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George W. Gavitt

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1855-1857       West Broad Street, Pawcatuck, Connecticut.

1857                Over Potter & Champlin Drug Store, Westerly, Rhode Island.

1857                Address Unknown, Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

1860                Address Unknown, Westerly, Rhode Island.[1]

George W. Gavitt was recorded in two advertisement and four announcements in The Westerly Echo, & Pawcatuck Advertiser (Westerly, Rhode Island).  The advertisement ran from November 15, 1855 to September 25, 1856.  Ambrotype And Daguerrian Hall.  The subscriber having been thoroughly instructed in the art of Ambrotyping and having taken the old stand on West Broad St., one door west of H. & F. Sheffield’s Store, Pawcatuck, Ct., is now prepared to take pictures to the entire satisfaction of all who may favor him with a call.  The Glass Pictures, or Ambrotypes, is a recent discovery, and a very great improvement on Daguerreotypes, being beautiful in tone, bold and clear in expression, and universally admired wherever they are exhibited, and are rapidly taking the place of Daguerreotypes.  They can also be set in monuments, carried to sea, or otherwise exposed to the action of the elements.  They will retain their brilliancy for ages.  The public are invited to call and examine specimens.

Pictures will be put up in Gilt or Rose Wood Frames when called for.  George W. Gavitt.

The first announcement appeared on November 29, 1855.  Geo. W. Gavitt, Esq.—who has recently purchased and refitted the Daguerrean Rooms, on West Broad Street—has been peculiarly fortunate in his photographic operations upon glass plates, and has succeeded in taking Ambrotype Likenesses of some of our citizens, which are as correct and life-like as those taken by the most celebrated city operators.  To see oneself as others see them, only requires a visit to M.G.’s Rooms.  See advertisements in another column.

The second announcement appeared on September 18, 1856.  The friends of Fremont, residing on the Connecticut side of the river, of this village and vicinity, held a meeting on Friday evening of last week, for the purpose of forming a Freemont Club.—The meeting was organized by the appointment of T. R. Hyde, Chairman, and Peleg Noyes, Secretary.  Two committees were then appointed—one to present a constitution and code of bye laws; the other to report a list of officers for the Club.  The Committee on officers reported as follows:

President.—Theophilus R. Hyde.

Vice-Presidents.—…George W. Gavitt…

The third announcement appeared on February 19, 1857.  To Let.  The Room vacated by G. W. Gavitt for daguerreotyping a short time since very pleasantly situated in the centre of Pawcatuck village.  Possession given the first day of April.  Thomas Wells.  Pawcatuck, Feb. 20, 1857.

The fourth announcement appeared on July 16, 1857.  Card.  Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes.  The undersigned having made an arrangement for the summer, with Mr. Geo, W. Gavitt, is prepared to take Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes at his rooms over Potter & Champlin Drug Store, at the shortest notice, and will spear no pains to give satisfaction.

N. B. Pictures put up neatly in pins, lockets, &c.  Daguerreotypes, Paintings and engravings copied at short notice.

Please call and examine his rooms and specimens.  J. W. Vincent.  Westerly, July, 1857.

The Second advertisement ran from July 16 to August 27, 1857.  Daguerreotypes.  The subscriber would return his thanks to the public, for the liberal patronage he has received, and would inform those who may visit Watch Hill this summer, that (having procured the services of a good operator at his rooms in Westerly,) he has fitted a room at that place with a first rate light where he will be happy to wait upon any who may desire good and correct likenesses, during the summer months.  Pictures put up in every style desired.  Geo. W. Gavitt.  Watch Hill, July, 1857.

George W. Gavitt is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Register as being active in Westerly in 1860.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Theodatus Garlick

Daguerreotype Plate Manufacturer, Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1840                Address Unknown, Baltimore, Maryland.

1841                18 Franklin Building, Cleveland, Ohio.

