1850 Address Unknown, St. Johnsbury, Vermont.[1]
1852-1859 Three Doors South of St Johnsbury House, St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
1852 September 25. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) September 25, 1852, Vol. 16, No. 11, Whole No. 791, P. 3.
F. B. Gage’s Sky-Light Daguerrean Gallery. St Johnsbury Plain, VT. The Subscriber having opened a skylight Daguerrean Gallery, three doors south of St. Johnsbury House, would respectfully announce to the inhabitants of St. Johnsbury and neighboring towns, that he will be happy to wait on all who may wish for a correct likeness of themselves or friends. Having procured all the latest improvements in the Art, he is now able, by a new arrangement of light and the use of new materials, to produce pictures of a most Lifelike & Beautiful Complexion, as all may see by calling and examining specimens. These pictures are finished by a newly discovered process which gives them a richness and durability unsurpassed by any in this country or Europe.
The public are requested to call and examine specimens. Come one and all: you will be equally welcome whether wishing pictures or not. If you have called once call again, and tell your friends to call also, as he will be happy to see you at all times and show you anything new in the Art.
Picture taken in cloudy as well as clear weather.
Perfect likenesses warranted in all cases or no charge.
Copies from Daguerreotypes, Portraits, & c., neatly executed. Miniatures for lockets, pins, rings, &c., taken in the most perfect manner. Views of buildings and scenery taken in a style unsurpassed by any.
Likenesses of sick or deceased persons taken at their residence if desired.
Prices varying from 1 to 8 dollars according to style and finish of case.
Pupils instructed and furnished with apparatus. F. B. Gage. St. Johnsbury, Sept 25, 1852.
Advertisement ran from September 25 to December 18, 1852.
1852 December 11. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) December 11, 1852, Vol. 16, No. 22, Whole No. 802, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Likenesses. Our Neighbor, Mr. Gage, is doing a good business in taking Likenesses. His pictures look well, and he will satisfy all of his customers. He has a fine room for this purpose over E. Hall & Co’s Store.
1852 December 25. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) December 25, 1852, Vol. 16, No. 24, Whole No. 804, P. 3.
A Daguerreotype Song, supposed to have been sung by a lady after having visited F. B. Gage’s Daguerrean Gallery, three doors south of the St. Johnsbury House, St. Johnsbury Plain, Vt.
Air:—Things that I don’t like to see.
One morning last week when I’d nothing to do,
And wanted to see something funny or new,
I went to my cousins Maria and Jane,
To Visit the Daguerreotype Rooms on the Plain.
I merely went in just to make a short call
And look at the pictures that hung on the wall.
But I saw just as soon as I entered the door
I had never seen pictures more perfect before.
For there was Estella, Adelia, and Jane,
And I never saw pictures so rich or so plain;
And John and his sweetheart, and Sam and his wife,
I declare they all look just as natural as life.
There were multitudes more both in cases and frames
But I could never tell you one half of their names,
I though every one looked the nicest and best
Though I think Jenny Lind’s not so good as the rest.
Now when I had seen them, they all looked so fine,
Said I to the Artist, “I’ll sit and have mine.”
Then he had me sit down in a chair at my ease.
And, said he “you may wink just as much as you please.”
And then, when I smile just as much as I ought.
In less than a moment my likeness was caught.
So quickly ‘twas taken, so nicely ‘twas done.
To sit for my picture was nothing but fun.
And every one says, (so I know it must be.)
“That my picture’s a very apt emblem of me.”
Since this is so perfect, I must have another,
To get to the West to my sister and brother.
And then I must have another to send—
But no matter to whom, for he’s only a friend.
And now if the people will hear my advice,
I freely will give it without money or price:
If you want nothing more, give the Artist a call.
Just to look at the pictures that hang on the wall.
Twill do you no harm just to drop in and see.
And take your friends with you, as I did with me.
He can take them as well whether cloudy of fair.
And you’ll find him at home for he always is there.
He’s using a splendid new German Machine.
That was made by one John in the Providence of Wein.
If any should wish to acquire this great Art.
He’ll learn him the trade so he’ll know it by heart.
And his pictures won’t fade, as other Artist’s have done.
For you know that he hangs them right out in the sun
And whether in lockets, pins, rings, or a frame.
