Category Archives: Ambrotypes

George Porter Paine

Ambrotypes, ,

1855                Address Unknown, St. Albans, Vermont.

George Porter Paine was recorded in an advertisement in the Burlington Free Press (Burlington, Vermont) on December 7, 1855.  Ambrotypes.  A New Style of Photographic Pictures taken upon glass combining the beauty of a fine steel engraving with the most brilliant surface.  They can be seen in any light, having none of the dazzling reflection objected to in Daguerreotypes.  Unlike the daguerreotype they do not fade and cannot be affected by climate, water, or even acids.—Likenesses can be taken by this process almost instantaneously, insuring a lifelike expression rare in daguerreotypes.

These pictures can be procured of the subscriber, the only Ambrotype artist in Franklin or Chittenden counties.

Persons desirous to learn the art, can receive instruction from him on reasonable terms.  Price of pictures same as Daguerreotypes!  George Porter Paine.  St. Albans, Nov. 28, 1855.

George Porter Paine is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in St. Albans, Vermont.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a George Porter Paine as being active in St. Louis, Missouri in 1854-1855.  The St. Louis directories were dated 1854-1855, not 1854 and 1855, the names in the directory were recorded in 1854, so it is possible that they are the same person.

Page, A. M.

Ambrotypes, , ,

1858                Rooms over Drs. Wood’s Drug Store, Greene, New York.

A. M. Page was recorded in two announcements and one advertisement in The Chenango American (Greene, New York).  The first announcement appeared on September 30, 1858.  The County Fair…Martin Page, of this village, successor to R. D. Newton had a beautiful lot of Ambrotypes on exhibition.

The second announcement appeared on the same day September 30, 1858.  The Chenango County Fair…Premiums Awarded…Class 24—Foreign Articles…

Martin Page, 1 Case Ambrotypes, .50

The advertisement ran from November 11 to December 23, 1858.   Ambrotype Gallery!  A. M. Page announces to the public that he has taken the rooms formerly occupied by R. N. Newton as an Ambrotype Gallery (over Drs. Wood’s drug store,) and is prepared to furnish the best of Pictures.

The reputation of his Pictures is sufficiently established in this section, to need no puffing on his part.  They speak for themselves.

Particular attention paid to Copying Pictures.  Pictures taken in Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c., &c.  A style of Picture taken on Leather, just the thing to send by mail to your friends abroad.  Prices ranging from 50 cents upwards.  Greene.

A. M. Page and Martin Page are probably the same person.  They are not recorded in other photographic directories.

Edward H. Olds

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1850-1852       Ford Street, over J. H. Guest’s Store, Clark’s Row, Ogdensburgh, New York.      1853-1859       8 Eagle Block, Ford Street, Ogdensburgh, New York.

Edward H. Olds was recorded in six advertisements and twelve announcements.  The first advertisement ran from April 9, 1850 to April 22, 1851 in the St. Lawrence Republican  (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Olds’ Daguerrian Gallery, Over the store of J. H. Guest, Clark’s Row, Ford street.  A New feature in the art of taking Daguerreotype Likenesses, By Sky-Light.

Miniatures of various sizes, and of the best execution, are taken at the above Rooms, which have seen fitted up expressly for the purpose.  The attention of the public is earnestly solicited.   Operating hours from 8 A. M., till 4 P. M.  E. H. Olds.

The first announcement appeared on May 14, 1850 in the St. Lawrence Republican  (Ogdensburgh, New York).  “Daguerreotypes by Sky-Light.”  Messrs. Smith & Oswell:  Gentlemen—Seeing the above mentioned new invention in taking Daguerreotype Miniatures, I was induced to sit for one; and to my astonishment, succeeded in getting a good likeness, well shaded, and devoid of the dtiff, hard expression, usually seen, in such miniatures, and that without experiencing the unpleasant sensation to the eyes, caused by the ordinary method in use heretofore.

So well please was I with this trial, that I requested some friends, whose daguerreotypes—not likenesses—I had taken by different operators—some within two months—to sit for their’s; and the result was, Mr. Olds possesses those first taken, and I possess those taken by him, in exchange—In other words, exchanging pictures for likenesses.

