chemicals, and great perfection in the apparatus, he is enabled to take fine pictures of children in two seconds. This is a great desideratum, because it is so difficult to keep them sufficiently quite for a longer process. Mr. Claflin’s pictures possess great clearness and distinctness, and the tone is soft and excellent, with nothing of that cadaverous and death-like hue, which is seen on many daguerreotypes, or of the hard, rigid, and bronzy appearance so common to others. It is a satisfaction to know that an artist of so much merit is well patronized.
1854 May 25. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) May 25, 1854, Vol. IX, No. 113, P. 2.
Portraits.—These beautiful memorials of those we love, have become a necessary part of our household goods, since the introduction of the Daguerreotype art into our country, and many artists of enterprise and ability, have devoted themselves to their production. We think, however that Adams & Claflin cannot be surpassed by any operators that we know. They admirably understand the arrangement of pictures, and they are adepts at producing them. There is a clearness, softness, and life-like expression in Claflin’s pictures, that can only be attributed to the perfection of his instruments, and his skill as an artist. No one who wants a beautiful picture should fail to call on him
1854 June 9. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) June 9, 1854, Vol. IX, No. 136, P. 2.
Special Notice. Claflin’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 188 Main Street, opposite American Temperance House.
Advertisement ran from June 9 to December 30, 1854.
1854 June 15. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) June 15, 1854, Vol. IX, No. 141, P. 2.
Special Notice. $25 Reward.—Stolen from the door of Claflin’s Daguerreotype Rooms, 188 Main street, during the fire—Gold Lockets to the amount of some seventy-five or one hundred dollars. Whoever will give information that will lead to the recovery of the same, or the detection of the thief, shall receive the above reward. C. R. B. Claflin
1855 January 30. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) January 30, 1855, Vol. X, No. 26, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes.— C. B. D. (sic.) Claflin continues to take portraits at 188 Main street, and to set them in lockets and elegant frames.—As a daguerrian artist he has few equals, and no superiors. His pictures are arranged with admirable skill and taste, and they are beautifully toned, and clearly and boldly outlined. Any one who wants beautiful souvenirs of those they love, should take their friends to Claflin’s, and have their living likenesses transferred to the silver plates, which he knows so well how to polish.
1855 March 30. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) March 30, 1855, Vol. IX, No. 77, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes.—Ambrotypes—alias the Ox and the fabled Frog, over in Foster’s New Block,—cast iron front—lined with brass in the upper story, “respectfully informs, &c.” Wonderful Disclosures! Lights secured for Springfield! Nantucket!! Martha’s Vineyard!!! Worcester!!!! and Tatnic!!!!! together with all the rest of the territory north of the Mason & Dixon’s Line.
I would just say to the public, that, having never failed to produce a good picture by the process discovered by that noble and world-renowned genius, Daguerre, I have not been under the necessity of abandoning the same, to adopt a substitute partaking more particularly of a vegetable nature, to transfer the human face divine. And by calling at Claflin’s Daguerrean Rooms, over the Citizens’ Bank, 188 Main street, opposite the American Temperance House, they can obtain a beautiful, vivacious, and truthful likeness of themselves or friends. Claims: not territory.—but skill. My “deeds” are “recorded” on the tablets of silver, all over the State
1855 March 31. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) March 31, 1855, Vol. X, No. 78, P. 2.
A “Mortal Squirming” In the Journal.—“Human nature will out.” especially a certain kind, which, when picked a little, writhes and squirms, as if it had been stabbed to the heart, and shows the “cloven foot,” bearing a “Mortal” column, on the summit of which is perched a bulb, resembling a certain kind of vegetable production, with a cast iron front, and an ante-chamber full of Brass, which if slightly rapped, sounds like a “tinkling cymbal,” and oozes out its verdigris (verdure grease) through the press. This “worthy personage,” when he failed in that noble Daguerre’s process, looked as if filled with “Cutting” grief, and swung his lyre (liar) over his “mulish” back, and wept as if “sorely troubled,” within the mastic walls.
The public are aware that Claflin’s Daguerreotypes are unsurpassed, and daily testify to the same, by thronging his rooms, to obtain one of his beautiful toned types, possessing, apparently, so much real life in all its delineations, and devoid of that cold, leaden, somber tone, which appears so conspicuous in the Ambrotype. Rooms 188 Main street, opposite the American Temperance House.
1855 November 17. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) November 17, 1855, Vol. X, No. 274, P. 2.
Daguerreotypes.—We called at Claflin’s rooms, 188 Main St., yesterday for the purpose of satisfying ourselves in regard to the truth of the eulogies we so frequently hear pronounced upon his pictures, and came off perfectly satisfied—we saw him produce two or three which were true to life. There seems to be a something in the pictures he brings forth unlike any other we ever saw—they are void of that unearthly and cadaverous appearance so common in an ordinary Daguerreotype, there is such a brilliancy of tone, vivacity of expression, and perfect definition of the human face devine, that when you are viewing the picture it seems as if it might breath and speak. Mr. Claflin is master of the art and chief of Daguerreotypers in the city. If you want a valuable memento of yourself or friends, don’t fail to call at his rooms 188 Main St.
