1853-1862       3 Exchange Block, King Street, Alexandria, Virginia.

1863                Address Unknown, Alexandria, Virginia.

1864                11 North Royal and 148 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia.

1865-1867       Corner King and St. Asaph streets, Alexandria, Virginia.

1853 August 18.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  August 18, 1853, Vol. LIV, No. 195, P. 3.

The Alexandria Daguerrean Gallery, Exchange Block, changed hands.—D. Haas having bought out Mr. E. L. Brockett, has made an addition of new apparatus, with all the recent improvements in the art, procured new stock, in fact, having rendered it a first class Daguerrean Room, respectfully solicits a share of public patronage.—Miniatures taken all sizes, and in any weather.  Please take notice of this fact.  No miniature is to be taken from the Room, unless entire satisfaction is given.

N. B.  Cases, Frames, Lockets, Breast Pins, and Rings for Miniatures, always on hand.  No charge for engraving on Miniatures.

Advertisement ran from August 18 to December 26, 1853.

1853 August 18.  Daily Evening Star.  (Washington, District of Columbia.)  August 18, 1853, Vol. II, No. 201, P. 2.

Alexandria Daguerrean Gallery Exchange Block, changed hands.  D. Haas having bought out the entire interest of E. L. Brockett in the above Gallery, and replenished his stock with a beautiful variety of new Plain and Fancy Cases, Lockets, Rings, Pins, and Ornamental Frames, is prepared to take Pictures with every improvement in the Art. 

Pictures taken in any weather and warranted to give entire satisfaction.  He will not permit any Pictures to leave the Gallery that are not perfect. 

Miniatures for lockets, Rings, and other Ornaments taken in the best possible manner an on the most reasonable terms.

The Public are requested to call and examine for themselves.

Remember the place—the only Daguerrean Gallery in Alexandria, No. 3 Exchange Block, King street, Alexandria, Va.                                                                                              

Advertisement ran from August 18 to November 25, 1853.

1853 August 18.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  August 18, 1853, Vol. LIV, No. 195, P. 3.

The Alexandria Daguerrean Gallery, Exchange Block, changed hands.—D. Haas, having bought out E. L. Brockett, has made an addition of new apparatus, with all the recent improvements min the art, procured new stock, in fact, having rendered it a first class Daguerrean Room, respectfully solicits a share of public patronage.—Miniatures taken in all sizes, and in any weather.  Please take notice of this fact.  No miniature is to be taken from the Room, unless entire satisfaction is given.

N. B.  Cases, Frames, Lockets, Breast Pins, and Rings for Miniatures, always on hand.  No charge for Engraving on Miniatures. 

1853 December 24.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  December 24, 1853, Vol. LIV, No. 304, P. 2.

Haas’ Unrivalled Sky Light Daguerrean Rooms, Exchange Block, King street, between Royal and Pitt, Alexandria, Va.—The proprietor of the above establishment, returns his sincere thanks to the ladies and gentlemen of Alexandria and surrounding country, for the liberal patronage extended since his residence among them, and respectfully solicits a continuance of the same.  He has just returned from the North a fine assortment of superb Cases, and magnificent Jewelry, suitable for miniatures, to which he respectfully invites attention.  It embraces Pearl inlaid, Papier Mache, and Sontag Cages, in variety; fancy Morocco and plain Cases of all shapes and sizes—Gold Lockets, Breast Pins, Clasps, Watch Keys, Seals, Ear Rings, &c., &c.

Long experience in the constant practice of [the], art he has never failed to give general satisfaction, and the most complete arrangements for the reception of light, authorizes him to warrant perfect Likeness of those who may favor him with a call; and under no circumstances will he permit a Daguerreotype to leave his Gallery, unless perfect satisfaction has been given.  Possessed of an elevated situation, and a splendid Sky Light, so constructed as to furnish the best light possible for the art, he is enabled to take perfect Likenesses as well in cloudy weather as in clear bright sunshine.  This Gallery is open at all hours, and the public are respectfully invited to call and examine specimens of the art on exhibition.