Give us a call Mr. Olds, before you are much Older.   Yours, &c., “A. Bytownian.”

The second announcement appeared on September 21, 1852 in the St. Lawrence Republican  (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Official Report Of The St. Lawrence Agricultural Fair….Discretionary Premiums.

E. H. Olds, daguerreotypes,             $1.00.

The third announcement appeared on October 26, 1852 in the St. Lawrence Republican (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Destructive Fire In Ogdensburgh…In a short space of time buildings on the west side of Isabella street were enveloped in flames, and every building on the north side of Ford street from Mr. J. N. Oswell’s corner to and including Mr. Benedict’s block…

E. H. Olds, daguerreotypes, loss $200.   No insurance.

The second advertisement ran from November 22, 1853 to October 12, 1858 in The Ogdensburgh Sentinel (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Olds’ Established Daguerreian Gallery, Eagle Block, same Entrance with Eagle Hall.  E. H. Olds.  Ogdensburgh, N. Y.

The third advertisement ran from January 17 to May 16, 1854 in the St. Lawrence Republican  (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Old’s Picture-Gallery, No. 8 Eagle Block, Ford-street, Ogdensburgh, N. Y., Has Been Fitted Up Expressly For him in every particular necessary for the execution of first-class Daguerreotypes.

Pictures put up in plain and fancy frames; Cases of all sizes and kinds—Mother of Pearl, Goat Skin, Morocco, Gutta  Percha, Shell inlaid with Silver, Union, Jenny Lind, Papier Mache, Books; Plain Cases, with plain and engraved borders, &c.  A splendid assortment of Gold Lockets.  Pictures neatly set in Pins, Rings, seals, Keys, &c., &c.

His Apparatus and Stock are of the very best quality.  He has secured the advantages of the latest improvements and discoveries, which, together with his long experience in the business, enable him to promise satisfaction to all admires of good pictures.

Thankful for past favors, he solicits a visit to his Gallery from his former patrons and many new ones.  Hours of Attendance—from 8 o’clock A. M. to 4 o’clock P. M.

The fourth announcement appeared on December 11, 1855 in The Ogdensburgh Sentinel (Ogdensburgh, New York).  For The Sentinel.  Ambrotypes.  Editor Sentinel.—Very few are aware of the great improvement in the art of taking portraits.  Daguerreotypes are eclipsed and thrown into the shade by what is termed Ambrotypes or pictures on glass.  Being desirous of having my phiz preserved after I had left this sublunary sphere, I stepped into the Premium Daguerreotype and Ambrotype Gallery of our fellow townsman, E. H. Olds, Esq., Eagle Block, who, in addition to being the best artist in Northern New York, is a “prince of good fellows.”  A very few moments sufficed to transfer my agreeable countenance to a plate of polished glass, in a manner truly astonishing to those not having seen specimens of Ed’s word.  Mr. Olds with his usual enterprise, has at great expense purchased the only right of taking double-glass Ambrotypes for this county, and should receive the patronage he deserves.

There is a kind of picture called by some Ambrotypes, that do not bear the least comparison with the genuine.  Having had opportunities of seeing the works of the best city operators, I can say with truth that the pictures of Mr. Olds are fully equal to them, and in many cases superior; for the reason that he allows none but first class pictures to leave his gallery.  Persons wishing a good picture should visit Olds’ Gallery, and examine his specimens of Ambrotypes.  He still continues to take his unequalled premium daguerreotypes for those who wish them.  Veritas.

The fifth announcement appeared on December 18, 1855 in The Ogdensburgh Sentinel (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Santa Claus.—We noticed that Santa Claus has arrived in town with a large lot of splendid articles for Christmas presents, and has left them at a good many places…while Olds catches in Daguerreotype or Ambrotype “the human face divine” and cages it in lockets, rings, seals or cases, we do the Fancy Job Work to tell where to find the goods.  And all advertise in the Sentinel.  Who can doubt that the little ones will be cared for on Christmas!

