Category Archives: Ambrotype Car

S. W. Sawyer

Ambrotype Car, Ambrotypes, Daguerrean Car, Daguerreotypes, , , , , , , ,

1854                Address Unknown, Paris, Maine.

1858-1860       Gallery near the Depot, Winthrop, Maine.

S. W. Sawyer was recorded in seven announcements and four advertisements in two different newspapers. (he was also in the partnership of S. W. & P. M. Sawyer 1854.  The first announcement appeared on June 23, 1854 in the Oxford Democrat (Paris, Maine).  A nomadic Daguerreotype Saloon made its appearance here the other morning.  Messrs. S. W. & P. M. Sawyer accompany it, and are prepared to take your picture at any time, if you will call on them.

The second announcement appeared on November 4, 1858 in the Maine Farmer (Augusta, Maine).  Kennebec Co. AG. Society.  Awards Of Premiums…

Incidentals…Ambrotypes, S. W. Sawyer, Winthrop, book.

The third announcement appeared on March 10, 1859 in the Maine Farmer.  Excellent Photographs.  The citizens of Winthrop and vicinity ow have an excellent opportunity, by applying to Mr. Sawyer in that village, to obtain excellent ambrotypes, and also photographs of themselves or friends.  Mr. Sawyer is a capital artist in this line, and has quite a gallery of specimens, which make a visit to his saloon very interesting.  We found there the other day, some very fine portraits of Rev. David Thurston, the octogenarian divine so well known in this State, and now one of the few venerable links in the chain of time which connect the present generation with those of olde times.  Mr. Sawyer supplies them to purchase s for $1, and we are happy to learn that there is a brisk demand for them.  We wish he would prepare himself to supply photographs of some others of our venerable men.

The fourth announcement appeared on April 14, 1859 in the Maine Farmer.  Mr. Sawyer’s Photographic Gallery.  Mr. Sawyer has recently removed his Ambrotype saloon, and opened a gallery in Downing’s building near the depot in Winthrop Village.

We were in there the other day, and found quite an increase of excellent specimens of the art, which Mr. Sawyer does up in first-rate style.  Among them were very correct portraits of the venerable Rev. D. Thurston, and also of Rev. B. Sawyer, Prof. S. Harris, Prof. Shephard, Revs. E. P. Parker, and Cha. B. Rice, E. B. Palmer of Bangor, Rev. D. B. Randall, of Gardiner, Rev. Otis H. Johnson, of Jay.  The friends of either of these gentlemen can here obtain copies of their portraits for the low price of a dollar apiece.—There are also a large collection of portraits of many of the citizens of Winthrop and vicinity.  The photographic art is a great improvement on the daguerreotype.  Correct portraits are not only taken permanently upon paper, but can be copied to any amount.  Sun painting will prove a great blessing to the world, in the correct representation it gives of whatever is submitted to it action.

The first advertisement ran seven times between June 2 to August 18, 1859 in the Maine Farmer. 

Photographic Gallery at Winthrop.  S. W. Sawyer, would inform in inhabitants of Winthrop and vicinity that he has fitted up a splendid Gallery of Photographic pictures in Winthrop Village, opposite the Depot in Downing’s Building, where they may be found likenesses of many distinguished persons from different parts of the State.

All kinds of Photographic pictures taken at short notice and perfect satisfaction given or no charge.  All plain Photographs are nicely  finished as he employs an Artist whose every business is to finish them.

The second advertisement ran from September 1 to October 6, 1859 in the Maine Farmer. 

Superior Photographs.  S. W. Sawyer, Having fitted up one of the Largest and best Photographic Galleries in the State, in Mr. Downing’s Buildings, just opposite the Depot, in Winthrop, Me., and engaged the services of Mr.[2] E. E. Lamson, from Boston, who has had several years experience in the art of finishing Photographs in Oil, India Ink, and water colors, and is considered one of our best colorests (sic.) in the country.

Mr. S. is prepared to make Photographic Portraits, of any size, and finished in the above styles.  Also Photographs copied from Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, or other Photographs, and enlarged to any size, and finished as above.

Photographic Landscapes taken to order.  Ambrotypes at usual prices.  Lessons given in the art if desired.

