1851-1852 Rooms Seneca Street, nearly opposite H. H. & G. C. Seelye’s Store, Geneva, New York.
1853-1856 Rooms No. 6 Seneca Street, opposite the Post Office, Geneva, New York.
1851 May 16. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) May 16, 1851, New Series—Vol. VI, No. 20, Whole No. 332,P. 2.
Green & Co.’s New Daguerrean Gallery.—We yesterday visited Green & Carson’s Daguerrean Rooms, and were astonished to see the improvement and perfection in the art.—They have pictures that speak for themselves, and all they lack is life. Those wishing perfect Pictures, would do well to call and see if we have over stated the fact.
The Albany Dutchman says, while speaking of Likenesses painted by the sunbeams, that “our friend Carson of Cleveland who though a young Man has made several improvements in the Daguerrean art, that brings it one step nearer to perfection. As an artist he has few rivals, and no superiors in the country: and the best in Cleveland.” We are glade that he has associated himself with Mr. Greene, who is one of the B’hoys; and they will not and cannot be outdone by any artist in the country. Their rooms are nearly opposite H. H. & G. C. Seelye’s, Seneca St. See their advertisement.
1851 May 16. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) May 16, 1851, New Series—Vol. VII, No. 20, Whole No. 332, P. 3.
Every Day Brings Something New! Hillotypes Outdone. If you want Pictures that are Pictures, just call at Greene & Co.’s new Daguerrean Rooms nearly opposite H. H. & G. S. Seclye’s store, Seneca st., Geneva.
Rooms open to citizens and strangers daily (Sunday excepted) between the hours of 7 A. M. and 6 P. M. clear or cloudy.
Hours for children from 10 A. M. to 3 P. M. J. F. Greene. J. P. Carson.
1851 May 23. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) May 23, 1851, New Series—Vol. VII, No. 21, Whole No. 333, P. 3.
Every Day Brings Something New! Hillotypes Outdone. If you want Pictures that are Pictures, just call at Greene & Co.’s new Daguerrean Rooms nearly opposite H. H. & G. S. Seelye’s store, Seneca st., Geneva.
We have obtained the great desideratum of more light, consisting of sky lights with large side lights. This light is so admirably arranged and softened by curtains of a delicate blue, that the subject sits as it were in an Ethereal Light, with perfect ease and comfort.
By this light, and with an instrument of great power, (made expressly for us.) we are enabled to take Likenesses in a very few seconds. This light is expressly adapted to the procurement of family Groups, those beautiful mementos for the future of what we were—showing the union of to-day that to-morrow may be dissolved, perhaps forever.
In addition to these improvements, that every one can see and judge for themselves, we have made others of greater importance. We refer to our Chemical Apparatus, and we say unhesitatingly that it is the best in use, always sure in its operation, bringing forth pictures similar to the finest steel engravings.
Thus, Mr. Public, you are invited to call and examine or specimens.
Rooms open to citizens and strangers daily (Sunday excepted) between the hours of 7 A. M. and 6 P. M. clear or cloudy. Hours for children from 10 A. M. to 3 P. M. J. F. Greene. J. P. Carson.
Advertisement was recorded five times between May 23 to June 27, 1851.
1851 July 4. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) July 4, 1851, New Series—Vol. VII, No. 27, Whole No. 339, P. 3.
Every Day Brings Something New! Hillotypes Outdone. If you want Pictures that are Pictures, just call at Greene & Co.’s[1] new Daguerrean Rooms nearly opposite H. H. & G. S. Seelye’s store, Seneca st., Geneva.
We have obtained the great desideratum of more light, consisting of sky lights with large side lights. This light is so admirably arranged and softened by curtains of a delicate blue, that the subject sits as it were in an Ethereal Light, with perfect ease and comfort.
By this light, and with an instrument of great power, (made expressly for us.) we are enabled to take Likenesses in a very few seconds. This light is expressly adapted to the procurement of family Groups, those beautiful mementos for the future of what we were—showing the union of to-day that to-morrow may be dissolved, perhaps forever.
In addition to these improvements, that every one can see and judge for themselves, we have made others of greater importance. We refer to our Chemical Apparatus, and we say unhesitatingly that it is the best in use, always sure in its operation, bringing forth pictures similar to the finest steel engravings.