The fourth advertisement ran from May 13 to October 28, 1856 in The Ogdensburgh Sentinel  (Ogdensburgh, New York).  For Sale.  The Subscriber wishes to sell for cash or exchange for other property, a good Daguerrean Saloon, running gear, &c, in perfect order.

Any one wishing to purchase can make a great bargain by calling upon E. H. Olds, at his Daguerrean Rooms in Ogdensburgh.

The sixth announcement appeared on October 7, 1856 in The Ogdensburgh Sentinel  (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Premiums Awarded By The St. Lawrence International Agricultural & Mechanical Society, September, 1856….Class 7—No. 36—Paintings, Drawings, Engravings, &c….

Daguerreotypes, Ambrotypes, and Antriphograph Likeness, E. H. Olds, Ogdensburgh, $5. & D.

The fifth advertisement ran from June 20, 1857 to August 13, 1859 in The Daily Journal (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Olds’ Premium Daguerreian Gallery Sign of the mammoth Eagle, No. 8, Eagle Block, Ford Street, Ogdensburgh.

The seventh announcement appeared on August 1, 1857 in The Daily Journal (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Pictures.—A visit to Olds’ Picture Gallery will reveal some of the most perfect specimens of the art to be found in world.  Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs and a variety of other kinds of pictures are put up in various styles and forms and upon many kinds of material.  The most perfect picture we have ever seen is one of a new style, original with Olds’, and which as yet has received no name.  Every and feature and point stands out boldly, every hair is distinctly produced, indeed the miniature seem actually composed of flesh and blood, and possessed of life.—We have seen nothing that approaches so near perfection.

The eighth announcement appeared on September 17, 1858 in The Daily Journal (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Elegant Pictures.—Olds is bound not to be excelled in producing elegant pictures.  Every new invention brought out calculated to improve the style of picture or the facility of taking them, is promptly secured, while his own inventive genius is constantly at work for new discoveries.  Last evening we saw a large crowd eagerly inspecting one of Olds’ latest specimens, which was hanging in Sprague’s show window.  It was a picture of the Institute taken from the foot of Knox Street, near the bank of the Oswegatchie river.  It was taken just before the commencement of School, when the students and pupils were upon the walk, giving the picture a very lively effect.  Knox street, nearly down to Franklin is brought out most beautifully, and all the premises about the institute are produced to perfection.  It is as perfect a specimen of Daguerrian art as ever was taken.  Olds has the best set of instruments of any artist in the State, and can take a picture a little superior to any of them.  Tall talk but nevertheless true.  A visit to his rooms will satisfy any one.  We admire his enterprise.

The sixth advertisement ran from November 30, 1858 to December 27, 1859 in the St. Lawrence Republican and Ogdensburgh Weekly Journal (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Old’s Picture Gallery.  Pictures Of All Styles Taken On Reasonable Terms.  Pictures magnified and colored in oil if required.  No. 8 Eagle Block, Sign Of The Mammoth Eagle, Ford Street, Ogdensburgh, N. Y.

The ninth announcement appeared on  September 27, 1859 in the St. Lawrence Republican and Ogdensburgh Weekly Journal (Ogdensburgh, New York).  The Fair….Music Hall…The exhibition of photographs both plain and colored in oil, daguerrian landscapes, ambrotypes and other varieties of the Art, by Olds were especially worthy of more than a passing remarks.  It has been the good fortune of Mr. Olds to carry off the first premium where ever his pictures have been exhibited.  His gallery has received diploma after diploma, and it is not too much to say that his efforts are still onward.  Few artists possess the ability to make a picture speak like Olds, and we have no doubt he could win laurels in wider fields.  We think his specimens are not to be surpassed anywhere.

The tenth announcement appeared on  October 4, 1859 in the St. Lawrence Republican and Ogdensburgh Weekly Journal (Ogdensburgh, New York).  Messrs. La Mountain And Haddock Safe!…Olds, will take their daguerreotype, and they will leave on the 12 o’clock train for Watertown.

The eleventh announcement appeared on October 13, 1859 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  —Frank Leslie’s for this week, Contains a picture of Messrs. LaMountain and Haddock, as they appeared at Ogdensburgh , after escaping from the wilderness—from a photograph by Olds.  Single copies, 5 cents.  Mr. Rand has ordered a large number, and will able to supply all who call.