The fifth announcement appeared on September 29, 1859 in the Maine Farmer.  Maine State Fair.  Fifth Annual Exhibition Of The Maine State Agricultural Society.  The exhibition opened on Tuesday, Sept. 20th…

Picture Gallery.  The Photographic Specimens here, absorb the largest portion of people’s interest—and they constitute certainly, as fine a show in this line as we have ever witnessed.  The exhibition gives evidence that Silsbee (Silsbee & Case) of Boston and the sun (in some instances Silsbee principally, in some the sun under his tutelage) have produced some inimitable likenesses.  But he is an artist by profession, and knows how to do such things without the sun’s aid.

Burnham (Burnham Brothers) of Portland has an admirably worked up, as well as plain collection of photographs here also, which shows the eye and skill of the true artist; and

The numerous works of Messrs. Starbird & Dodge, on exhibition evidence that the people of this region need not go farther than Augusta to get as good a plain photograph as can be obtained anywhere; whilst productions on which the finishing touches of the pencil have been bestowed, demonstrate that money can buy excellence here as well as in Portland, Boston, or New York.

S. W. Sawyer of Winthrop, shows a very large number of excellent photographs, some of which have been finely worked up by Mrs. Lamson, who is evidently a lady of superior skill in such matters.  Mr. S. has also some well executed ambrotypes.

To Mr. S. Wing of Waterville, must be given the palm of producing the largest photographs in the exhibition—and they are at the same time of a high order of excellence.  Mr. S. Wing on exhibition a number of stereoscopes, made, we understand, by himself, highly creditable to his ingenuity and skill.

Fine Arts…best painting in water colors, Mrs. E. E. Lamson, Winthrop, diploma;…best collection of ambrotypes, daguerreotypes, melainotypes, and photographs, S. W. Sawyer, Winthrop, medal; 2d do., Starbird & Dodge, Augusta, diploma;…best mezzotinto and oil colored photographs by an artist in Maine, Burnham & Bros., Portland, diploma; do. do. do. out of Maine, Silsbee & Case, Boston, diploma….   

The sixth announcement appeared on September 30, 1859 in the Oxford Democrat.  Maine State Fair…There is a fair display of plain and colored Photographs exhibiting great perfection in this wonderful art.  Photographs are destined ere long to supersede portraits painted in oil, not only because they can be taken in greater perfection but because they cost so much less.

Burnham Brothers of Portland…

Silsbee, Case & Co., of Boston…

Starbird and Dodge of Augusta…

Further along is a collection of both plain and colored photographs taken by S. W. Sawyer of Winthrop and painted in water colors by Mrs. E. E. Lamson of Augusta.  This is the best collection taken as a whole and is entitled to the first premium.  Sawyer takes a splendid picture and Mrs. Lamson puts on the finishing touches with the skill and judgement of a true artist.

[Simon] Wing of Waterville.

The third advertisement ran from October 13 to 27, 1859 in the Maine Farmer.  Daguerreotype Saloon for Sale.  The Subscriber has a good portable Daguerreotype Saloon 22½ feet long, and 8½ wide, for sale low for cash.

Said Saloon is new and in good condition for taking Ambrotypes and Photographs, with every desirable convenience to make them of any size.  For further particulars apply to S. W. Sawyer.

The fourth advertisement ran from October 13, 1859 to May 17, 1860 in the Maine Farmer. 

Premium Photographs!  All lovers of the fine arts who are desirous of an exact portrait of themselves or friends, arranged and finished in the best and most approved style will please give Mr. S. W. Sawyer an early call, as he proposes to make changes in his location shortly.

Mr. Sawyer having made extra exertions to perfect himself in his business, sparing no pains or expense to produce the finest effect and finish to his pictures, having received the first prize at the State Fair, and secured the services of Mrs. E. E. Lamson, who also has received the first prize for finishing Photographs in Water Colors, feels confident that he can give as good if not better satisfaction than any other Artist in the State.

By devoting his own personal attention to his customers, he hopes to secure a place in the hearts and confidence of all his friends and former patrons.  All wishing a good likeness and a test of his ability will show their good will be calling as soon as possible.

All of those who have not settled for their pictures as well as those who have demands against him will please call at his rooms immediately, and settle the same.