You’ll see that his pictures are always the same:
And then, I am sure you’ll conclude with the rest,
That he’s always a little ahead of the best.
Advertisement ran from December 25, 1852 to January 22, 1853.
1853 April 30. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) April 30, 1853, Vol. 16, No. 44, Whole No. 822, P. 3.
Broken Crockery. China, Glass, Earthen, Marble, Alabaster, Pearls, Ivory, Shell, Ornaments, &c., are repaired with a stainless cenebt, and warranted, at the St. Johnsbury Daguerrean Gallery. All persons in want of perfect Daguerreotypes will do well to call soon as the subscriber expects to leave town in a few weeks. F. B. Gage.
Advertisement ran from April 30 to June 18, 1853.
Marriages. In this town, June 6, by Rev. W. B. Bond, Mr. F. B. Gage and Miss Laurietta Huntly, all of this town.
1853 June 25. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) June 25, 1853, Vol. 16, No. 49, Whole No. 830, P. 3.
Sign Stolen. Look Out for Rogues.
The ancient Sign of the “Old Daguerrean”
No More at E. Hall’s store { ? ]
For some rascally rogues, the other night,
Took it down and carried it out of sight.
Perhaps it was done from spite and spleen,
Or, perhaps, to plague the “Old Daguerrean,”
But the “Old Daguerrean,” he’ll pocket the wrong, And laugh at the rascals in his song.
Their labor of love was all in vain,
For the “Old Daguerrean” still works on the Plain,
And the people will come, as they can before,
To the Daguerrean rooms over E. Hall’s store.
With Pictures to suit from one dollar to four,
He sells them some days by the dozen or score,
And the crowds that go in, and the crowds that go out,
Tell the world what the “Old Daguerrean is about.
And since there’s no reason why he should depart,
You’ll find him at home and at work at his Art,
And the pictures he takes will plainly attest,
That the “Old Daguerrean” is ahead of the best.
Advertisement ran from June 25 to July 2, 1853.
1853 August 20. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) August 20, 1853, Vol. 17, No. 5, Whole No. 838, P. 3.
“The Old Daguerreen.” Will open his daguerrean Gallery August 22 and be ready to wait on his customers there-after. St. Johnsbury, Aug 20, 1853.
Advertisement ran from August 20 to October 1, 1853.
1853 October 8. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) October 8, 1853, Vol. 17, No. 12, Whole No. 845, P. 3.
“The Old Daguerrean.” Premium Daguerreotypes. Let it be remembered that the “Old Dagerrean” of St. Johnsbury drew the premium on daguerreotypes at the late fair; and his pictures are pronounced by good judges to be equal, if not superior to the best city operators. Read what the newspapers say of the “old daggerrean:”
“He is really an excellent Artist and worthy of patronage.”—Anonymous Reporter.
“He is a capital workman in his line.”—The Caledonian.
Pictures of all sizes and styles put up at prices from 1 to 10 dollars. Pupils instructed in the art.
Call and examine Specimens. F. B. Gage St Johnsbury, Oct. 1853.
Advertisement ran from October 8 to December 3, 1853.
1853 December 3. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) December 3, 1853, Vol. 17, No. 20, Whole No. 853, P. 4.
Children’s Daguerreotypes. Daguerreotypes of infants and small children are taken at the St. Johnsbury Daguerreotype Gallery in fair weather, between the hours of 10 A. M. and 1½ P. M., by a new process which renders success almost certain. Older persons taken in all kinds of weather and at all times of day. Always at home.
Forward Your Faces.
Wanted —Five cords hard wood fitted for the stove, and seasoned under shelter, for which a liberal price will be paid. Call and see. Any quantity of green wood taken in exchange for Daguerreotypes. F. B. Gage.
Advertisement ran from December 3, 1853 to February 11, 1854.
1854 January 14. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) January 14, 1854, Vol. 17, No. 26, Whole No. 859, P. 3.
Wonderful Invention. Patent Stereoscopic or Statuary Daguerrean Gallery.
Since new things arise in these wonderful times,
I’ll tell you some news in some new-fangled rhymes:
Having nothing to do one bright afternoon,
I dropped into Gage’s Daguerrean Saloon.
And saw an invention so wonderous and new,
If you’ll listen a moment I’ll tell it to you.