There is no charge for looking, so don’t forget to call on Haas, No. 3, Exchange Block.  Entrance between Mr. James M./ Stewart’s Dry Goods Store, and Mr. W. B. Richards’ the fancy man.

Advertisement ran from December 24, 1853 to January 14, 1854.

1853 December 29.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  December 29, 1853, Vol. LIV, No. 307, P. 2.

Stolen from Mr. Haas’ Daguerrean Gallery, on Tuesday, a picture of Reuben Johnston—which was hanging at the door.  Also, stolen, within a short time, some other pictures from the gallery—amongst them one of Mrs. M. M. Johnson.

Advertisement ran from December 29 to 31, 1853.

1854 April 14.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  April 14, 1854, Vol. LV, No. 88, P. 3.

A Card.—Having understood that certain persons in the city have been circulating reports calculated to injury my business, I consider it due both to myself and the public, to correct mis-statements.  The assertion that I possessed neither the proper light nor suitable instruments for giving a correct expression to the eye in my pictures.  I pronounce a base and unqualified slander.  I have given sufficient proof of my ability in this respect to all who have honored me with their patronage, so that such statements can have no effect except upon those who have never examined my specimens.  I do not profess to use the identical Cameras used by the great Daguerre himself; they, I fear, would be found rather antiquated in the present improved state of the art.  My Cameras were made by Voigtlander & Son, Vienna, who are considered by all Daguerrean artist, the best makers in the world, and whose instruments are in almost universal request.

I have been practicing the Daguerrean art for many years, quite long enough to make any one an eminent artist.  It is not necessary to boast of the precise length of time I have been engaged in the business; let my works speak for me.  I am no humbug, I do not seek to delude the public by praising my own pictures, and running down those taken by others.  I simply assert that I can take as good likenesses as any other artist in the country, and at rates quite as reasonable.  If any person have Daguerreotypes taken by me with which they are not satisfied, I will retake them without charge; and I caution such not to be induced to habd over their pictures to designing persons, to be taken over again, as such persons underrate my work, not only for the purpose of injuring me, but also in order to replenish their pockets with dollars they hope to obtain by the operation.  I consider my light the most superior in the city.  D. Haas, Daguerrean Artist.

1854 May 10.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  May 10, 1854, Vol. LV, No. 110, P. 3.

On Monday night, Mr. Haas, occupying one of the rooms in the third story of the Exchange Block, King Street, as a Daguerreotype Saloon, was awakened by a sense of suffocation, and found the room filled with smoke.  He called the watch to his assistance, and it was ascertained that the floor had accidentally taken fire from a stove.  The watchmen and Mr. Haas extinguished the fire, without raising a general alarm.  A few minutes more and the building would have been in flames.

1855 July 3.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  July 3, 1855, Vol. LVI, No. 157, P. 3.

4th Of July.—Haas’ Daguerrean Gallery, will be open all day on the 4th of July, for the reception of visitors.

Gallery on King street, opposite the Marshall House, between the stores of Messrs. James M. Stewart and Richards.

Advertisement ran on July 3 & 4, 1855.

1855 July 3.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  July 3, 1855, Vol. LVI, No. 157, P. 3.

Lost—A small Memorandum Book.  A liberal reward will be given to the finder, on returning the same to D. Haas’ Daguerrean Gallery, King street.

Advertisement ran from July 3 to 7, 1855.

1855 August 18.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  August 18, 1855, Vol. LVI, No. 196, P. 2.

Haas’ 50 Cent Daguerreotypes.—Daguerreotype Likenesses Greatly Reduced!!—Haas’ Daguerreotypes are now the cheapest in the country—they are taken in the very best style, with all the latest improvements, and warranted not to fade.  The rooms are still at the old stand.  Exchange Block, between the stores of Messrs. James M. Stewart and Wm. B. Richards, opposite the Marshall House, King street.

