N. D. 233 Broadway, New York, New York.[1]
1855 Union Block, Northfield, Vermont.
1856 Address Unknown, Northfield, Vermont.1
1857 Union Block, Northfield, Vermont.1
1858 Address Unknown, Springfield, Massachusetts.
1859 Goodrich Block, Springfield, Massachusetts.[2]
1860 Address Unknown, Springfield, Massachusetts.2
1861 Goodrich Block, Rooms 34, 35 & 36, Springfield, Massachusetts.2
1862 Address Unknown, Springfield, Massachusetts.2
1864 691 Broadway, New York, New York.
1865-1866 599 Broadway, New York, New York.
New York City Directories. (New York, New York.)
1849 to 1850 Published by John Doggett.
1851 Published by Doggett & Rode.
1852 to 1870+ Published by John Fowler Trow.
1849-1855 Not Listed.
1863 Not Listed.
1864 Sec. 599 Broadway and Photographer 691 Broadway.
1865 Artistic & Scientific Photographer, Sec. Photographical Society. 599 Broadway, H-399 Adelphi, Brooklyn.
1866-1870 Not Listed.
Brooklyn City Directory. (Brooklyn, New York.)
1863-1875+ Published by Jonathan Lain & Company.
1863 to 1865 Not Listed.
1866 Photographer, 599 Broadway, New York, H-339 Adelphi.
1867-1875 Not Listed.
1855 January 17. Vermont Christian Messenger. (Northfield, Vermont.) January 17, 1855, Vol. IX, No. 3, Whole No. 419, P. 3.
Art Notice. O. C. Mason Would most respectfully inform the citizens of Northfield, and vicinity, that his ne Sky-Light Daguerrian Gallery is now open to the public. The rooms have been built under the personal direction of the Artist, and expressly for Heliographic purposes, which combined with not only a theoretical but a practical knowledge of the Art, in its various branches, warrants him in the assertion that his patrons shall have as good work as can be found elsewhere. Judging by the experience of an extensive city practice, he feels confident that he can give entire satisfaction to all who may be pleased to test his skill in producing true Types from nature.
Particulars Interesting to those wanting Daguerreotype Likenesses from life.
Not only should the best outline of the face be selected, but also that of the head, and neck, for the outline of every feature of the likeness is effected by any change. The eyes, eye-brows, nose, lips, mouth, chin and every shade in the face should also be most carefully observed and the best point of view chosen.
Drapery, Dress and Ornaments.
Dark colors or woolen fabrics should be chosen by gentlemen, the plainer the better. For ladies, if the ground colors are made of red, green, orange, yellow, dark blue, indigo or purple, black or brown the picture of the dress will usually be darker than that of the face, but white, light blue, or any light pink or violet will be lighter that the face. Enquire, study and understand how colors take in Daguerreotypes and then you can judge properly what shades to select. Avoid white as much as possible. Lace work should be narrow and open, usually. Ornaments, such as rings, pins, chains &c. can be worn if chosen.
Vignette Or Head Simply.
This is a new & mast beautiful style of Daguerreotype. The strength and boldness of the effect can be equalled in no other way. No drapery attracts the eye from the face, or its character,
Groups.
Fine grouping, shows skill in the Artist, and though he may not be able to select his sitters, he may arrange them in a picturesque manner, and give a pleasing representation of life scenes.
Harmony, Expression And Air.
Every part of a picture should be in keeping with every other part, If a reporter was taking down a speech made in the open air, he might with propriety wear a hat. An artist representing a choir of singers might as well introduce a scissors grinder as a lady reading the last novel. In Daguerreotypes greater care should be taken to avoid incongruities and make every minute particular in shade, figure, drapery and all do its duty in preserving harmony and unity.
The Eyes.—The remark of visitors is very often made “What perfect eyes your miniatures have! how clear and life like” All eyes blue, light gray and black can be taken perfect, but in order to do so the Artist must perfectly understand the power and effect of light and arrange it in a mild and suitable manner to represent them to perfection and preserve the expression in keeping with the attitude lively and life-like, and give them their proper direction.
Copying.—In all its branches neatly executed from the size of a three cent piece to that of life, if desired.
Invalids. Can always receive attention either at their residences or the Gallery, by giving due notice, and every effort will be made for means, and also for their comfort.
Views of Public Buildings, Private Residences and Landscapes, executed on reasonable terms.
In sending or presenting your likeness to friends, what could be a more appropriate accompaniment than a picture of your home or place of business.
Prices will in all cases be as reasonable as Good Work can be procured elsewhere. Nom customers need take any work executed at this establishment unless it is satisfactory to themselves and friends.
Citizens and Strangers are invited to call examine and enquire for themselves. O. G. Mason. Unio Block, Northfield, Vt.
Advertisement ran from January 17 to April 25, 1855.
1855 April 14. Star of Vermont and Farmer’s Register. (Northfield, Vermont.) April 14, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 26, P. 3.
Daguerreotype Gallery. All desirous of obtaining good Pictures are requestfully invited to call and examine specimens before purchasing elsewhere.
Satisfaction in all cases warranted.
Pictures taken in all kinds of weather. O. G. Mason, Artist.
Advertisement was recorded nineteen times between April 14 to October 20, 1855.
1855 April 21. Star of Vermont and Farmer’s Register. (Northfield, Vermont.) April 21, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 27, P. 1
O. G. Mason, Daguerreian Artist, Union Block.
Advertisement was recorded sixteen times between April 21 to September 1, 1855.