Thus, Mr. Public, you are invited to call and examine or specimens.
Rooms open to citizens and strangers daily (Sunday excepted) between the hours of 7 A. M. and 6 P. M. clear or cloudy. Hours for children from 10 A. M. to 3 P. M. J. F. Greene. J. P. Carson.
Advertisement ran from July 4 1851 to June 4, 1852.
1853 September 9. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) September 9, 1853, New Series—Vol. IX, No. 35, Whole No. 452, P. 3.
Daguerreotypes. The Subscriber having connected themselves together for the purpose of Daguerreotyping, also fitted up a new suite of rooms opposite the Post Office, are now prepared to make Pictures unequalled in the vicinity. We are now making a style of pictures never before made in this village or county, and the Only Persons that can make them—(no humbug about this notwithstanding what others may say.) They are called Crayon Daguerreotypes.
As for Daguerreotypes we challenge competition. We can suit the most fastidious. We have the largest and best arranged operative room, as well as light, aside from the reception room, in the county. Our light is well adapted to children, being three times as large as any other in the vicinity, consequently we can take them quicker. We are the only persons in town that take the Stereoscopic or Binocular Pictures. In fact we make all kinds of Pictures, either in colors, or oil, or on silver. Persons wishing Daguerreotypes of themselves or friends, are invited to call and examine our specimens. Our Rooms are opposite the New Post Office, and directly over Barnard & Van Deren’s Jewelry store. John F. Greene, D. R. Holmes.
Advertisement was recorded four times between from September 9, 1853 to January 6, 1854.
1854 January 6. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) January 6, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 1, Whole No. 469, P. 3.
No Wonder that Greene has such a rush.—Those beautiful life-like Daguerreotypes which he makes now-a-days—the peculiar brilliancy and mellowness of tone which characterizes his pictures, stand unrivalled—especially in this vicinity. We understand he is making a great many of those new style Crayon Daguerreotypes taken in no other room in this place but his. We are frequently asked where is Greene’s Daguerrean Rooms.—We mean the chap that took the first premium on the best daguerreotypes at the County Fair. To those unacquainted, we would say, that they are directly opposite the Post Office.
Those that have beauty should go to Greene’s take it,
Those that have none should go and let him make it,
Ere decay’s effacing angers
Have swept the lines where beauty lingers.
1854 January 13. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) January 13, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 2, Whole No. 470, P. 3.
An Important Fact.—What every body says must be true, and every one says that Green’s is the only place to get the new style Premium Daguerreotypes.—His pictures excel all others made in this vicinity, and he is the only person that makes the Genuine Crayon and Binocular pictures in Geneva, which of course accounts for his making so many of them. He is now getting up daguerreotypes in Oil Colors, a new thing in this place, We would advise those who want Pictures That Are Pictures, to give him a call, examine his specimens, then see if what we say is not true. We think it would be advisable for the operators in this vicinity to call on him and get instructions in the new style of daguerreotyping.—His rooms are on the north side of Seneca-st. directly opposite the Post Office.
1854 January 20. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) January 20, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 3, Whole No. 470, P. 3.
It’s No Use Talking! Green’s is the place, and the only place, to get the new style Daguerreotypes. He is now making Daguerreotypes in colors which we think are ahead of anything of the kind we have seen. His pictures appear to be different from any other made in this vicinity. They have a depth and mellowness of tone produced by no other artist in the place but Greene. They seem to be more life-like—so much so that we have on looking at some of them, really thought we saw the [ ], or seen them wink. Its astonishing to see what a rush he has. His rooms are directly opposite our office, which accounts for our noticing the crowds that appear and disappear at the entrance to his rooms. It has been stated by some Artists in Geneva, that Greene had sold out and gone out of the business, but that’s a mistake. You that want the real simon pure premium, will find him at his rooms opposite the Post Office.
1854 January 27. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) January 27, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 4, Whole No. 472, P. 3.
Why Is It that Greene is taking so many more Daguerreotypes now-a-days that any one else in the vicinity? Is it because he has the largest and best arranged rooms in the county, and is the only person that makes all the new style pictures, such as Crayon, Binocular, daguerreotypes in colors, &c.? Or is for the same reason that he received the first premium at the County Fair—which was, that his Daguerreotypes were pronounced by the committee Far Superior to Any others on exhibition? You all know who else had pictures there, and what a display was made, but it was of no use. Not only the committee decided Greene’s the best, but every one else that passed their opinion on them.