1855 December 22. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) December 22, 1855, Vol. X, No. 303, P. 3.
Christmas And New Year Presents. Go to Claflin’s with the rush, and procure one of his inimitable Daguerreotypes! for Christmas or New Years presents, which is one of the most precious mementoes you can present to a friend or relatives. He is now in full operation, and making pictures which defy competition. He makes his own Specimens therefore you may depend on obtaining as good a picture as you see on exhibition.
Go early, to secure a sitting, at his Rooms, 188 Main Street, Worcester.
Advertisement ran from December 22, 1855 to February 25, 1856.
1856 January 14. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) January 14, 1856, Vol. XI, No. 11, P. 2.
Claflin’s Daguerrean Establishment, has long been a permanent, as it is now a most attractive, institution of the city. Every day witnesses choice additions to its large collection of splendid daguerrian pictures, views, lithographs, and paintings. Its gentlemanly and enterprising proprie or has entered upon the new year with the most liberal arrangements in the fitting up of his spacious rooms, and, with his long experience and unequalled skill and costly instruments, and rich and varied daguerrian stock, is better prepared than ever, to furnish first class pictures, from his own hand, which, for correctness, purity, and brilliancy, may well challenge all competition. The crowds that throng his rooms daily, fully attest his unrivalled reputation as an artist, and we cordially commend all who wish enduring and elegant presentiments of themselves, or friends, to call at No. 188 Main street Brinley Row.
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
1856 May 21. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) may 21, 1856, Vol. XI, No. 120, P. 2.
Now For Daguerreotypes.—We are much gratified to announce to his numerous friends and the public, the full recovery of Mr. C. R. B. Claflin, the eminent daguerrean artist, No. 188 Brinley Row, from his late and severe illness. Mr. C. has again taken possession of his rooms in propria persona and entered with increased ambition and enthusiasm upon his favorite art, and is now ready to furnish at all hours of the day, daguerreotypes by his own hand, single or in groups, of unrivalled excellence and beauty. Those in quest of fine pictures have only to call upon him to have their wishes fully gratified. We commend him to the generous notice of the public.
Advertisement ran from May 21 to June 23, 1856.
1856 July 3. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) July 3, 1856, Vol. XI, No. 153, P. 2.
Ambrographs, Sphereographs, and Daguerreotypes.—Claflin is making the above new style Pictures, which ate unsurpassed for beauty and correctness, perfect in their delinations, and capable of being colored far superior to any Daguerreotype. They meet universal approbation. Mr. C. has so far perfected the new process, that he is able to make good pictures of children at any age. Rooms at 188 Main street, over Citizens Bank.
1856 October 1. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) October 1, 1856, Vol. XI, No. 231, P. 2.
There is much pleasure and satisfaction, and even happiness, in knowing that you have arrived to a certain point which you have been striving to attain for years—Claflin Is There—he now operates with a certainty of producing the most pleasing results—his pictures are beautiful in tone, admirably perfect in all the minutest delineations, and invaluable as mementoes of the human face divine.
Claflin’s Gallery is the Gallery of galleries; if you are in pursuit of a first class Daguerreotype, made on tablets of Chemically Pure Silver, or if you want a picture on Glass, unequall by any patent (gum); process. Rooms 188 Main St., over Citizens Bank.
Advertisement ran from October 1 to 25, 1856.
1856 December 22. Worcester Daily Spy. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) December 22, 1856, Vol. XI, No. 298, P. 2.
Holiday Presents.—There is nothing more appropriate, and nothing that would be more dearly cherished by your friends or relatives as a memento of high regard, than a Stereoscopic ambrotype likenesses of your self. These entirely new Photographic productions win the approbation of all . Taken only by Claflin, 188 Main street, over Citizens Bank. Please call and examine.
Advertisement ran from December 22 to 30, 1856.
1857 July 21. McVey’s American Counsellor. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) July 21, 1857, P. 1.
Sphereographs We would hereby call the particular attention of the citizens of Worcester City and County, to as clear, accurate, and beautiful sphereographs as I ever saw, with Melainotypes and Daguerreotypes, taken by Charles R. B. Claflin, No. 188 Main St., Worcester City. His Gallery will bear the closest inspection. Call and judge for yourselves.
1870. Five Hundred Past and Present Citizens, of Worcester Mass. (Worcester, Massachusetts.) 1870.
Photographs by Charles R. B. Claflin, Worcester and James Wallace Black, Boston,
1935 April. The Worcester Historical Society Publications. New Series Vol. I, No. 8, p. 439.
…Mr. Claflin remained connected with the trade for an extended time. He was long and favorably known in the city and trained many of the men who carried on studios in Worcester during the last half of the nineteenth.
[1] A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 