Two pictures are taken of one person’s face,
And carefully finished and put in a case,
And two lenses before them are placed with precision.
To produce what is called “binocular vision”:
And when you look in through those lenses so blue,
What a wonderful sight rises up to your view!
There the person stands in the blue atmosphere,
Just as large as in life, just as perfect and clear,
Every thread of the dress a very wrinkle is there.
Even the pours of the skin and the fibers of the hair:
And you look till the sight all your sences mislead.
And you cry—Tis no picture, tis the person, indeed!
“Tis the strangest invention there is in these times,
As true in its nature as ‘tis in my rhyme:
And since ‘tis a Patent and Gage has a Right.
Call in then and ask him to show you “the sight.”
And when you have seen it, I’m sure you will say;
You’ll have your own picture put in that way.
The following commendation is from the Scientific American:—‘By looking through these (Lenses) the person whose likeness is taken, stands out solid and life-like, no more resembling a common picture than a statue does an oil painting. No one can have the least idea of the beauty of this invention, until he sees such pictures with his own eyes.’
Advertisement ran from January 14 to March 18, 1854.
1854 September 16. The Caledonian (St. Johnsbury, Vermont) September 16, 1854, Vol. 18, No. 10, Whole No. 894, P. 3.
St. Johnsbury Daguerrean Gallery. Gage’s Mezzotint Statutypes. Something New! These pictures are different from any ever before offered to the public, and are considered by the best judges the most desirable of likeness which the Daguerrean Art is capable of producing. They have all the roundness and apparent solidity of a perfect statue, combined with all the richness of the most brilliant Mezzotint engraving. Pictures taken in this style have more character than if taken in the usual way, as every line angle and wrinkle of the face is chiseled with the most unerring certainty; and all the peculiarities of expression are retained in the greatest perfection.—Light blue eyes taken by this process retain their expression, and have all the perfection of life.
The method of taking the Statutypes was discovered (after making a great variety of experiments) by F. B. Gage, of St. Johnsbury, and is known and practiced by him only. Specimens of these pictures are on exhibition at his Gallery. Artists are especially requested to call and examine them.
Pictures taken in all kinds of weather, and perfect satisfaction guaranteed or no pay. Instruction given in the Art. Any person wishing to learn the trade will find an excellent opportunity to do so by applying soon.
Advertisement ran from September 16 to December 2, 1854,
1854 September 30. The Caledonian (St. Johnsbury, Vermont) September 30, 1854, Vol. 18, No. 12, Whole No. 896, P. 3.
Caledonia County Fair. The annual Cattle Fair of the Caledonia County Agricultural Society was held at Danville, on Wednesday and Thursday…Premiums Awarded…
Daguerreotypes.
1st,, E. Perry, Danville, 1.00
2d., F. B. Gage, St. Johnsbury, .50
1854 November 18. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) November 18, 1854, Vol. 18, No. 19, Whole No. 903, P. 3.
St. Johnsbury Daguerrean Gallery, Greatly Enlarged. On account of the great rush of business the subscriber, finding it impossible to supply the demand for likenesses, has enlarged and otherwise greatly improved his Gallery. He has also engaged the services of two or three able associates, and trust that the future, he will not be obliged to send any away empty. His success in business has been such that he feels warranted in saying that the reputation of his Gallery is not surpassed by any other, either in or out of the State. Having enlarged his light and purchased a camera more than four times large as those in general use, he is now prepared to take family groups from two to twenty, in a style unsurpassed by any other establishment. His pictures at all times will be furnished I the best style of the art, and warranted. The Mezzotint Statutypes on exhibition at his Gallery are considered superior to all other pictures and are worthy an examination. Come and see them. F. B. Gage. St. Johnsbury.
Advertisement ran from November 18, 1854 to March 24, 1855.
1855 March 31. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) March 31, 1855, Vol. 18, No. 38, Whole No. 922, P. 3.
F. B. Gage, Daguerreotypist And Statutypist, St. Johnsbury, Vt. St. Johnsbury Daguerrean Gallery. Gage’s Mezzotint Statutypes. Something New!