So you that want the largest and best style pictures, go to Green’s, and if you can’t make them, your case is hopeless. His rooms are opposite the Post Office.
1854 January 27. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) January 27, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 4, Whole No. 472, P. 3.
Dissolution Of Partnership. The copartnership heretofore existing under the firm of Green & Holmes, has been dissolved, Mr. Holmes having sold his interest to Mr. Green, and withdrawn from the concern. The books and accounts of the late firm will be found at the old stand of J. F. Greene, where all settlements on account must be made. Geneva, Dec. 1, 1853.
1854 February 3. Geneva Daily Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) February 3, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 5, Whole No. 473, P. 3.
A Fact worth knowing and remembering.—Since the completion of Greene’s New Rooms, he is turning out Daguerreotypes in quantities, and of a quality superior to any ever before taken in this village. His new Sky—Light works splendidly, and it is the opinion of the best judges that the likenesses taken by it (especially those more recently taken,) are unequalled in tone, strength, clearness, and every other quality belonging to a perfect Daguerreotype. Greene is still on hand to attend to the rush of customers, notwithstanding the combined efforts of his Jealous neighbors, who, because they can’t compete with him in making pictures, are trying other means to injure him—but its no use, they will find him “thar” to show them up, and customers will always find him in his rooms, opposite the Post Office, where the Premium Daguerreotypes are taken.
1854 February 10. The Geneva Daily Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) February 10, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 6, Whole No. 474, P. 3.
A Fact.—Communication from the spirit.—One of the mediums was recently put in communication with the spirit of the celebrated originator of Daguerreotyping, viz: Daguerre, to inquire who was the best Daguerrean Artist in Geneva. Loud and distinct raps upon the table slowly but promptly spelt out Greene.—“Why,” said Daguerreie, “look at his pictures, they stand out from the metallic plate like-life, while others made after the old fashioned way in Geneva, look as though they were made out of putty, which is the reason they require so much gas to dispose of them. It’s no use, people will go where they can get the best pictures, and that’s to Greene’s, opposite the Post Office, the chap that received the first premium at the county fair.
Advertisement ran from February 10 to March 3, 1854.
1854 March 17. The Geneva Daily Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) March 17, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 11, Whole No. 479, P. 3.
Rochester Daguerreotypes In Geneva. R. P. Appleby of the city of Rochester, at the solicitation of friends, has consented to stop for a short time in Geneva, to serve the public with Daguerreotypes of superior quality. He has rented the Daguerrean Rooms of John F. Greene, temporarily, where specimens of his style of work can be seen, and where he will be happy to wait in those wishing his services in this beautiful and wonderful Art. With the aid of all the Late and Improvements, added to extensive experience, he is confident he offers to the inhabitants of Geneva and surrounding country, opportunities superior to any ever before offered in this village. Particular attention is invited to Daguerreotypes of Large Size, which he produces in the greatest degree of perfection. This is a rare chance, one that is not likely again soon to occur.
But it is vain to multiply words, it would be far better to call and see if these things are so. Let it be distinctly understood and borne in mind, that this opportunity will not be long extended, as it is only until the spring trade opens that our services can be dispensed with the City.
All Work Warranted to give Satisfaction. R. B. Appleby.
1854 March 24. The Geneva Daily Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) March 24, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 12, Whole No. 480, P. 3.
Q. Why Did Greene rent his rooms to those in Rochester?
A. Because he wanted to shoot Pigeons.
Q. Where is Greene now?
A. He is occupying his rooms again, making those Daguerreotypes for which he is so celebrated.
Q. Where are his rooms?
A. Opposite the Post Office.
Q. Why doesn’t Greene palaver and [gas] around his customers, in order to dispose of his pictures, as some of his neighbors do?
A. Because his pictures are so life-like, they speak for themselves.
Q. Who takes the Crayon and Binocular pictures in Geneva?
A. Greene is the only person that makes them.
1854 March 31. The Geneva Daily Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) March 31, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 13, Whole No. 481, P. 3.