The twelfth announcement appeared on October 13, 1859 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  —Photography.  Many of our citizens will have noticed, in the Reformer counting-room window, a photograph of LaMountain and Haddock, as they appeared at Ogdensburg on their way home from the Canada wilderness—pantaloons used up, one of them hatless, and both nearly barefooted.  The picture was taken by our old friend, E. H. Olds, Esqr., of Ogdensburgh, whose reputation as an artist and whole-souled man is as wide as the State.  We had less than ten minutes to spare him, and he had no time to finish up the minor details, yet the picture is recognized by all who know the parties, as very accurate and faithful.

Edward H. Olds is recorded in other photographic directories but is recorded here because the activity dates begin in 1850.

O’Conner & Atkins

Ambrotypes, , , , ,

O’Conner & Atkins were recorded in one announcement on March 24, 1859 in the Delaware Gazette (Delhi, New York).  Delaware County Agricultural Society.  Premium List—1859…  Class L—No. 3—Discretionary.

Best ambrotypes, Jones & Ferguson, Kortright,         $1                                                                            2d best, M. L. Lemily, Kortright,                                        .75                                                                          3d best, O’Conner & Atkins,                                                .50

O’Conner & Atkins are not recorded in other photographic directories.  One could speculate that they are from Delhi, New York since that is where the newspaper is published and the other entries are listed as being from Kortright, New York.

W. L. Nickles

Ambrotypes, , ,

1857                Rooms over Dr. Paul’s Office, up stairs, Abbeville, South Carolina.

W. L. Nickles was recorded in an announcement and an advertisement in The Independent Press (Abbeville, South Carolina). The announcement appeared on January 16, 1857.  Ambrotypes.  By reference to the card of Mr. W. L. Nickles, it will be seen that he is prepared to take Ambrotype Likenesses in the best style of his art.  All who are desirous of a good picture should avail themselves of the present opportunity

The advertisement ran from January 16 to 23, 1857.  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes!!  The subscriber has supplied himself with the best of materials and is prepared to take Ambrotype Likenesses, in the most approved Style of his art.  He will spear no pains to give satisfaction, and hopes to receive a due share of public patronage.

Room upstairs, immediately over Dr. Paul’s Office. W. L. Nickles.

W. L. Nickles is not recorded in other photographic directories. Probably the same person as W. L. Nickle which was posted yesterday 6-2-20.

W. L. Nickle

Ambrotypes, , ,

1857                Rooms at the Marshall House, Abbeville, South Carolina.

W. L. Nickle was recorded in one announcement and one advertisement in The Abbeville Banner (Abbeville, South Carolina). The announcement ran on January 15, 1857.  Ambrotypes.  Mr. W. L. Nickle, it will be seen, has just completed arrangements by which he can furnish all who favor him with a call, with one of his never-fading pictures.  Give him a call, we will guarantee that he will give satisfaction, or make no charge.

The advertisement ran from January 15 to 22, 1857.  Ambrotypes!  Ambrotypes!!  W. L. Nickle would respectfully inform the citizens of Abbeville, that he is now prepared to take Ambrotypes—those beautiful and life-like pictures—in a superior style.

He has taken rooms at the Marshall House, where he would be pleased to receive calls from those wishing work in this line.

W. L. Nickle is not recorded in other photographic directories. Probably same person as W. L. Nickles which will be posted tomorrow 6-3-20.

J. T. Nichols

Ambrotypes, ,

1857                Rooms over Becker’s Store, Valatie, New York.

J. T. Nichols was mentioned in an advertisement that appeared on October 22, 1857 in the Kinderhook Herald (Kinderhook, New York).  Pictures for the Million!!  The Ladies and Gentlemen of Valatie, Kinderhook and vicinity, are informed the subscriber has leased and refitted the Ambrotyping rooms lately occupied by J. T. Nichols, over Becker’s Store in Valatie.

These rooms are large, and especially fitted for Picture making in all branches.  Our facilities are such now that we can make Ambrotypes, daguerreotypes, Melainotypes or Photographs on paper.  Cases of all qualities and sizes at prices from 25 cents to 15 dollars.