These pictures are different from any before offered to the public, and are considered by the best judges the most desirable style of likeness which the Daguerrean Art is capable of producing. They have all the roundness and apparent solidity of a perfect statue, combined with all the richness of the most brilliant Mezzotint engraving. Pictures taken in this style have more character than if taken in the usual way, as every line, angle and wrinkle of the face is chiseled with the most unerring certainty, and all the peculiarities of expression are retained in the greatest perfection.—Light blue eyes taken by this process retain their expression, and have all the perfection of life.
The method of taking the Statutypes was discovered (after making a great variety of experiments) by F. B. Gage, of St. Johnsbury, and is known and practiced by him only. Specimens of these pictures are on exhibition at his Gallery. Artists are especially requested to call and examine them.
Pictures taken in all kinds of weather, and perfect satisfaction guaranteed or no pay. Instruction given in the Art. Any person wishing to learn the trade will find an excellent opportunity to do so by applying soon.
Advertisement ran from March 31 to July 28, 1855.
1855 July 28. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) July 28, 1855, Vol. 19, No. 3, Whole No. 939, P. 3.
Ambrotypes. Patented in the United States, Great Britain and France. The term Ambrotype, by which these pictures are designated, is derived from the Greek word Ambrotos, signifying everlasting. The picture is taken on plate glass, over which is placed a corresponding glass, the two being united by one indestructible gum, enabling the picture to retain its brilliancy for ages; it will not corrode at sea, or change in any climate; is beautiful in tone, bold and clear in its effect, and may be seen in any light. These pictures are taken at the St. Johnsbury daguerrean Gallery, where specimens may be seen.—Come and see them. F. B. Gage.
Advertisement ran from July 25 to October 27, 1855.
1855 October 27. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) October 27, 1855, Vol. 19, No. 16, Whole No. 952, P. 3.
F. B. Gage, Daguerreotypist And Statutypist, St. Johnsbury, Vt. St. Johnsbury Daguerrean Gallery. Gage’s Mezzotint Statutypes. Something New!
These pictures are different from any before offered to the public, and are considered by the best judges the most desirable style of likeness which the Daguerrean Art is capable of producing. They have all the roundness and apparent solidity of a perfect statue, combined with all the richness of the most brilliant Mezzotint engraving. Pictures taken in this style have more character than if taken in the usual way, as every line, angle and wrinkle of the face is chiseled with the most unerring certainty, and all the peculiarities of expression are retained in the greatest perfection.—Light blue eyes taken by this process retain their expression, and have all the perfection of life.
The method of taking the Statutypes was discovered (after making a great variety of experiments) by F. B. Gage, of St. Johnsbury, and is known and practiced by him only. Specimens of these pictures are on exhibition at his Gallery. Artists are especially requested to call and examine them.
Pictures taken in all kinds of weather, and perfect satisfaction guaranteed or no pay. Instruction given in the Art. Any person wishing to learn the trade will find an excellent opportunity to do so by applying soon.
Advertisement ran from October 27 to November 17, 1855
1856 January 12. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) January 12, 1856, Vol. 19, No. 27, Whole No. 963, P. 3.
The Old Daguerrean.
Since the sleighing
Is so splendid,
And may soon be
Quite suspended,
Come up beaux and
Belles together,
Get your pictures
This fine weather.
Come good father
And fond mother,
Come with sister
And with brother;
Ere with palsy
Ye be shaken,
Come to Gage’s
And be taken!
Whether fleshy
Lean or Sharky,
Come up white folks
Come up darkey;
Both for ugly
Folks, and clever.
Gage takes pictures
Better’n ever.
Advertisement ran from January 12 to April 12, 1856.
1856 March 8. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) March 8, 1856, Vol. 19, No. 35, Whole No. 971, P. 3.
Ambrotypes. On account of the [demand] for Ambrotypes, the St. Johnsbury Daguerrean Gallery is open for the production of these beautiful and imperishable pictures, and my time will be devoted exclusively to this branch of picture taking.
As the chemicals used in this art are very Poisonous To The Artist, I shall not follow it more than a week, or ten days at most, and all those in want of these never-fading pictures must apply within that time or they will lose the opportunity. F. B. Gage.
1856 May 3. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) May 3, 1856, Vol. 19, No. 43, Whole No. 979, P. 3.
Ambrotypes. To Everybody. As this advertisement has never before been in print, and may never be again, the public are advised to read it, and permission is hereby respectfully given them to do so.
Have you heard what all the rage is?