“Just So,” The cause of civilization is advancing—philosophical wonders [are] daily discovered—[anew] inventions are continually transpiring, for this is the age of progress. The greatest invention of the last century is Greene’s Premium Daguerreotypes, which are pronounced by all good judges to be the Best, Most Perfect and Life-Like made in this Village or County. His rooms are opposite the Post Office, and are the only rooms where the Genuine Crayon and Binocular Pictures are made. You that want perfect Daguerreotypes, give him a call.
1854 April 7. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) April 7, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 15, Whole No. 483, P. 3.
If You Want A Daguerreotype That Is A Matchless in fidelity, of dazzling brilliancy and warranted not to fade, call at the magnificent saloon of Greene, No. 6 Seneca Street. Greene is the leading Artist in our village being the person that received the first premium at the county Fair, for his wonderful skill in the Daguerrean art. His room is a highly fashionable resort and daily visited by hundreds of ladies and gents. We can’t help it if other artists do grumble at his success. The fact is, people are beginning to see for themselves—the scales have fallen from their eyes, and they will go where they can get the best pictures, which you all know is at Green’s Rooms, Opposite the Post Office.
Advertisement ran on April 7 & 14, 1854.
1854 June 2. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) June 2, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 22, Whole No. 490, P. 3.
The First Premium Daguerreotype Artists.—When we find a good artist, whatever his particular art, we take especial pleasure in commending him to the patronage of the public, and it is for this reason that we refer to Greene, the well known Daguerreotypist, at No. 6 Seneca Street. Mr. Greene has had a long experience. His knowledge of the beautiful and delicate art is thorough and accurate. His likenesses a ways have the finish of an artist and the tone of nature—
Life transferred as it were to the delicate plate. His resources for taking pictures are unsurpassed, while his pictures are within the means of all. Whether you want a $1 or $25 likeness, Greene is the artist and man—either will suit your eye or purse.—Go and patronize him.
Advertisement ran from June 2 to 30, 1854.
1854 July 7. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) July 7, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 27, Whole No. 495, P. 3.
The Question Is No More Asked. Where shall I go to get perfect Picture. It is admitted by all that Greene’s, No. 6 Seneca-St., opposite the Post Office, is just the place—no humbug about this. Everything will be warranted as represented. Pictures made at these Daguerrean Rooms will stand the test of time, and not change in the least. Daguerreotypes or Paintings copied without injury to the original. Our readers will remember that Greene received the first premium at our County Fair, and persons wishing a first class Picture, will do well to call on him. His Rooms are over Barnard & Van Deren’s Jewelry Store, No 6 Seneca Street.
Advertisement ran from July 7 to August 4, 1858.
1854 August 11. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) August 11, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 32, Whole No. 500, P. 3.
Strayed or Stolen, From the Post Office, on Wednesday, the 9th inst. A half size Daguerreotype and Frame, supposed to have been taken by a young lady. The one who took the Picture will confer a favor on the maker of the type, as well as on the young man it was taken from, (he being a very modest man,) by returning it. It is hoped this will be sufficient to cause the return of picture to its proper place, as is known who took it away.
[Greene should not make his pictures so life-like, if he does not wish to lose them, as there is a possibility of there walking away themselves.]
1854 September 15. Geneva Daily Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) September 15, 1849, New Series—Vol. X, No. 37, Whole No. 505, P. 3.
Daguerreotypes. S. D. Humphrey has come back to Geneva, and is at J. F. Greene’s establishment (opposite the Post Office,) where he is fully prepared to take his unsurpassed Daguerreotype portraits. Mr. H.’s former reputation while in this village will be a safe guaranty to all tose who may be desirous of securing durable, fine, clear and brilliant specimens of one of the most valuable of arts. His apparatus and chemicals are all of the first order, and his long practical experience entitles him to the confidence of the people…
Advertisement ran on September 15 & 22, 1854.
1854 October 13. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) October 13, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 41, Whole No. 509, P. 3.
List of Premiums awarder at the Fair of the Seneca Agricultural Society….
Discretionary:…
Daguerreotypes 1st premium, John F. Greene 1.00.
1854 November 3. The Geneva Daily Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) November 3, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 44, Whole No. 512, P. 3.
