C1850-1856 142 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.[1]
1857 142 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
1858 142 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts.1
1860 North Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts.1
Ca. 1850-55. Advertising Card in back of a Ninth Plate Daguerreotype.
Ives’ Daguerreian Gallery, 142 Washington St., Boston. Prices of Daguerreotypes, 25 cents to 25 Dollars. N. B.—The 1st Class Medal and Diploma awarded, for specimens exhibited at the Mechanics’ Fair, Boston. Operators, L. M. Ives, C. H. Collagan.
1857 May 18. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) May 18, 1857, No. 10, 546, P. 4.
C. H. Collagan, Ambrotype and Daguerrean Artist, Respectfully informs his friends and the public that he may be found at his old quarters, 142 Washington Street, (at the Gallery formerly occupied by L. M. Ives,) where he will be most happy to meet all their requirements in his line, having every facility to Give Perfect Satisfaction to all wanting Ambrotypes or Daguerreotypes, at the lowest possible prices, in a range from Twenty-Five Cents to Twenty-Five Dollars. To give good pictures, and Good Pictures Only, will be the moto of this establishment, and we shall therefore pay Particular Attention To Children’s Pictures, as well as to all branches of the business. 142 Washington street, 142.Advertisement ran from May 18 to 22, 1847.
Advertisement ran from May 18 to 22, 1857.
1857 June 9. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 9, 1857, No. 10, 564, P. 2.
The Truth will Prevail. Collagan is the only Ambrotypist that gives perfect satisfaction on 25 cent pictures. Room 142 Washington st.
1857 June 11. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 11, 1857, No. 10, 566, P. 4.
Terrible Results Of Carelessness. The foolish citizens who go anywhere but to Collagan’s, No. 142 Washington street, to get 25 cent Ambrotypes, find they are “sold” when it is too late.
1857 June 15. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 15, 1857, No. 10, 569, P. 4.
It will save thousands from disappointment if they will avoid “blowing establishments,” and go to Collagan’s, 142 Washington street, to get their 25 cent Ambrotypes.
1857 June 18. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 18, 1857, No. 10, 572, P. 2.
Collagan’s 25 cent Ambrotype Rooms, 142 Washington street.
1857 June 24. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) June 24, 1857, No. 10, 577, P. 2.
A Happy Lot Of People. Every one feels perfectly happy after visiting Collagan’s Ambrotype Rooms, 142 Washington street. It is the only place in Boston where people are allowed to satisfy themselves on 25 cent pictures.
1857 July 2. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) July 2, 1857, No. 10, 584, P. 4.
A Free Banquet On The Fourth. In order to make up for the loss of the City Regatta, there will be a sumptuous feast spread at Collagan’s Gallery, 142 Washington street, where all may freely feast their eyes on the 25 cent ambrotypes taken by that artist.
1857 July 3. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) July 3, 1857, No. 10, 585, P. 4.
The City Procession will halt in front of the Ambrotype Gallery of C. H. Collagan, 142 Washington street, while the people pay tribute to the artist who takes pictures until sitters are perfectly satisfied.
1857 July 9. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) July 9, 1857, No. 10, 590, P. 4.
Collagan’s Ambrotypes are perfect gems, and any one doubting it can be confirmed by calling at his old rooms, 142 Washington street.
1857 October 28. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) October 28, 1857, No. 10, 685, P. 4.
Ambrotypes for 6 cents, taken by Collagan, at 142 Washington street. A liberal discount made to Artists. The poor considered.
1857 October 29. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) October 29, 1857, No. 10, 686, P. 2.
Hold Your Horses! Collagan takes splendid ambrotypes for only 6 cents. Children only 10 cents. Rooms 142 Washington street.
1857 October 31. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) October 31, 1857, No. 10, 688, P. 4.
Six Cent Ambrotypes! Not genuine, unless taken by Collagan, at his original six cent rooms, 142 Washington street.
1857 November 2. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 2, 1857, No. 10, 689, P. 4.
The Cheapest Yet. Six cent pictures, warranted perfect, at Collagan’s, 142 Washington street. Every picture well varnished for the above price.
1857 November 4. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 4, 1857, No. 10, 691, P. 2.
As High As A Kite. Collagan, of No. 142 Washington street, knocks his competitors “as high as a kite.” He takes ambrotypes for six cents!