Advertisement ran from August 18 to October 31, 1855.

1855 December 15.  Evening Star.  (Washington, District of Columbia.)  December 15, 1855, Vol. VI, No. 920, P. 3.

Alexandria Correspondence.  Alexandria, Dec. 15, 1855…The Ladies Fair at Sarepta Hall continues to be the centre of evening gayety…

Among the principal objects of public interest here is the memorial prepared by Mr. Haas, at his daguerrean gallery, to the victims of the recent calamity by the fire.  I[t] consists of a unique frame, enclosing admirable likenesses of the fallen firemen around a circle, in which is daguerreotyped the inscription, “The victims of the fire on King street, November 17, 1855:  Their memory is enshrined in the hearts of their fellow citizens.”  The tout ensemble is really beautiful, and Mr. H. deserves equal praise for his skill as for his public spirit.

1857 December 29.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  December 29, 1857, Vol. LVIII, No. 307, P. 3.

Presented.—Mr. D. Haas presented to the Free Masons of Washington Lodge, No. 22, of this city, at their last meeting, an accurate and elegantly finished Ambrotype of Mr. John Shakes, the venerable Tyler of the Lodge.

1858 August 21.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  August 21, 1858, Vol. LIX, No. 199, P. 3.

Mount Vernon.—Our fellow citizen, Mr. David Haas, has, we observe, prepared some elegant photographic views of Mount Vernon, for the use of visitors.  The first is a front view of the vault; the sarcophagus being seen within and the inscription over the gate being perfect; the very planks which form the walk to the tomb, and the trees and shrubbery around, are given with striking fidelity to nature.  The second, which is in our judgement the best, is a side and front view of the tomb, the sarcophagus of Mrs. Washington being visible; in this, the very pointing and replacement of [single] bricks which has been recently done, strikes the beholder, and shows him how accurate an idea of the sacred spot he may obtain from a picture.  The third view is of the front of the mansion, executed in a style in no way inferior to the others.  To these, which are on Bristol boards, 17 by 14 inches, Mr. Haas has added a photograph of the bust of Washington from which Clark Mills is modelling his great equestrian statue, also on Bristol board, 10 by 10 inches.

These photographs though suited for framing are contained in a neat portfolio, with a handsome dedication to the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association printed in silver on the cover, and will doubtless prove to pilgrims an acceptable memento of their visit to the “Mecca of freedom.”

The execution of these photographs reflects the highest credit upon the skill of Mr. Haas, as an artist, and he will doubtless find a handsome pecuniary recompense for his labor in the demand for its product.

1858 November 16.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  November 16, 1858, Vol. LIX, No. 273, P. 3.

Bust of Washington, and Views At Mount Vernon—We have been presented by Mr. David Haas, Daguerrean Artist, Exchange Block, with a photograph of the Bust of Washington, from which Clark Mills is designing his Equestrian statue of the pater patriӕ, and also with some beautiful executed photographic views of Mount Vernon, consisting of a view of the Mansion, and front and side views of the Tomb.  These photographs are mounted of fine Bristol board, and sold by Mr. Haas at the low price of $5 for the set.  They are dedicated to the “Ladies ‘ Mount Vernon Association.” At an additional cost of $1 these truly fine photographic views are furnished in a handsome portfolio in which they can be sent or carried any distance.  Mr. Haas deserves great credit for the skill displayed in the execution of these pictures, and we hope he will meet with a deserved success in disposing of them.—There are few persons who would not like to posses an accurate view of Mount Vernon and the Tomb of Washington, and an opportunity is now presented to secure them.