Theodatus Garlick was recorded in one announcement that appeared on October 22, 1840 in The Pilot and Transcript (Baltimore, Maryland).  The Daguerreotype.—Cheaper Plates.—In the number of the Maryland Medical and Surgical Journal, just issued, is a communication from Doctor Theodatus Garlick, of this city, detailing the preparing daguerreotype plates in a simpler and cheaper manner than that now used, in obtaining photognic drawings.  Doctor Garlick takes a plate of sheet brass, or copper, well planished, to make it very dense.  This he polishes highly, by using first, fine pumice stone and oil, which gives a tolerably fine and regular surface; then rotten stone and oil, which improves it considerably.  The plate is next cleansed by washing or wiping, when it must be finished very highly by the buff with the peroxide of iron without oil.  The plate must be as bright as a mirror to produce a fine picture.  It is now ready for silvering.  “Make a weak solution of the nitrate of silver, which must be applied equally over the surface of the brass with a camel’s hair brush.  The silver is instantly precipitated, and adheres to the plate very firmly, in the form of a dark brown powder.  The surface should then be rubbed over gently with a super-tartrate of potash, made moist with water, which restores it to its bright color.  The successive application of the solution of the nitrate of silver, and the super-tartrate should be repeated at least three times.  The solution of the nitrate should not be to strong, as it then corrodes the brass, and the silver will come off in flakes.  The best criterion is to try the solution upon the edge of the plate.  If it turns the plate instantly black, it is too strong.  It should produce a deep brown color, or that rather gradually.  You may take another buff, (which should be used for no other purpose, and must be soft,)  and a little very fine peroxide of iron, and polish the plate, finally as high as possible.  The buff should pass over the plate transversely, instead of circularly, as recommended by M. Daguerre, so that the marks it leaves should run all one way.  It is now [ready] for the iodine.”  We have used the Doctor’s own words, in giving the process of preparing a plate.  He says it is easily accomplished, after a little practice, and takes but little time.—Plates prepared in this way, he says, are capable of producing the finest specimens of daguerreotype drawings.

1841 August 28.  Daily Cleveland Herald.  (Cleveland, Ohio.)  August 28, 1841, Vol. VI, No. 300, P. 3.

Daguerreotype Portraits.—Dr. T. Garlick, would inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Cleveland, that he will remain for a short time in their city, for the purpose of taking portraits by the new art.

His rooms are in the Franklin Buildings, where he most respectfully invites them to call and examine his work.

By late improvements, he is able to do work in a style not surpassed, if equalled by any one.

Advertisement was recorded on August 28, 1841.

1841 September 9.  Daily Cleveland Herald.  (Cleveland, Ohio.)  September 9, 1841, Vol. VI, No. 400, P. 3.

A Second Self.—We spent a few moments in the room of Mr. Garlic this morning, just long enough to see a gentlemanly bachelor of our acquaintance set his blessed phiz in ‘a picture of silver;’ the operation took two minutes and a half, and Mr. G. handed him a miniature, perfect in all respects, drawn by the Daguerreotype art true to nature.  All bachelors, at least, should visit Mr. G., and those not entirely deprive posterity of a little image of their noble selves.  His room, No. 18 Franklin Building, where numerous specimens of his skill may be seen.

Theodatus Garlick is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry and Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 as being active in Cleveland, Ohio from 1839-1841. Also recorded in The New York Historical Society’s Dictionary of Artist’s in America 1584-1860. As a Sculptor and wax portraitist.  Garlick is a work in progress and only a cursory search has been done of the Cleveland newspapers.

J. M. Gale

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853-1854       On the public square, north of the court house, Ottawa, Illinois.           

J. M. Gale was recorded in one advertisement that ran from November 5, 1853 to February 11, 1854 in The Ottawa Free Trader (Ottawa, Illinois).  Daguerreotypes, In the best style of the art, at J. M. Gale’s portable daguerrean palace, on the public square, north of the court house, Ottawa, Ill.

J. M. Gale received the highest award at the late fair of the Will county agricultural society, for superior daguerreotypes.

All who wish likenesses, are solicited to call soon, as his time in this place will be necessarily   limited to the amount of patronage he receives.  Price $1.50 and upwards.

Reasonable reduction for large families, &c. n5.