The seventh announcement appeared on February 2, 1860 in the Maine Farmer.  Sun Printing.  Our Neighbor Sawyer in Winthrop, who took some of the first prizes at the late State Fair for superior photographs, is still doing a good business, and his gallery near the Depot, is well worth visiting.  Mrs. Sawyer is also an excellent artist in finishing up the lesser minutiae of the portrait and setting it in bolder relief.  The visitor will find an admirable photograph of Professor Pond of Bangor recently finished by them, and if he wishes can have one of his own done up in the same style.

S. W. Sawyer is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Calais Maine in 1855-1856, in 1856 in the partnership of Sawyer & Robbins.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

[2] Mrs. E. E. Lamson

George K. Proctor

Ambrotype Car, Ambrotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1858-1859       Cabot Street, opposite the Rubber Factory, Beverly, Massachusetts.

1859                One Door North of the Town Hall, Beverly, Massachusetts.

George K. Proctor was recorded in eight advertisements and one announcement in the Beverly Citizen (Beverly, Massachusetts).  The first advertisement ran from October 27 to November 24, 1858.  Satisfaction Given!  G. K. Proctor Respectfully announces to the citizens of this place that he has stationed his Ambrotype and Photograph Saloon, for a short time opposite the Rubber Factory, Beverly, where he will take pictures any size, from the smallest to the largest, as good as the best, as cheap as the cheapest, and at all prices from 25 cents to 25 dollars.  Also copying of every description executed at his saloon.  Views taken of Houses and Buildings of every description and warranted to give satisfaction.

George K. Proctor, having learned his trade of one of the best artist in Boston, and had several years experience, and also since July 1858 had an uncommon large saloon built with an excellent light and every convenience for taking Ambrotypes and Photographs that could be had, and also having, at a great expense, purchased receipts for making a new kind of chemical that will surpass all others, feels confident that he can give perfect satisfaction.

As his time here is limited people wishing his pictures will do well to call early.  George K. Proctor.

The announcement appeared on November 17, 1858.  Ambrotypes. We take pleasure in asking attention to the advertisement of Mr. G. K. Proctor, and in stating that we have recently seen some pictures of excellent finish which were taken by him.  He seems to have the skill and judgement which is requisite in an artist to secure good likenesses.—His terms are very reasonable, and we commend him to the patronage of our Beverly friends.

The second advertisement ran from January 19 to February 16, 1859.  Satisfaction Given!  G. K. Proctor Respectfully announces to the citizens of this place that he has stationed his Ambrotype and Photograph Saloon, for a short time opposite the Rubber Factory, Beverly, where he will take pictures any size, from the smallest to the largest, as good as the best, as cheap as the cheapest, and at all prices from 25 cents to 25 dollars.  Also copying of every description executed at his saloon. 

As his time here is limited people wishing his pictures will do well to call early.  George K. Proctor.

The third advertisement ran from March 19-26, 1859.Business Cards:  G. K. Proctor, Ambrotype and Photograph Artists, Cabot Street.  (Opposite the Rubber Factory) Portraits, Miniatures, Engravings, &c., accurately copied.  Views taken when desired.

The fourth advertisement ran from March 19-26, 1859.  All Ambrotypes and Photographs Taken at G. K. Proctor’s Saloon, opposite the Rubber Factory, are warranted to give perfect satisfaction, or no pay will be exacted.  March 1, 1859.

The fifth advertisement ran from June 4 to December 31, 1859.  Business Cards:  G. K. Proctor, Ambrotype and Photograph Artists, Cabot Street. (One door North of the Town Hall.)  Portraits, Miniatures, Engravings, &c., accurately copied.  Views taken when desired.

The sixth advertisement ran from June 4 to December 3, 1859.  Photographs.  Taken at G. K. Proctor’s Rooms, one door North of the Town Hall, and enclosed in  Large Gilt Frame, for only $2.00—common price $3.75—duplicates, 50 cents.  May 7, 1859.

The seventh advertisement was recorded on June 4 to July 2, 1859.  G. K. Proctor, having fitted up rooms One door North of the Town Hall, with an excellent Side and Sky-Light, will take Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, &c., in the neatest and best style and at Reduced Prices.

He hopes by endeavoring to make Pictures that cannot fail to suit, to merit a liberal patronage. Beverly, May 7, 1859.