‘Tis the Ambrotypes at Gages;
Pictures that are called by sages
The greatest wonder of modern ages.
To The Ladies.
Having lately enlarged my Gallery, and
fitted up a Reception Room in magnificent style,
the ladies will now find it pleasant to call and look
at the pictures. I would also remind them that
Queer old maids that’s cross and fretty
And young girls intensely pretty,
Wearing curls extremely jetty,
Will be very sure to get a
Capital Ambrotype at Gage’s.
About Babies.
Certain days will be mostly devoted to
taking pictures of babies of all styles
and qualities, such as
Babies little and babies bigger,
Babies that can squall with vigor,
Babies that cut quite a figure,
And all sorts, from white to nigger.
N. B.—Nigger means them that is sable complexioned
To The Gentlemen.
The Gentlemen will not be sent away empty,
as I am better than ever before prepared
To Extract
Men of wealth, and men of Fashion.
Men that sometimes get in passion
Men that put all sorts of trash on,
And in fact,
Any one brings the cash on!
F. B. Gage, Artist. St Johnsbury, May 1, 1856.
Advertisement ran from May 1, 1856 to July 5, 1856.
1856 June 7. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) June 7, 1856, Vol. 19, No. 48, Whole No. 948, P. 3.
Beautiful Imperishable Ambrotypes Taken by the Man with the Long Flowing Beard.
Advertisement ran from June 7, 1856 to November 8, 1856.
1856 August 16. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) August 16, 1856, Vol. 20, No.6, Whole No. 994, P. 3.
Photographs: Beautiful Pictures on Paper. Ambrotypes: Imperishable Pictures on Glass.
Daguerreotypes: Are taken as usual at the St. Johnsbury Daguerrean Gallery.
Illuminated Ambrotypes: The Illumination of the Ambrotype was invented by F. B. Gage. They are more beautiful than any other picture. They are made by the inventor only and can be procured only by applying to the man with the Long Flowing Beard.
Advertisement ran from August 16 to November 8, 1856.
1856 October 4. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) October 4, 1856, Vol. 20, No.13, Whole No. 1004, P. 2.
List Of Premiums Awarded At The Annual Fair Of The Caledonian Co. Agricultural Society, Held At St. Johnsbury, Sept. 23 & 24, 1856…
Miscellaneous Articles…
Best specimen Daguerreotypes &c.. F. B. Gage, St. Johnsbury 2.00
1856 October 10. Orleans Independent Standard. (Irasburgh, Vermont.) October 10, 1856, Vol. I, No. 40, P. 3.
Ambrotypes: Imperishable Pictures On Glass. Photographs: And other beautiful pictures are taken in the Greatest Perfection. By the man with the Long Flowing Beard, At St. Johnsbury, Vt.
Advertisement ran from October 10, 1856 to April 3, 1857.
1856 November 15. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) November 15, 1856, Vol. 20, No.19, Whole No. 1007, P. 3.
Gage’s Farwell.
Gage Is Going To Leave
These ‘ere frosty diggings,
And take no more pictures
Over Hall & Higgins’:
For he’s bound to flourish
In some Western city
Where the wintery weather
Aint so cold and gritty.
Therefore all ye people
Take this little warning:
Gage is going early
Some bright pleasant morning,
And if you want pictures
That beat all the nation;
Shun that little word
Called procrastination.
For a few weeks longer,
In all kinds of weather,
Gage will take the beaux and
Laughing belles together.
So bring your faces
And don’t stand a-croaking,
Gage means what is written
Without any joking!
Advertisement ran from November 15 to 29, 1856.
1856 November 15. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) November 15, 1856, Vol. 20, No.19, Whole No. 1007, P. 3.
This may certify, That Mr. F. B. Gage of St. Johnsbury, Vt., received theb following premiums at the First Annual Fair of the Conn. River Valley Agricultural & Industrial Association, held at Bradford, Vt. Oct. 14, 15 & 16, 1856.
1st premium on Ambrotypes, $3.00
1st “ Photographs, $2.00
1st “ Colortypes, $2.00
Advertisement ran from November 15 to 29, 1856.
1857 April 4. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) April 4, 1857, Vol. 20, No. 39, Whole No. 1027, P. 3.