1860 March 15.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  March 15, 1860, Vol. LXI, No. 64, P. 3.

Fire.—Yesterday morning, about seven and a half o’clock, smoke was seen issuing from the windows of the Daguerrean saloon in the third story of Exchange Block.—The saloon was occupied by Mr. David Haas.  A fire had been kindled in the stove, and the occupant left the room for a short time.—During his absence the heat of the stove, set fire to a lounge near by, and gave rise to the alarm.

The firemen were soon at their posts, but without their aid the flames were extinguished, not, however, until the saloon was considerably damaged, and some of it contents destroyed.  Mr. Haas loses about $75, a number of fine views of Mount Vernon having been destroyed by the flames.

1860 May 3.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  May 3, 1860, Vol. LXI, No. 106, P. 3.

Photograph.—We were yesterday shown by Mr. D. Haas, a very fine photographic likeness of Rev. J. E. Blox, formerly pastor of St. Mary’s Church, in this city.  The picture shows great perfection in the art.

1862 March 13.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  March 13, 1862, Vol. LXIII, No. 123, P. 4.

March 9.—A large fire broke out about mid-night of the 8th, at the three-story brick store on King street, between Sarepta Hall and Exchange Block.  The flames made great headway, and, before the progress of the fire was stayed, Sarepta Hall and Exchange Block were destroyed.  The establishments of Messrs. Henry Cook, Cole & Ramsay, Corse & Co., James Entwisle & Son, Jas. M. Stewart, D. Haas and others were embraced in the conflagration, the total loss being estimated in the neighborhood of $150,000—the largest destruction of property by fire in Alexandria since the great fire of 1827.

1864.  Boyd’s Washington and Georgetown Directory contains also Business Directory of Washington, Georgetown and Alexandria.  (Washington, D. C.)  1864.

Photographers, Daguerreotypist, &c.

Haas & Mahler, 11 N. Royal and 148 King, Alexandria.

1865 December 27.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  December 27, 1865, Vol. LXVI, No. 254, P. 3.

An Excellent Likeness.—One of the most striking portraits we remember to have seen for some time, is of the late Capt. J. W. Prestman, now exhibited at Haas’ Saloon, on the corner of King and St. Asaph street.  Although it was reproduced from a small carte visite it presents the lineaments of the lamented deceased as clearly and perfectly as the most finished oil portrait.  It is admired by all comers and is well worth looking at.  Mr. Haas deserves great credit for his skill in thus producing from a blurred card a picture in which the massiveness of the oil painting seems combined with the delicacy of a steel plate engraving.

1866 February 27.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  February 27, 1866, Vol. LXVI, No. 236, P. 3.

We were shown on Saturday last by Mr. Haas the most perfect photographic picture we ever saw.  It was a likeness of the venerable Bishop Early, of the Virginia Conference of the M. E. Church South, who presided over the deliberations of the late session of the Baltimore Conference of that Church, in this city.  In the picture every lineament in the face, every times make about the corners of the mouth and eyes, is exactly and perfectly portrayed, and the likeness is really remarkably vivid.  There is also on exhibition at Mr. Haas gallery, a large ambrotype picture of the same eminent Divine, which him numerous admirers in this city should call and see.

1866 October 25.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  October 25, 1866, Vol. LXVII, No. 122, P. 2.

Died.  On Saturday evening last.  Celestial Veronica, wife of David Haas, and daughter of the late John Shakes.

1867 March 28.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  March 28, 1867, Vol. LXVIII, No. 75, P. 3.

Excellent Photographs.—Prof. D. Haas has executed at his gallery, corner of King and St. Asaph streets, excellent and life like likenesses of Bishop Early and the Rev. W. E. Munsey, of the Methodist Episcopal Church South.

1867 April 25.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  April 25, 1867, Vol. LXVIII, No. 99, P. 3.

Haas’ Gallery Reopened.  (Old Stand) Corner King and St. Asaph streets, Opp. Alex., Wash & Georgetown R. R. Depot.