J. M. Gale is recorded in A Directory Of Early Illinois Photographers.

H.P. Gale

Daguerreotypes, ,

1846                Village Hotel, State Street, Montpelier, Vermont.

H.P. Gale was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on October 15, 1846 in the Vermont Watchman and State Journal (Montpelier, Vermont).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  H. P. Gale, Informs the inhabitants of Montpelier and vicinity, that he has taken room at the village Hotel, State Street, Montpelier, where he is ready to execute all work belonging to the art, to those who may wish for miniatures of themselves or friends.  Satisfaction shall be given or no pay is required.

All work warranted to be permanent and never fade.

Also, for sale a lot of polishing stone, rouse, colors, etc. of the first quality.

Instruction given in the art.  

H. P. Gale is not recorded in other photographic directories.

A. H. Fuky

Daguerreotypes, ,

1853                499 Broadway, New York, New York.

A. H. Fuky was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on July 3, 1853 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Daguerreotypes, on the 4th of July, will be taken at half price, by A. H. Fuky, 499 Broadway, as he leaves for the country on Tuesday.  Citizens and strangers are invited to call and give him a last trial.

A. H. Fuky is not recorded in other photographic directories.

John H. Frobus

Daguerreotypes, ,

1852                72 Chartres Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.

John H. Frobus appeared in one announcement on November 19, 1852 in the New Orleans Daily Crescent (New Orleans, Louisiana). 

From woman’s eyes this doctrine I derive:

The are the books, the art, the academies

Which show, contain, and nourish all the world.

Had Mahomet heard of daguerreotypes, he might have propagated his doctrines all the faster by showing the portrait of his Celestial Houris!  By the buy, Frobus, 72 Chartres street, is very successful in that all important feature of a daguerreotype likeness—the eye.

John H. Frobus is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in New Orleans, Louisiana  between 1855 to 1861.

J. M. Frisbie

Daguerreotypes, ,

1854-1855       Reber’s Block, nearly opposite Verandah Hotel, Sandusky, Ohio.

J. M. Frisbie was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in the Plymouth Advertiser (Plymouth, Ohio).  The announcement appeared on June 10, 1854.  Frisbie, the Daguerreotypist, of Sandusky, has re-fitted his rooms in a most splendid style.  His pictures are the most finest we have seen.  Strangers visiting Sandusky, will be well repaid by visiting his rooms.

The advertisement ran from June 10, 1854 to October 6, 1855.  J. M. Frisbie, Daguerrean Artist, Reber’s Block, nearly opposite Verandah Hotel, entrance between Porter and Lytle’s Stores, Water-st., Sandusky, O.

Pictures taken either singly or in groups in the best style of the art, in either clear or cloudy weather, put up in every variety of cases.  His rooms are fitted up with both sky and side lights.  Strangers visiting Sandusky are invited to call and examine specimens. 

J. M. Frisbie is recorded in as being active in Sandusky, Ohio between 1853 to 1879 without a business address in Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 and in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

Frink

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1848                7 Batchelder Block, Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

1848                Cataract Block, Factory Island, Saco, Maine.

1849                2 Cataract Block, Factory Island, Saco, Maine

Frink, possibly (Sam C. Frink) was mentioned in one announcement for Macomber & Co. (Horatio N. Macomber) and two advertisements and two announcements in the Maine Democrat Saco Maine. The announcement he was mentioned in appeared on May 23, 1848.  Daguerreotypes.—Following the crowd, one day last week, we found ourself in the Daguerreotype Rooms of Macomber & Co., where, after due preparation, Mr. Frink took a copy of our phiz. As like to the original as like can be.  On looking about his room, we found ourself in the mist of many familiar faces of our townsmen, who have made a visit there and left their shadows behind, to grace the portrait gallery.  Mr. Frink is one of the most accomplished artists to be found in the business.—The operations of this firm are very extensive.—They have a room in Portsmouth, N. H., where Mr. Macomber is now operating.  Some of his likenesses taken there, exceed any thing of the kind we have seen, for distinctness of outline and vividness of expression.  Reader, you cannot do your friends a greater favor than to obtain for them likenesses from this celebrated Room.