Patronage solicited, and all work warranted to be as good as can be had elsewhere.  W. E. Geer, Valatie, Oct. 22, 1857.

J. T. Nichols is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Valatie, New York.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a John T. Nichols as being active in 1860 in New York City, but it is unknown if they are the same person.

R. D. Newton

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, Sphereotype, , , , ,

1857-1858       Rooms over C. S. Wood’s Drug Store, Greene, New York.

R. D. Newton was recorded in three advertisements and three announcements in The Chenango American (Greene, New York). The first advertisement ran from March 26 to December 3, 1857. Ambrotype, Pearlotype, Melanotype, Spherotype and Daguerreotype Gallery, at Greene, N. Y.

The subscriber would respectfully inform the citizens of Greene, and vicinity, that he has permanently located himself at the rooms over C. S. Wood’s Drug Store, which he is re-fitting in good style, where he will be happy to receive calls.

He has a complete apparatus, capable of procuring the most finished and life-like pictures.  Having devoted several years to a careful study of the Art, added to an extensive experience, he is confident that he has attained a superiority as an Artist.  He has taken especial pains to procure the Latest Improvements, And is fully prepared to suit customers with any variety of likeness, from the old-fashioned Daguerreotype to the beautiful Spherotype Call and examine for yourselves.  You will be astonished, both at the beauty of his productions, and the moderation of his charges.  He would invite particular attention to his facilities for taking Ambrotypes and Spherotypes.

Trust nothing but your own eyes, and that you may have a fair opportunity to observe for yourselves, call at my room over C. S. Wood’s Drug Store, any time between 8 A. M. and 4 P. M. (Sundays excepted) and I will be happy to exhibit specimens.

N. B.—Particular attention paid to taking Childrens Likenesses, Groups &c.  Cloudy weather makes no difference; call at any time.  Instructions given in the art, and apparatus furnished.  I will also teach the beautiful Art of Grecian Oil Painting.  R. D. Newton, Greene.

The first announcement appeared on May 14, 1857.  Ambrotypes—R. D. Newton, at the Rooms over Wood’s Drug Store, is taking some beautiful Ambrotypes.  Call and see them, and examine for yourselves.

The second advertisement ran from December 10, 1857 to May 27, 1858.  New Arrangement!  Great Reduction Of Prices At Newton’s Picture Gallery!  At Greene, N. Y.  R. D. Newton, in returning his thanks for the very liberal patronage conferred upon him by the people of Greene and the surrounding country, would respectfully announce to the public that he offers greater inducements then heretofore to those desiring first class pictures.  Persons who do not like dull, lead colored pictures will do well to give him a call before going elsewhere, as pictures taken at my rooms cannot be excelled in the State, either in Brilliancy Of Tone Or in the clearness of the white parts.  Rest assured that every thing connected with this branch of business has received the careful attention of the Operator, and that his efforts to keep up with the latest improvements have been crowned with unrivalled success, among which may be found the Crayon Ambrotype, Vignette Ambrotype, Melanotype, Spherotype, Ornamented Borders Mirror Ambrotype, Ornamented Background, Double Figure, Etc.

To speak of the pleasing effects produced by those pictures at this time, I will omit, but invite you to call and examine specimens for yourselves.  The Ambrotype picture taken on Patent Leather is universally admired, and can be obtained at my rooms.  It can be placed in a letter and sent any distance free of extra charge.  Pictures set in Lockets, Breastpins and Finger rings for 50 cts.  Pictures copied. R. D. Newton. Greene, Nov. 10, 1857.

The second announcement appeared on April 8, 1858.  Ornamental.—Ocean Fire Company at their meeting on Tuesday evening last, added to the appearance of their assembly room, by placing on its walls the Ambrotype likeness of its members, fifty-four in number, contained in one large frame.  They were executed by R. D. Newton, of this village, and are fine specimens of artistic skill.

The third announcement appeared on April 15, 1858.  Attention.—Those who wish to procure Ambrotypes must call on Newton soon, as he intends to close his business in this village shortly.