1855 May 5. Star of Vermont and Farmer’s Register. (Northfield, Vermont.) May 5, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 29, P. 3.
Northfield Sky-Light Daguerreian Gallery!! The Subscriber continues to execute for his numerous patrons, the most approved style of Daguerreotypes, feeling confident that his pictures will recommend themselves far better than any thing he can say in print. Therefore he invites all lovers of this Beautiful Art, to visit his rooms and compare his work with that of othert Artists both Far and Near, and extend to him that amount of patronage he merits. He desires nothing more.
Copying.—In all its branches neatly executed from the size of a three cent piece to that of life, if desired.
Invalids, can always receive attention either at their residence or at the Gallery, by givig due notice; and every effort will be made for success, and also for their comfort.
Views of Public Buildings, Private Residences and Landscapes, executed on reasonable terms.
In sending or presenting your likeness to friends, what could be a more appropriate accompaniment than a picture of your home or place of business.
Prices will in all cases be as reasonable as Good Work can be procured elsewhere. Nom customers need take any work executed at this establishment unless it is satisfactory to themselves and friends. O. G. Mason. Unio Block, Northfield, Vt.
Advertisement was recorded on May 5 & June 9, 1855.
1855 May 16. Vermont Christian Messenger. (Northfield, Vermont.) May 16, 1855, Vol. IX, No. 20, Whole No. 436, P. 3.
Northfield Sky-Light Daguerreian Gallery!! The Subscriber continues to execute for his numerous patrons, the most approved style of Daguerreotypes, feeling confident that his pictures will recommend themselves far better than any thing he can say in print. Therefore he invites all lovers of this Beautiful Art, to visit his rooms and compare his work with that of othert Artists both Far and Near, and extend to him that amount of patronage he merits. He desires nothing more.
Copying.—In all its branches neatly executed from the size of a three cent piece to that of life, if desired.
Invalids, can always receive attention either at their residence or at the Gallery, by givig due notice; and every effort will be made for success, and also for their comfort.
Views of Public Buildings, Private Residences and Landscapes, executed on reasonable terms.
In sending or presenting your likeness to friends, what could be a more appropriate accompaniment than a picture of your home or place of business.
Prices will in all cases be as reasonable as Good Work can be procured elsewhere. Nom customers need take any work executed at this establishment unless it is satisfactory to themselves and friends. O. G. Mason. Unio Block, Northfield, Vt.
Advertisement ran from May 16 to June 13, 1855.
1855 August 11. Star of Vermont and Farmer’s Register. (Northfield, Vermont.) August 11, 1855, Vol. 1, No. 42, P. 3.
Ambrotypes And Daguerreotypes, Executed in the Highest Style of Art, By O. G. Mason, Artist. Union Block, Northfield.
Advertisement ran from August 11 to October 20, 1855.
1855 August 22. Vermont Christian Messenger. (Northfield, Vermont.) August 22, 1855, Vol. IX, No. 34, Whole No. 450, P. 3.
Ambrotypes. Pictures that are Pictures. Warranted never to fade, spot, or change in any way unless broken. The can be viewed in any light without the disagreeable reflection of the Daguerreotype, and can be taken in less time, and without reversing the subject as is necessary in Daguerreotyping.
These Pictures are taken o glass by an entirely new process, Invented and Patented by Prof. James A. Cutting, of Boston, from under whose personal instruction, the Subscriber has lately returned and is now prepared to furnish all who may wish for a Never Changing Picture. They need only to be seen to be admired. We venture to say that no person of refined taste and sound judgement will hereafter think of sitting for a Daguerreotype when Ambrotypes can be obtained.
Citizens and Strangers are respectfully invited to call at the Subscriber’s Rooms and examine specimens and judge for themselves. O. G. Mason, Artist, Union Block, Northfield, Vt.
Advertisement ran from August 22 to December 12, 1855.
1858 July 3. Vermont Christian Messenger. (Northfield, Vermont.) July 3, 1858, Vol. XII, No. 28, Whole No. 598, P. 4.
Daguerreotype & Photograph Gallery To Let. The spacious Gallery, in Union Block, occupied by O. G. Mason, is now offered for rent. Fixtures, Furniture and a complete set of apparatus for sale, immediate possession will be given. To an artist in want of a first class location this offer superior inducements, such as cannot be found elsewhere in the State.
Application must be made soon to C. R. Briggs. Northfield, June 9th, 1858.
Advertisement ran from July 3 to 24, 1858.
1858 September 30. Springfield Daily Republican. (Springfield, Massachusetts.) September 30, 1858, Vol. 15, No. 233, Whole No. 4425, P. 2.
Hampden County Agricultural Fair…
The Picture Gallery…
Mr. Mason of Springfield exhibits a collection of unusually fie photographs;
1858 October 1. Springfield Daily Republican. (Springfield, Massachusetts.) October 1, 1858, Vol. 15, No. 234, Whole No. 4426, P. 2.
Hampden County Agricultural Fair…
Premiums…
Fine Arts…
Photographs—Oscar G. Mason, 3. Ambrotypes—Calvan Ward, 2. A. E. Allen, 1. Daguerreotypes—Calvin Ward, 1.
1861. Springfield City Directory. (Springfield, Massachusetts.) 1861/1862, Front Cover.
Photographic views,—Stereoscopic & First Class work in all branches of all the art, Rooms 34, 35 & 36 Goodrich Block.
[1] Craig’s Daguerrean Registry.
[2] A Directory Of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.