1857 November 5. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 5, 1857, No. 10, 692, P. 2.
Reader, do you want a large sized Ambrotype in a case? The same as you have been paying $1.50 for? If so, Collagan of 142 Washington street, will take you one for 25 cents.
1857 November 5. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 5, 1857, No. 10, 692, P. 4.
Pictures Given To The Poor, During the entire day next Saturday, Collagan, at 142 Washington street, will take pictures of the poor free of any expense. Come children and all on that day.
Advertisement ran from November 5 to 7, 1857.
1857 November 6. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 6, 1857, No. 10, 693, P. 2.
A Sight For Six Cents. It is worth six cents to see Collagan, the originator of the six cent ambrotypes; and by going to No 142 Washington street, you can see him and get a picture for six cents.
1857 November 9. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 9, 1857, No. 10, 695, P. 2.
As Good Pictures as ever were taken in Summer Street, if not better, taken for six cents, at No. 142 Washington street, at Collagan’s Gallery.
1857 November 10. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 10, 1857, No. 10, 696, P. 2.
Look You Here! For six cents Collagan gives you an ambrotype the size of the original 25 cent ones, and for 25 cents a larger size, neatly put in case or frame, as you may desire.—Rooms 142 Washington street.
1857 November 11. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 11, 1857, No. 10, 697, P. 4.
Four Hundred pictures of the poor were given away at Collagan’s 142 Washington st., on Saturday last, and he continues to take the best ambrotypes for six cents.
1857 November 16. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 16, 1857, No. 10, 701, P. 4.
The Man For The People. Collagan of 142 Washington street, will give you two large loaves of bread and a perfect Ambrotype, all for the small sum of 25 cents.
1857 November 19. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 19, 1857, No. 10, 704, P. 2.
Collagan’s Advice to the Community. If any of you have $1.25 to pay for an Ambrotype instead of patronizing some stupid blockhead, who mistakes his calling, you had better give $1 of it to some poor person, and for the remaining 25 cents, Collagan will give you a large sized picture, in a case.
Advertisement ran on November 19 & 20, 1857.
Everything on a Level. Large size Ambrotypes taken perfect, and put in good cases for 25 cents each, at Collagan’s Gallery, 142 Washington street. Fancy Cases at one third the usual price.
1857 November 25. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) November 25, 1857, No. 10, 709, P. 4.
Have you Heard the News! To-morrow Is Thanksgiving Day, and Collagan, 142 Washington St., will take Ambrotypes all day, at astonishingly low prices. Fancy Cases, suitable for presents, at one third the usual price. Come one and all, and come early!
1857 December 3. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) December 3, 1857, No. 10, 715, P. 2.
A Magnificent Charity! It beats the Soup House excitement to see the people rushing to Collagan’s, No. 142 Washington street, to get those beautiful large Ambrotypes, for 25 cents, and to receive, in addition, Two Loaves Of Bread For Nothing!
1857 December 5. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) December 5, 1857, No. 10, 717, P. 4.
Don’t throw your Money Away Buying miserable Ambrotypes of poor operators, but takes 6 cents and go to Collagan’s. where you can get suited. Recollect the number, 142 Washington st.
1857 December 14. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) December 14, 1857, No. 10, 724, P. 4.
Lose another Dollar, And by that time you will learn a lesson worth knowing Collagan is the People’s Artist, and can be found at his old quarters, 142 Washington Street.
1857 December 23. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) December 23, 1857, No. 10, 732, P. 2.
A Hint. Those would-be Ambrotype artists, who visit the Rooms of Mr. Collagan, 142 Washington street, and behave in such a very gentlemanly manner, are reminded that should wish to repeat their visit, they will find the proprietor more ready to appreciate their civilities than the ladies attached to the establishment.
1857 December 25. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) December 25, 1857, No. 10, 734, P. 2.
Closing the Daguerrian Galleries. It matters to the people if all other places are closed to-day (Christmas,) so long as it is known that Collagan, of No. 142 Washington street, will keep open, and take Ambrotypes as usual.
Advertisement ran on December 25 & 26, 1857.
1858 January 30. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) January 30, 1858, No. 10, 764, P. 4.
Charles H. Collagan Would be happy to see an Old Schoolmate, formerly of Baldwin, Me., at his Ambrotype Rooms, 142 Washington street.
Advertisement ran on January 30 & February 1, 1858.
