Category Archives: Daguerreotypes

Varney & Blair

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848                Rooms in Hayden’s Building, next door to the Bank, Woodstock, Vermont.

Varney & Blair were recorded in one advertisement that ran from June 1 to 8, 1848 in the Spirit of the Age (Woodstock, Vermont).  Daguerreotype Miniatures.  Messrs. Varney & Blair would inform their friends and the public, that they have established themselves in the pleasant Village of Woodstock, in Hayden’s Building, next door to the Bank where they are prepared to execute all kinds of Daguerreotype likenesses in the latest and most approved style.  Persons desirous of procuring Daguerreotype likeness of themselves or friends, or copies from portraits, Miniatures, paintings, Engravings or Statuary, are particularly invited to give us a call.  Instructions given in the art to take Likenesses in one fifth part of the time required by other operators.  Furnishing materials kept constantly on hand, All orders for stock will be promptly attended to, and sent, when money is enclosed, to any part of the country at our risk.  Varney & Blair.

Varney & Blair are not recorded in other photographic directories.

C. Vandenbergh

Daguerreotypes, ,

1849                Franklin House, Charlemont, Massachusetts.

C. Vandenbergh appeared in one announcement on November 1, 1849 in The Daily Chronotype (Boston, Massachusetts).  The Culmination of Art.—It may be questioned whether what has happened to painting by the invention of Daguerre, will ever befall the other branches of the fine arts.  The grinding from hand organs of the exquisite strains of Paganini, and the bewitching whig melody of “O Susannah, don’t you cry,” bears some analogy to photography, but still falls so short as to require at least a monkey to make weight.  The daguerreotyping of poetry seems a still more hopeless achievement, or at any rate, did seem so, till we became acquainted with the remarkable success of Messrs. Vandenbergh & Co., peripatetic Photographers to their majesties the million.  At our last advices they were in a fine old Massachusetts country town—somewhat retired from business—whence a friend sends us their poster.  From this truly photographic handbill we perceive that they have succeeded, with a success hardly known to themselves, in producing a perfect daguerreotype likeness of their own most poetical, not to say grammatical, conceptions.  We cannot withhold from our readers so great a triumph of art, particularly as it proves how, by a sort of mystic attraction, the kindred arts are all hastening to the same culminating point, indicated by the pioneer Daguerre.  The handbill thus commences in prose:

“The subscriber would respectfully inform the Ladies and Gentlemen of Charlemont that he has taken rooms at the Franklin House, where can be had or seen superior taken Daguerreotype Pictures, unrivalled for depth of tone and softness of light and shade, while they display all the artistic efforts of the painter, than you can wish to show.  These pictures are impressed upon a surface of silver, coated over with gold, showing the colors, dress, and jewelry, which renders them impossible to fade.  Satisfaction given, or no charge.

“Paintings and Views copied in a superior style, and with all the latest improvements.”

This serves admirably as foreground for the inmost poetical life of the great artist & Co., which is thus given photographically, verbatim et literati:

Science is advancing at a Telegraphic rate,

Since by they power oh mighty sun can sketch the

human face,

Tell me I pray, from whence thy magic art,

That from a single glance of thine such life-like start?

Here art triumphant our attention claims,

Here life seems speaking from the very frames,

Tradesman, Belles, Statesman, throngs our picture

walls,

Each form its living type recall,

Feature, color, altitude attire,

In beauty’s image all conspire.

Think not those pictures by the sunlight made,

Shade though they are will like a shadow fade,

No, when the lip of flesh in the dust shall lie,

When death’s grey film o’er spread the eye,

Those pictures mocking at decay,

Will still be vivid as to day.

On silver bright the likeness is impressed,

And coated o’er with gold, the tint you see

On the ringlets rolled round the bright forehead,

In beauty’s bower, with smiles and joy surrounded.

If there is perfect joy on earth,

That seems from artist to have its birth,

It is to see the likeness of a friend,

The father, mother, brother and sister too.

Words have no power to tell the joy,

The source of intellectual light,

But thought unites and reasons right,

Drink deep and wings its flight.

But if we wait, and go, where mourners go,

Where the marble stone appears,

It looks like the city of the dead,

And gems shine but in memory.

C. Vandenbergh & Co.

C. Vandenbergh is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Massachusetts in 1849.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does list a C. Vandenberg who was active in Cynthiana, Kentucky in 1859-1860.  It is unknown if they are the same person.