Something new again at Haas’ Gallery.  Haas’ Gems For Albums, equal to the best Ambrotypes, Large size, one 25 cents; three for 50 cents; seven for one dollar.  Extra large size taken at the same rate.

The above have never yet before offered in Alexandria at such low prices.

Photographs, Carte De Visite, &c., taken in the very best style.

Copies taken from all sorts of picture, to any size, in the most exquisite style at Haas’ Gallery.

Advertisement ran from April 25 to June 3, 1867.

1867 April 26.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  April 26, 1867, Vol. LXVIII, No. 100, P. 3.

Mr. Haas’s Gallery has refitted his Daguerrean Gallery, and has opened it with new attractions.

1867 November 4.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  November 4, 1867, Vol. LXVIII, No. 256, P. 2.

Look Here!!!

Boys And Girls, All of Ye.

There is a chance for ye now at Haas’!

Have you ever read his new handbill?

He takes pictures now very cheap, half for nothing, and good too.

Only 25 cents for a large Album Gem.

Only 50 cents for three do. Gems.

Large Photographs 4-4 size, 3 for $2.

Carte de visite $2 per dozen.

1-9 size Album Gems 10 for $1.

That we call, prices reduced!

Go To Haas’ Gallery, and give him a call.

Corner of King and St. Asaph streets,

Opposite the W. A. & G. R. R., Depot, Alexandria, Virginia.

1868 January 2.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  January 2, 1868, Vol. LXIX, No. 2, P. 3.

For Rent.  Second-Floor Rooms, at S. W. corner of King and St. Asaph streets, recently occupied by D. Haas, as a Daguerrean Gallery…

1868 January 7.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  January 7, 1868, Vol. LXIX, No. 6, P. 4.

County Court—Monday.—The Attorney for the Commonwealth filed information against the following parties…

David Haas, acting as a daguerrean artist without license;…

1869 December 10.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  December 10, 1869, Vol. LXX, No. 294, P. 3.

Police Report—Mayor’s Office…

A colored boy named David Lannon, on complaint of Mr. Hass, the photographist, for insulting the complainant by calling him names, was discharged with a reprimand, upon the payment of costs.

1870 February 5.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  February 5, 1870, Vol. LXXI, No. 32, P. 3.

Stolen—Stolen from the subscriber, a gilt frame Show Case, with gem pictures.—it is of no value to any one except the owner.  Davis Haas.

Advertisement ran from February 5 to 11, 1870.

1870 June 11.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  June 11, 1870, Vol. LXXI, No. 139, P. 3.

Mr. David Haas, an old and respected citizen of this place, came to this country from Hamburg in 1841, and went immediately to his brother in Washington, Philip Haas, who was a lithographer there, and subsequently removed to New York.  David Haas settled in Alexandria in 1853, and as since carried on his business in a daguerrean gallery, and was successful as an artist.  In 1857 he was called to Hamburg at the death of his mother, and returned to this country in August or September, 1857, brining with him from Hamburg his sisters’ children—a nephew named Joseph Hertz and a niece Bertha Hertz—[father’s] name Philip Joseph Hertz.  He has not heard anything of them since, and would be glad of ascertaining their whereabouts; also of his brother and brother’s Children.  Philip Haas, who lived in Washington, afterwards went to New York; New York; has five children—four daughters and one son; Berta, Mathilda, Annette and America Haas, and a son Leonard Hass.  It is added to this card by a friend that David Haas suffered much loss by the war, and is now in infirm health, and deserves the sympathy and kindness of our citizens as well as of his relations.

1871 January 7.  Alexandria Gazette.  (Alexandria, Virginia.)  January 7, 1871, Vol. LXXII, No. 6, P. 3.

Sudden And Mysterious Death.—Mr. David Haas, photographer, retired to his room at the Marshall House at 6 o’clock last evening.  As he had not reappeared at 3 o’clock this evening, his room door at that house was forced open, and he was found lying dead upon his bed.