1858 February 9. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 9, 1858, No. 10, 772, P. 2.
Curiosities of Literature: The puffs, written by sundry verdant youths, of a so called Ambrotype Saloon in the neighborhood of Summer street. The “puffs” and the “pictures” are of the same school, and the wise will not be deceived by them. Those who wish a true, artistic picture, should visit the rooms of Collagan, 142 Washington street, where they can procure a better picture for 12½ cents, and the balance can be expended in some work of charity.
1858 February 16. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 16, 1858, No. 10, 778, P. 2.
Where are you Going? To Collagan’s, 142 Washington street, to get one of his Six Cent Ambrotypes. This beats the world. Collagan is ahead, and everybody else is—Nowhere!
1858 February 27. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) February 27, 1858, No. 10, 788, P. 4.
True Artists. Thos who would have their Pictures taken by True Artists should visit Collagan’s extensive Ambrotype Gallery, at 142 Washington Street.
1858 March 4. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 4, 1858, No. 10, 792, P. 4.
Military Orders……Attention!
Come, from the hill-side, and up thro’ the valley,
Over the river, the lake and the sea,—
Leave in the furrow the ploughshare, and rally,
Lithe as an army whose banners are free!
All ye who prize the familiar dear faces,
Gentle and faithful, tender and true;
Attention! march! The best Ambrotype place is
Number on Washington street, one forty-two.
Given at Headquarters, 142 Washington St., over the propeller Printing Rooms.
Sol, (familiarly called “Ols Sol,” Lieutenant General. C. H. Collagan, Private Secretary.
1858 March 8. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) March 8, 1858, No. 10, 795, P. 4.
The World in Arms!
Crinoline’s the rage, and Caroline is pretty,
Over the water they sport the jupon rogue;
Little girls are queens, and the little kingdom, “Britty,”
Laughingly points us its streamer, grand and huge.
All this we Yankees can wink at and whistle—
Go it! we cry to our cousins o’er the blue;
All through the realms of rose, shamrock and thistle,
No one such Ambrotypes as Collagan can do!
‘Seek him in Washington street, one forty-two.
1858 April 12. The Boston Herald. (Boston, Massachusetts.) April 12, 1858, No. 10,825, P. 2.
See! See! See! The Best Ambrotypes are taken by I. Bent, Artist, No. 142 Washington street, a few doors below the Old South Church, formerly Collagan’s. Everybody gets pleased there.
1858 December 25. American Traveller. (Boston, Massachusetts.) December 25, 1858, Vol. XX, No. 52, P. 2.
An Alleged Spiritual Exposure.—Mr. C. H. Collagan, of West Newton, has written a long letter to the Courier, in which he makes certain statements in regard to J. V. Mansfield, a well known “spirit Medium” of this city. Mr. Mansfield has carried on quite an extensive business in selling portraits of the departed, which purported to have been painted by spirits, but which, in reality, were painted by Mr. Collagan, under the direction of Mr. M., either from a daguerreotype likeness or from Mr. M.’s descriptions. Mr. Collagan relates several instances of this nature, and is desirous of corresponding with any person who may have received such portraits from Mansfield. One of the last picture she drew for Mansfield was what purported to be the spirit-bride of a clergyman of Portsmouth, N. H. Mansfield said there had been a great wedding, at which the clergyman had been wedded to a spirit, but afterwards owned up to the humbug of the affair.
He requested Mr. Collagan to draw the picture, saying it was not so material as to the style of face, so long as it was very beautiful. It was drawn in muslin robes, and a rose was placed in the bride’s hand because the minister was found of flowers. Mansfield said the clergyman paid $10 for the picture, and it was to be hung up in his church in Portsmouth.
Mr. C. was next asked to draw a picture of the clergyman’s deceased mother, and commenced the work, but threw up the business before finishing. Mansfield would sometimes say when he gave an order that it was for a believer, and that Mr. C. need not be very particular about it, as they were easy to please.
Mr. Collagan first formed the acquaintance of this “Medium” two years ago. He had several sittings with him, and received through him several communications which purported to have emanated from the spirit world.
In conclusion, he says: “I have expended a great deal of money in investigating Spiritualism, and, whatever may be my opinion as regards the phenomena I have witnessed, I am fully satisfied that there never has been a portrait drawn through spirit influence, and that all the so-called spirit-artists are imposters, and that their disgraceful attempts are lacking in talent, taste, and education in art.” Mr. Collagan has been led to make these disclosures on account of Mansfield’s failure to pay him for his labor, the account having once been placed in a lawyer’s hands for collection.
[1] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 