P. H. Vance

Daguerreotypes, ,

1855                Rooms at the Athens Hotel, Athens, Tennessee.

P. H. Vance appeared in one announcement in The Athens Post (Athens, Tennessee) on June 29, 1855.  Daguerreotypes.—Gen. P. H. Vance, a daguerrean artist of some celebrity, is at the Athens Hotel, where he will remain for a few days.  He is very successful in his line, there being a freshness and truthfulness about his pictures attained by no other artist that has visited our town.  We commend his skill to all who may wish to be daguerreotyped.

General P. H. Vance is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. S. Van Valsor

Daguerreotypes, ,

1849                Rooms at S. S. Scudder’s Hotel, Huntington, New York.

J. S. Van Valsor was recorded in two announcements and two advertisements in The Long Islander (Huntington, New York).  The first announcement appeared on July 27, 1849.  Daguerreotypes.—We refer our readers to the advertisement of Mr. Van Velsor, which will be found in another column.  It will be seen that he has taken Rooms at the hotel of Mr. Scudder, where he is prepared to receive his friends and the public, and furnish a likeness of the “human face divine,” in equal, if not superior style, to any other person who has visited our village for the same purpose.  We have examined some specimens, taken during his sojourn in our village, and are happy to state, that we discover in them a perfectness, which must insure to visitors, a likeness that will give satisfaction in every particular.  The recent improvement in the Daguerrean Art—by which the shade, which formerly partially obscured the relief of the features, is new thrown in the angle—renders a likeness thus procured, not only as beautiful as could be furnished by the brush, but of course, far more accurate.  There are many reasons why this gentleman should receive the patronage of the community, besides his skill as an artist.  We commend him to their kind attention.

The first advertisement ran from July 27 to August 3, 1849.  Daguerreotyping, At the Hotel of S. S. Scudder.  The subscriber would most respectfully announce that from the encouragement he has sustained, since he has been in the village, that it is his purpose to remain as above, for a short time longer where all who wish a good Likeness, by calling early, can be accommodated.

He wishes also to say, that from commanding advantages, viz:  A through Practical knowledge of the system and the use of the late highly improved compound of chemicals, & c., appertaining to the process, flatters himself prepared to furnish to the citizens of Huntington and its vicinity, with Daguerreotypes, in point of tone and development, not to excelled.  The public are aware that Likenesses often present an ill effect, by the features being excessively dark, and in many instances of a dead, blue cast, & c.  It is therefore apparent to all who examine my specimens, that this defect obviated. It is my theory to relieve the features, by a uniform blending of light and shade, rendering the Picture distinct and of a mild, life like tone.

N. B.—Dark dresses and Plaids effect the best drapery.

The best Pictures taken from 8 to 2 o’clock.  J. S. Van Velsor

The second advertisement ran from August 10 to October 12, 1849.  Daguerreotyping At Hotel of S. S. Scudder.  The subscriber would most respectfully announce that from the encouragement he has sustained, since he has been in the village, that it is his purpose to remain as above, for a short time longer where all who wish a good Likeness, by calling early, can be accommodated.

N. B.—Dark dresses and plaids effect the best drapery.

The best pictures taken from 8 to 2 o’clock.  J. S. Van Velsor.

The second announcement appeared on October 19, 1849.  Died in this village at the residence of Mr. Jesse Sammis, On Wednesday last, Mr. Jesse S. Van Velsor, aged 32 years.

Mr. Van Velsor has been engaged for the past few months in this village, at his profession, as a Daguerrean artist.  He had by his urbanity, and gentlemanly deportment, ingratiated himself with our citizens, and though comparatively a stranger received during his sickness, every attention which his situation and humanity could dictate.     

J. S. Van Valsor is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Isaac Van Scoy

Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1855-1856       Address Unknown, Sag Harbor, New York.

1858                Address Unknown, Sag Harbor, New York.

Isaac Van Scoy (of the firm Van Scoy and Douglass) was recorded in two advertisements, and mentioned in a third and one announcement in The Corrector (Sag Harbor, New York).  The first advertisement ran from April 25 to June 9, 1855.  Photographs and Daguerreotypes!  Photograph Portraits Taken On Paper, beautifully colored, and far surpassing in execution the finest Mezzotint Engraving—are now on exhibition at our Sky Light Daguerrian Gallery.

These Portraits are taken upon the most approved plan and far surpass anything ever before attempted in the art of picture taking.

Our charges are much less than in New York, and at the same time we flatter ourselves that we can execute photographs equal to any city establishment; to prove which fact we are willing to compare with any taken elsewhere.