The first advertisement ran from August 8 to 29, 1848.  News; News, News!  To The Inhabitants of Saco & Vicinity.  Perfect Likenesses Warranted for $1.  Ladies And Gentlemen—Frink, of the late firm of Macomber & Co., returns his most sincere thanks for the very liberal patronage bestowed upon him since his return among you, and he would now say to all in want of Perfect Daguerreotype Likenesses, that he is still to be found at the old stand, Batchelder Block, Factory Island, where he will, for a short time, make and warrant as good Likenesses for One Dollar as can be made by any other artist in this town, or vicinity, at any price.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this is no humbug.  We have come to the conclusion to Reduce Our Prices, so that all can, and we hope will, avail themselves of this opportunity to secure to themselves and friends these mementoes of life, so much valued when the time of separation comes.

Pictures taken at all times in the day between 7 o’cl’k A. M. and 6 P. M., without regard to weather, of any size, single or in groups, from 1 to 5 dollars, in Morocco Cases, or Lockets from 2 to 12 dollars.  Saco, August 2, 1848.  Frink & Co.

The first announcement appeared on December 28, 1848.  Destructive Fire.  Last Thursday evening, at about quarter to ten o’clock, just as many of our citizens had reached their homes after listening to the eloquent lecture of Hon. Charles Sumner, delivered in Curtts Hall, they were alarmed by the cry of “Fire!” in the vicinity of the Hall they just left…

The Shoe Store of E. S. Goodhue, the Book Store of F. O. Staples, the Jewelry and Fancy goods Store of Humphry Pike, Mr. Frink, Daguerreotypist, and J. Mason, Dentist—all in the Cataract Block—were more or less damaged.  The amount of loss or insurance, we have not learned…

The second advertisement ran from January 2 to April 10, 1849.  Colored Miniatures By Daguerreotype!  Frink & Co.  Invite public attention to the splendid Miniatures with or without colors, which they are now executing at their rooms, No. 2 Cataract Block, Factory Island.  Saco, January 1, 1849.

The second announcement appeared on April 3, 1849.  Daguerreotypes.—We have seen some of the Daguerreotype miniatures taken by Mr. Frink in his new room which would compare with any we have seen.—His lights are so arranged as to cast the shadow both downward and in an oblike (Sic.) direction, which arrangement obviates the black necks and shades the eyes of the top light, and the side shaded pictures of the sidelight.  His light consist of both a top and a side light combine.  He has some new style of cases superior to any ever offered in this place.  We advise them in want of miniatures to give Mr. Frink a call before going else where.

Sam C. Frink is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry without a business address other than Factory Island, Saco, Maine in 1849.

Mr. Freeman

Daguerreotypes, , ,

1853                Rooms No. 1, Third Floor, New York University, New York, New York.

Mr. Freeman appeared in one advertisement on December 13, 1853 in The New York Herald  (New York, New York).  Mr. Freeman Having Purchased of Mr. Alexander Ransom the half of his property in the Drummond Light apparatus for enlarging daguerreotypes, will be prepared every day, between the hours of two and three o’clock P. M., to show any respectable parties, the effects of Daguerreotypes so enlarged, through which a perfect drawing is traced upon the reflection itself, from the cabinet to the size of life, or even larger, with the unerring certainty, in a comparatively short space of time.  Those having daguerreotypes of friends, will please bring them to determine their real value when magnified and thrown upon another surface, thereby avoiding all the disagreeable effects of the reflex of a polished plate, and withal of a hundred per cent increase of resemblance to their originals.  Outline for artists reasonably made.  Rooms No. 1, third floor, N. Y. University, Washington parade ground.

Mr. Freeman is not recorded in other photographic directories.

John Freeman

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848                Address Unknown, Hallowell, Maine.

John Freeman appeared in one announcement on March 11, 1848 in the Maine Cultivator and Hallowell Gazette (Hallowell, Maine).  John Freeman designs opening a Daguerrean Gallery in this place in a few weeks.  His pictures are superior.  A good opportunity will therefore be presented for obtaining correct and finished Daguerreotype likenesses.

John Freeman is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is unknown if he ever opened the studio in Hallowell or if he did how long he was active there as a daguerreotypist.