The eighth advertisement ran from August 6 to 20, 1859.  Photographs of the Bean Kiln [Invaders] can be had at G. K. Proctor’s Photographic Rooms—one door north of Town Hall—for only 50 cents, which is less than half price.  Nearly one hundred now engaged.

G. K. Proctor is not recorded in other photographic directories.

John G. Morgan

Ambrotype Car, Ambrotypes, ,

1859                Address Unknown, Clinton, Georgia.

John G. Morgan appeared in one advertisement that appeared on June 23, 1859 in the State Press (Macon, Georgia).  Ambrotype Car for Sale.  I will sell cheap for cash a good Ambrotype Car, suitable for traveling the country.  Also a good Camera and every thing that belongs to the Ambrotype process.  A good business for a young man who wishes to travel and make money.  Instructions given if required.  Address John G. Morgan, Clinton, Jones Co., Ga.  may 21.

John G. Morgan is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Junius Darrow

Ambrotype Car, Ambrotypes, , ,

1856                Address Unknown, Bethel, Connecticut.

Junius Darrow was recorded in one advertisement that ran on March 25 & 26, 1856 in The New York Herald (New York, New York).  Ambrotype Saloon For Sale, On Account Off ill health—The subscriber offers for sale a fine traveling ambrotype saloon, eight by twenty feet, with large sky and side lights; will be sold with or without ambrotype and daguerreotype apparatus.  The establishment can be seen in operation at this village for a short time.  Address Junius Darrow, Bethel, Ct.

Junius Darrow is not recorded in other photographic directories.  It is unknown where he traveled to or for how long he worked.

E. M. Collins

Ambrotype Car, Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , , ,

1857                Car opposite the Seneca County Bank, Tiffin, Ohio.

1857                Rooms on Commercial Row, over St. John’s Drug Store, Tiffin, Ohio.

1857-1858       Rooms in Singer’s Old Block, Tiffin, Ohio.

1858                Rooms Singers Block, opposite the Court House, Tiffin, Ohio.

E. M. Collins was recorded in five announcements and four advertisements in The Tiffin Tribune  (Tiffin, Ohio).  The first announcement appeared on April 3, 1857.  Ambrotypes.  We would again call the attention to those beautiful Ambrotypes taken by our young artist friend, E. M. Collins in his car.  Mr. C. is a proficient in the process by taking pictures, and eminently deserving the patronage of the public.

Ambrotypes, oh!  What delight,

To gaze upon its work of light!

How high the polish, pure the tone;

And every face is Nature’s own.

Sure, never art, with all its skill

The soul with such delight could fill;

And never was such transport won,

As by these pictures from the sun,

Which on the glass imprints the face

With every line, and shade and grace,

Till we admit with throbbing heart,

Great nature’s triumph over Art.

If you want a picture of your face,

Collins Car is just the place

You’ll find all things prepared for action,

And warranted to give satisfaction,

Ambrotypes—all sorts and kinds,

To suit all fancies and all minds;

Large and small, and splendid cases,

Suitable for scenery or faces.

Or if you choose, a handsome locket

Just fitted for a sweet heart’s pocket,

All this, and more than we can mention,

You’ll find there to attract attention,

Come all no matter what your trade is,

Come right along and bring the ladies;

And whether they are fair or no;

Ambrotypes will quickly show.

Pictures in any kind of weather

Single, or two, or more together,

Or go his specimens to see,

No charge for that—admittance free,

Saloon on wheels ladies recollect,

It may be off ere you expect,

Pictures good and prices low,

Now is your time, oh don’t be slow,

Remember the place and call in soon—

Collin’s Ambrotype saloon.

N. B. Mr. C.’s., saloon is opposite the Seneca County Bank, don’t forget the place, pictures for 50 cents.

The second announcement appeared on July 3, 1857.  Removal.  E. M. Collins, Daguerrian Artist, has removed to Commercial Row, up stairs.  See Advertisement.

The first advertisement ran from July 3 to October 16, 1857.  Ambrotype Gallery, E. M. Collins, Commercial Row, over St. John’s Drug Store.