The third advertisement ran from August 12 to October 21, 1858.  Ambrotype Gallery!  R. D. Newton, Announces to the public that he has re-opened his Ambrotype Gallery in this village, (over Drs. Wood’s Drug Store,) and is prepared, as usual, to furnish the best of Pictures.

The reputation of his Pictures is sufficiently established in this section, to need no “puffing” on his part.  They speak for themselves.

Particular attention paid To Copying Pictures.  Pictures taken in Lockets, Pins, Rings, &c., &c.  A style of Picture taken on Leather, just the thing to send by Mail to your friends abroad.  Prices ranging from 50 cents upwards.

R. D. Newton is not recorded as being active in Greene, New York. Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a Russell D. Newton as being active in 1859 in Waverly, New York. The distance between Greene and Waverly, New York is about 160 miles and its possible they are the same person, but further research is needed.

C. S. Newell

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, , ,

1857-1859       At F. W. Bradley’s Store, Kinderhook, New York.

C. S. Newell was recorded in two advertisement that ran in the Kinderhook Herald (Kinderhook, New York). The first advertisement ran from December 24, 1857 to February 18, 1858. The Holidays!  Ambrotypes and Daguerreotypes Taken At F. W. Bradley’s Store, By C. S. Newell.  All kinds of Pictures accurately copied.

The second advertisement ran from February 25, 1858 to February 10, 1859.   Newell’s Daguerrean Gallery, Ambrotype and Daguerreotypes Taken At F. W. Bradley’s Store, By C. S. Newell.  All kinds of Pictures accurately copied.

C. S. Newell is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Ira S. Negus

Ambrotypes, , ,

1856                50 Purchase Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.[1]                                            1858                Rooms over J. E. Negus Store, Nichols’ Brick Building, Middlebury, Vermont.    1858                Rooms over Sol Parker’s Bookstore, Middlebury, Vermont.                                        1859                134½ Union Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.[1]                                                                        1865                Address Unknown, New Bedford, Massachusetts.[1]                                                                        1867-1873     60½ Purchase Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts.[1]

Ira S. Negus was recorded in two advertisement in The Middlebury Register. (Middlebury, Vermont).  The first advertisement ran from February 10 to March 17, 1858.  A New Ambrotype Room!  Negus’s Gallery of patent Ambrotypes!  The finest display of Specimens in the Ambrotype Art are to be seen at Negus’s Gallery, where none but the Genuine Ambrotypes Are made, and at such prices as the public may demand.  All work executed by me is warranted second to none in this town or State.  Knowing I have the best facilities for producing the most pleasing Likenesses, I can safely say to all who are in want of a Superior Picture, to call and examine my work before engaging elsewhere, and I will guarantee to please all who may want a superior made Picture.  My assortment of Fancy Cases And Frames is complete, and will be sold as cheap as at any other gallery in the State.  The Patent Or Folding Ambrotype Is a durable picture, and will remain unchangeable in any climate.

An invitation is extended to all who may wish to examine the beauties of the Ambrotype Art.  Rooms over J. E. Negus’s Store, Nichols’ Brick Building, south end of the Bridge.  Ira S. Negus.

The second advertisement ran from May 12 to July 21, 1858.  Excelsior Gallery!  I would call the attention of my friends and the public to the Ambrotype Rooms, Over Sol Parker’s Bookstore.  Where Pictures will be executed in as good style and finish, and at prices lower than at any other Ambrotype Room in this village.

Having had several years experience in an Ambrotype Room where there was a small sky light, twenty-four by thirty feet, I think I am competent to use a Sky light in Middlebury.  I have fitted up my Rooms in a very neat style, but not gaudy.

I have been to great expense to make a very large Sky Light, by which I can take large groups, and also have light enough To Take A Child In Three Seconds.

My assortment of Plain and Fancy Cases, Frames and Gold Lockets, is all that the public can demand.  Please call and examine specimens and get a good Ambrotype if you desire one.  Ira S. Negus.

Ira S. Negus is listed in other photographic directories as being active in New Bedford, Massachusetts.

[1] Information from A Directory of Massachusetts Photographers 1839-1900.