Gage & Rowell, Ambrotype & Photographic Artists, St. Johnsbury, Vt., & Littleton, N. H. The Gallery at Littleton will be open only two or three weeks in every twelve. Open April 8, for one or two weeks.
Ambrotypes taken at less price than formerly. Old daguerreotypes cleaned to look as well aas new. Oil Paintings cleaned and Varnished.
At Bradford Fair, Mr. Gage drew
1st Premium on Ambrotypes $3.00
1st Premium on Photographs $2.00
1st Premium on Colorotypes $2.00
At Caledonia Fair,
1st Premium on Daguerreotypes, &c. $2.00
(From the People’s Journal,)
“We feel warranted in recommending Mr. Gage as one of the first artist in the country.”
(From the White Mountain Banner.)
“Mr. Gage’s reputation is not excelled by anyartist in New England.”
(From the Caledonian.)
“Mr. Gage is an adapt in the line of his profession.”
(Humphrey’s Daguerrean Journal published in New York, City, says:)
“Mr. Gage’s Photographs are Gems. We can confidently say that we have never seen so pleasing a collection from one operator. They are an honor to the artist.”
Advertisement ran from April 4 to 25, 1857.
1857 May 2. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) May 2, 1857, Vol. 20, No. 43, Whole No. 1031, P. 4.
& So Forth, & So On. By The Flowing Beard.
How swiftly the moment of life hurry on,
Nor slow forth, nor slow on.
But swift as the tide of a swift rushing river
They flow forth & flow on,
Towards that dark, solemn land, where the
Footsteps of man
Never go forth, nor go on—
& so forth, & so on.
Then O, as you row down the River of Life,
As you row forth, & row on.
Have thy likenesses preserved in a case or a frame
To show forth & show on.
When thy form lieth cold in that land where no flowers
Ever grow forth, or grow on—
& so forth & so on.
Then take my advice, oh! Ye pictureless tribe!
Good advice as I know on;
With some “rocks” in your pockets, go forth
From your homes
Just go forth, & go on.
Not stop ‘till you reach Gage & Rowell’s Saloon.
With a good healthy glow on,
& so forth, & so on.
And e’en though the weather be cloudy or fair,
Or snow forth or snow on:
And e’en tho’ the tempest should rise in its wrath,
& blow forth & blow on.
Will take you a picture, you won’t be ashamed
When you go forth & so on.
To show forth & show on—
& so forth & so on.
Our Ambrotype pictures are greatly improved,
As we go forth, & go on.
Until they surpass everything in the world
That we hear on, or know on:
And our prices of late we have greatly reduced,
As we show forth & show on,
& so forth & so on.
Advertisement ran from May 2 to July 18, 1857.
1857 June 20. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) June 20, 1857, Vol. 20, No. 50, Whole No. 1038, P. 3.
Good Wheat. A Few bushels of Good wheat wanted in exchange for cash. F. B. Gage.
Advertisement ran from June 20 to 27, 1857.
1857 September 5. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) September 5, 1857, Vol. 21, No. 9, Whole No. 1048, P. 3.
Get The Best Ambrotypes.
Get The Best Photographs.
Get The Best Likenesses
Of You selves,
Your Wives,
Your Children &
Your Friends.
Pictures furnished with all the latest improvements at Gage & Rowell. St. Johnsbury.
Advertisement ran from September 5 to November 14, 1857.
1857 September 26. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) September 26, 1857, Vol. 21, No. 12, Whole No. 1052, P. 3.
List Of Premiums. Premiums awarded by the Caledonia County Agricultural Society holden at St. Johnsbury on the 23d and 24th days of Sept., 1857…
Miscellaneous Articles…
Messrs. Gage & Rowell, St. Johnsbury, Photographs, Daguerreotypes, &c. 1.
1857 November 14. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) November 14, 1857, Vol. 21, No. 19, Whole No. 1059, P. 3.
Pictures for the Time! Ambrotypes For 25 Cents At gage & Rowell.
Then bring your sons
(As our cheap machine runs
Only three weeks from date,)
And take out your daughters
And trot out your quarters
Before its too late.
Johnsbury, Nov. 12, 1857.
Advertisement ran from November 14, 1857 to January 30, 1858.
1858 February 13. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) February 13, 1858, Vol. 21, No. 32, Whole No. 1072, P. 3.