The third announcement appeared on October 23, 1857.  Catch Beauty, ere it Fades.  Reader, if you want to “see yourself as others see you,” go the E. M. Collins’ Ambrotype Rooms and get a picture.  Mr. Collins is an Artist true to nature, and his pictures give general satisfaction.  Rooms in the former office of W. P. & H. Noble.

The second advertisement ran from October 23, 1857 to March 5, 1858.  New Counterfeits.  E. M. Collins, Has just fitted up a new Sky Light and Ambrotype Gallery, In Singer’s Old Block, up stairs, for the purpose of Counterfeiting the “Human Face Devine.”

He is now prepared to make better pictures than were ever heretofore offered to the citizens of Tiffin And Surrounding Country; Among which are several New Styles, such as Tinted Ambrotype and the Hollotype, as well as Photographs, Melainotypes, and the common Ambrotypes.

Pictures Taken In All Kinds of Weather, and satisfaction given, or no charge will be made.  For the small sum of Fifty Cents, you can get a fac simile of yourself, to send to your friends and sweethearts.  Ladies are respectfully invited to call and examine our Specimens, Beauty Is Fleeting; Catch it ere it fades.  Instructions Given in the Art on reasonable terms.  E. M. Collins.

The fourth announcement appeared on October 30, 1857.  Seneca County Agricultural Society.  List of Premiums…Class 14th-Mechanical Products….

Entry no. 24, display daguerrean pictures Tunison & Fay 1st prem.  Ohio Farmer.

Entry no. 25, display ambrotype pictures Tunison & Fay 1st prem. Diploma.

Entry no. 42, display daguerrean pictures E. M.  Collins 2d premium, diploma.

Entry no. 43, display ambrotype pictures E. M. Collins 2d prem. diploma.

The third advertisement ran from March 12 to August 13, 1858.  New Counterfeits.  E. M. Collins, Has just fitted up a new Sky Light and Ambrotype Gallery, In Singer’s Old Block, up stairs, for the purpose of Counterfeiting the “Human Face Devine.”

He is now prepared to make better pictures than were ever heretofore offered to the citizens of Tiffin And Surrounding Country; Among which are several New Styles, such as Tinted Ambrotype and the Hollotype, as well as Photographs, Melainotypes, and the common Ambrotypes.

Pictures Taken In All Kinds of Weather, and satisfaction given, or no charge will be made.  For the small sum of Twenty-Five Cents, you can get a fac simile of yourself, to send to your friends and sweethearts.  Ladies are respectfully invited to call and examine our Specimens, Beauty Is Fleeting; Catch it ere it fades.  Instructions Given in the Art on reasonable terms.  Oct. 23.  E. M. Collins.

The fourth advertisement ran from August 13 to October 29, 1858.  New Counterfeits.  Pictures For A Quarter!  Collins’ New Gallery, Singer’s Block, opposite the Court House, Tiffin, O.

Something New, Pictures Taken on Purple Glass.

Behold the works of Art in grandeur rise,

Laugh at the Past and all its works despise.

The last achievement, from shades of night,

Just brought from Nature’s darkness into light,

Is the crystal gem—the Ambrotype,

On purple glass, that needs no black

Defective varnish on the back.

The Greatest Discovery of the Age.  Pictures taken in this way are superior to all others in beauty and durability.  They require no backing whatever and are not liable to crack or become blue and spotted.

No Humbug About It.  Call and examine my specimens and get a picture for yourself.  For Sale.—Open frames of all kinds for hanging against the wall.  Instructions in the Art given on the most reasonable terms.  E. M. Collins, Artist.  Main Street, opposite the court House, Tiffin, O.

The fifth announcement appeared on October 29, 1858.  List of Premiums.  Awarded at the 8th annual Fair of the Seneca County Agricultural Society…Class 15th—Fine Arts….

Tunison & Fay, Display Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes 1st Premium, $2.00

E. M. Collins, Display Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes 2d premium, $1.00

Hartsock & Falkner, Display Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes, Discretionary, Diploma.

Tunison & Fay, Display of Photographs and Spherotypes, $2.00.

E. M. Collins does not appear in other photographic directories as being active in Tiffin, Ohio.  An E. M. Collins is active in 1859-1860 in Lima, Ohio[1], but it is unknown if they are the same person.  The distance between Tiffin and Lima using modern roads is 60½ miles.

[1] Ohio Photographers 1839-1900 &  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.