Highly Important to those wishing first Premium pictures. The Daguerreotypes taken by Greene are acknowledged to be the most perfect pictures ever taken in our village. The eye, the expression, everything is perfect.—Persons examining his pictures and others taken in this village can easily see why he received the first Premiums at our county and town fair, his pictures excel anything of the kind we ever saw. Persons wishing first class daguerreotypes will find him at his rooms directly opposite the Post Office.
Advertisement Ran from November 3 to 17, 1854.
1854 December 15. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) December 15, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 50, Whole No. 518, P. 3.
Readers, do you know who it is that makes the best Daguerreotypes in Geneva?
Do you known who took the First Premiums at our county and town Fairs for the best Daguerreotypes?
Do you know who is the only person in Geneva that makes the Crayon and Binocular pictures?
If not, we will inform you that Greene is the individual; that he has just returned from the city with a beautiful assortment of stock, viz: Lockets, Cases, &c., which with one of his Daguerreotypes of you, would make a better and more acceptable Holiday Present to your family or friends, than anything else. His rooms are the largest and best in the village, and are opposite the Post Office. Don’t mistake the place.
Advertisement was recorded three times between December 15, 1854 to January 5, 1855
1854 December 15. The Geneva Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) December 15, 1854, New Series—Vol. X, No. 50, Whole No. 518, P. 3.
Daguerreotypes. Truth Is Stranger than Fiction. The First and Only Premium Daguerrean Gallery in Geneva. Mr. Green, the proprietor of this establishment, deems it his duty and justice to the public to state that he received the First Premium on Daguerreotypes at the County Fair in 1853, also the First Premium at the Town Fair in 1854—notwithstanding there is in this paper an advertisement which reads, “Geneva First Premium Daguerrean Gallery,” and winds up by saying. That “that he is now prepared to execute all the new styles of Pictures in the United States. No Humbug,” &c., dated Dec. 1853. Wonder if Mr. Sinsabaugh knows the definition of the word Humbug, Lying, Deception, &c. If not, I advise him to inform himself, and then act accordingly. He is not prepared to make Half the styles of Pictures made. There have never been any Crayon or Binocular Daguerreotypes made in Geneva, except at my rooms. As for daguerreotypes, it is not to be wondered at that I make the best, as I have the best arranged and largest skylight, accompanied by a side light, in the county. My rooms are entirely new, having been fitted up and arranged according to the latest improvements—They consist of Reception, Dressing, and Operating rooms. Pictures taken in these rooms are acknowledged by all who have seen them to be unsurpassed, (not in the United States, but) in Geneva.
I rest the reputation of my Pictures entirely on their merits—invite the most critical examination, and comparison with others—Warrant them first and best, and to please you, or no sale. Call and examine specimens, whether you want a picture or not.
Rooms No. 6 Seneca Street, opposite the Post Office. John F. Greene.
Advertisement ran from December 15, 1854 to January 11, 1856.
1855 December 28. Geneva Daily Gazette. (Geneva, New York.) December 28, 1855, New Series-Whole No. 572, Vol. XI, No. 52, P. 3.
Why is it that Greene makes nearly all the Daguerreotypes made in Geneva?
Because he makes the best ones.
Why is it that strangers have to pay more for a good picture than persons unacquainted with Green’s Rooms?
Because they get in Wiggins’ or Laidlaw’s Butcher Shop, get a thing after sitting about forty times, pay six shillings for it, show it to a friend, who on looking at it, starts back with astonishment and says that Greene never took this. Who made it? Why look at the back ground; the face, drapery, &c. It looks as though it was made with soot and white wash! Now go to Greene’s Rooms (opposite the Post Office) get him to take that thing out and put in one of his. Your picture will then cost you two shillings more than it would, had you went to Greene’s in the first place.
Talk about Caricatures, Gift Enterprises, the gallantry of our Firemen, &c. We don’t wonder you hang out false colors, in order to deceive. Why not come out, show your hand, stand on your own merit, if you have any; not try [towring] in on the reputation of Greene and Sinsabaugh.
Advertisement ran from December 28, 1854 to January 11, 1856.
[1] From July 11 on Green’s new Daguerrean Rooms…
Pioneer American Photographers, 1839 - 1860 