“Life Size!!” Life Size Photographs: That surpass the most delicate Steel Engravings, at Gage’s.
Life Size Photographs Colored in oil colors until they surpass the portraits of the Old Masters, at Gage’s.
Improved Ambrotypes From 50 cents to 10 dollars each, at Gage’s.
Pictures of ‘Life Size’ are made at no other Gallery in Vermont. Come And See Them!!! F. B. Gage.
Advertisement ran from February 13 to August 7, 1858.
1858 September 25. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) September 25, 1858, Vol. 22, No. 12, Whole No. 1104, P. 2.
Caledonia County Fair…Second Day—Thursday…Floral Hall…Mr. Gage occupied one corner of the room, mostly with Photographs, both of individuals and rural scenery. They were pictures that do credit to the “man with the long flowing beard,” “and so-forth and so-on/”
Premiums…Miscellaneous Articles…
Best specimens of photographs, F. B. Gage 1.
1858 November 13. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) November 13, 1858, Vol. 22, No. 19, Whole No. 1111, P. 3.
Ten Reasons Why Daguerreotypes are Better than Ambrottypes.
They are more beautiful.
They are more lasting/
They are more life-like.
Not so liable to break.
Not liable to spot.
They never crack.
They never peal.
They never turn yellow.
The people are better pleased with them.
The public desire a return to the old favorite.
Therefore Daguerreotypes may be obtained at the St. Johnsbury Portrait Gallery. Photographs taken as usual.
Advertisement ran from November 13 to December 25, 1858.
1858 December 25. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) September 25, 1858, Vol. 22, No. 25, Whole No. 1117, P. 3.
Ambrotype Circular From the St. Johnsbury Portrait Gallery. F. B. Gage.
Jacob And Rachel. (A New Translation.)
Now Rachel had a desire to please Jacob. And she entered into the presence of a certain “Circulating Medium” And the ‘Medium’ took her face away from her, and fastened it unto glass, and he called it Ambrotype. And she paid him one shekel of silver, which is twenty-five cents.
And she came and showed it unto Jacob. And when Jacob saw it, he kissed not the picture,—but he lifted up his eyes and howled. And he said it is not like unto thee; neither is it beautiful.
And moreover it hath that about it which will cause it to fade; having not that hard Patent Enamel which renders it imperishable.
And he cast it away from him and would behold it no more.
Now Rachel was sorely grieved, and she went into her chamber and wept. And she said “what shall I do?”
And behold a vision came unto her saying: “Go into the presence of the the man with the Long Beard, and it shall be told thee what thou shalt do.
Then she straitway (sic.) departed and entered into his presence. And behold her eyes were dazzled with the beauty of his pictures.
And he took her face away from her upon a glass; And he covered it with his Patent Imperishable Enamel. She paid him one shekel of silver, which is twenty-five cents neither more nor less.
Now when Rachel was come again where Jacob was, she showed it unto him. And behold he sized it, and when he had looked upon it he danced in the magnitude of his joy. Then he kissed Rachel and he said: It is even more beautiful than thou’et it hath thy resemblance perfect, Then he lifted up his eyes and kissed the picture, and he said; “It hath the taste of thy lips and I know it is like unto thee!” And Jacob showed it to all the regions round about, that others might go into the presence of the Long Beard, and do likewise.
1859 January 29. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) January 29, 1859, Vol. 22, No. 30, Whole No. 1122, P. 3.
Judgement Come at Last. The validity of James A. Cutting’s Ambrotype and Photographic Patents having been established by judicial decision. Every Artist in Boston has been compelled to buy a license and place himself under bonds not to sell any pictures for a less sum than 50 cents each.
The Artists of Caledonian county will be compelled to enter into the same arrangement. F. B. Gage, Agent for Patentees. St. Johnsbury, Vt
Advertisement ran on January 29 & February 5, 1859.
1859 April 30. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) April 30, 1859, Vol. 22, No. 43, Whole No. 1122, P. 2.
A Good Job. Gage does not dabble in poetry to the neglect of the chemicals. He is now engaged in engraving Negative Photographic Plates for the Stereoscope, from which millions of photographic pictures may be taken. Mr. Gage is employed by a New York house and we understand that this will not be less than a thousand dollar job for him. He is out now taking views of some of the wildest and most picturesque scenery for which Vermont is so noted. Some of our readers would be surprised at the beauty of such a picture as the Lyndon Falls, or a backwoods sugar camp, as brought out by an artist in a modern stereoscope. The fact that Mr. Gage is employed for this undertaking is only another evidence of his acknowledged superiority abroad as an artist. He is an inventor as well as a practical artist. He has now a book in press treating subjects connected with the art which he has so long made a study, the copyright of which is already sold. Aside from this, he is aregular paid contributor to a leading New York Journal, the articles of which are copied into a London paper, and from that translated into both French and German. We only mention these facts to show that we have an artist among us whose skill is appreciated and acknowledged by those who “know what’s what.”
1859 July 9. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) July 9, 1859, Vol. 23, No.1, Whole No. 1145, P. 2.
Omitted. [from an article entitled “The Business Of St. Johnsbury.”]
It was not our intention to slight any of our business population in the short account which we gave of the business of St, Johnsbury in last week’s paper, but we find that we omitted several. For instance:
F. B. Gage, the photograph, ambrotype and daguerreotype artist, is not the man to be slighted by us. Then there is…
1859 July16. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) July 16, 1859, Vol. 23, No.2, Whole No. 1146, P. 2.
Stereoscopic Views. Mr. F. B. Gage succeeded in getting several stereoscopic views of the crowd that were collected here tge 4th, among the most interesting of which figure the Fantastics.
1859 August 13. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) August 13, 1859, Vol. 23, No.6, Whole No. 1150, P. 3.
Sterescopic (sic.) Pictures and Sterescopes for sale at Gage’s.
The Wreck Of The Train of Aug. 9th; a striking picture for the Sterescope, for sale at Gage’s.
White Mountain Views, for the Sterescope, for sale at Gage’s.
Family Groups, made for the Sterescope at Gage’s.
Ambrotypes greatly improved and Photographs as usual at Gage’s.
Advertisement ran from August 13 to December 3, 1859.
1859 October 8. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) October 8, 1859, Vol. 23, No.17, Whole No. 1158, P. 2.
Caledonia County Fair…Second Day…Floral Hall…Photographs from Gage’s.
1859 December 3. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) December 3, 1859, Vol. 23, No.25, Whole No. 1166, P. 3.
Selling Out at Cost. Cheap Ambrotypes
Twenty-five cents a pop,
Over to Gage’s shop;
Popping ‘em fast as he can,
Woman, baby and man:
Making a regular rout,
Cleaning the Old Stock out,
For twenty-five cents a crack,
At either your face or back.
Short is the day of Grace,
Shave and forward your face,
Deborah, Jack and Nance,
Our you, will lose the chance:
The chance of getting a pop
For a Quarter, at Gage’s shop,
For when the old stock is through,
Higher the price of the new.
Advertisement ran from December 3 to 30, 1859.
1874 August 16. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) August 16, 1874, Vol. 38, No. 1935, P. 3.
Death of F. B. Gage. The death of Mr. F. B. Gage removes from our place a long-time resident, and an eccentric and in some respects remarkable character. He was eccentric in his dress, looks, and manner of life. Always wearing, his beard long and flowing, years ago when short beards were the style, he became a marked man. During a newspaper controversy some dozen or more years ago, he was designated by his opponent as “the man of rough exterior.” This nom de plume rather pleased than offended Mr. Gage, and he afterwards of and ten assumed it. Mr. Gage’s mind was of quite a literary [turn]. He formerly wrote a good deal of poetry, but later years he has given mor attention to story-writing, and was quite successful, especially in writing childrens’ stories, many of which were published in the Youth’s Companion. Some of his early poems had merit in both sentiment and wit, and many of them found their way into these columns in years past. He battled with disease all his life, and we doubt if he saw a “well day” in the last twenty years. He leaves a wife and four children.
In one of Mr. Gage’s published poems is the following verse which is appropriate to appear with this notice.
I have a treasure in the blue Beyound!
And since my brow is wrinkled o’er with time.
And all my dearest hopes have passed away
Seeking my treasures in that viewless clime.
I shall lay by my staff some Autumn day.
And pass into the blue Beyond!
1874 October 2. The Caledonian. (St. Johnsbury, Vermont.) October 2, 1874, Vol. 38, No. 1940, P. 3. Deaths. In St
[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 