Photographs can be mounted on cards, and sent uninjured, in a common letter envelope, to any part of the world without extra postage.  Persons having friends in California or at a distance, who would like to present them with a token of friendship, could not send them a more acceptable gift than one of these beautifully executed portraits of themselves.

Views—Too much cannot be said in praise of Views in Photography.  They need only to be seen to be appreciated.

Photograph Portraits set in Lockets, Cases, & c. and mounted on elegant embossed Bristol Board for remitting in letters.

Daguerreotypes as usual, taken in all the various styles of the art.

We are about taking a Photographic View of Sag-Harbor and shall have a specimen ready in a few days.  Those desirous of obtaining a view for themselves of friend will please inform us.

The public are respectfully invited to call.  Douglass & Van Scoy, Photographic & Daguerrian Artist

The second advertisements ran from December 22, 1855 to January 9, 1856.  Daguerreotypes And Photographs Appropriate And Beautiful Gifts For The Holidays!

We have just received from the city a splendid assortment of plain and fancy cases, suitable for Christmas and New Year presents.

Persons desirous of presenting their friends a really valuable memento, and one that can be kept and prized a life time, have now a favorable opportunity.  Pictures taken by our New Sky Light, in cloudy as well as clear weather.  Douglass & Van Scoy,      Sag Harbor Dec 1855.

The announcement appeared on November 27, 1858.  Notice to Creditors.—In pursuance of an order of the Surrogate of the County of Suffolk, notice is hereby given, to all persons having claims against the estate of Arnold Van Scoy, late of the village of Sag Harbor, in said county, deceased, to present the same with the vouchers thereof, to Isaac S. Van Scoy, executor of the last will and testament of said deceased, at his office, in said Sag Harbor, in said county, on or before the 8th day of February, 1859.  Dated August 7th, 1858.  Charles H. Van Scoy, Isaac S. Van Scoy,

Executors of the last will and testament of Arnold Van Scoy, deceased.

The third advertisement ran from December 11, 1858 to January 29, 1859.  Ambrotypes.  The Subscriber would hereby give notice that he has taken the room formerly occupied by I. S. Van Scoy, and that during his absence he will continue to supply those who wish, with pictures of themselves or their friends, at prices as low as at any other establishment in the country.

A good assortment of Fancy Cases for pictures intended for Holiday Presents prices from 50 cents to $5.00.  C. C. Douglas.

Isaac Van Scoy is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Sag Harbor, New York in 1859.

Van Loan & Son

Daguerreotypes, ,

1848                Address Unknown, Washington, D. C.

Van Loan & Son were recorded in one announcement in the New York Herald (New York, New York) on July 6, 1848.  Washington National .Monument Celebration…

A full sized American living eagle was placed on the summit of the Masonic arch, and appeared from his proud look to be fully entitled to his position.  Mr. Van Loan and son occupied the same conspicuous elevation for some time, in daguerreotyping the scene.

Van Loan & Son are not recorded in other photographic directories.  Matthew D. Van Loan had three children, it is possible that this is Matthew and one of his sons.  Two of the children have been identified as Walton and Spencer the name of the third child is unknown at this time. 

Van Loan & Chase

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1846-1847       Pennsylvania Avenue, next door to the U. S. Hotel, Washington, D. C.

Van Loan & Chase were recorded in two Advertisements and four announcements, one advertisement and two announcements in The Daily Union (Washington, D. C.) and one advertisement and two announcements in The National Whig (Washington, D. C.)  The first advertisement ran from December 19, 1846 to February 8, 1847 in The Daily Union (Washington, D. C.)  Van Loan & Chase, From New York And Philadelphia.  Daguerreotype Rooms.  Admittance free.  Next door to the United States Hotel.  Pictures taken in any kind of weather, clear, cloudy, or rainy, from 9 o’clock, a. m., till 5 o’clock, p. m.               

The first announcement appeared in The Daily Union (Washington, D. C.) on December 31, 1846.  We would call the attention of citizens and strangers to the daguerreotype establishment of Messrs. Van Loan & Chase, next door to the United States Hotel.

The second advertisement ran from April 30 to June 1, 1847 in The National Whig (Washington, D. C.)  Van Loan & Chase, From New York And Philadelphia.  Daguerreotype Rooms.  Admittance Fee—next door to the U. S. Hotel.

Pictures taken in any kind of weather, clear, cloudy, or rainy, from 9 o’clock, a. m. till 5 o’clock p. m.. Washington, 1847.  april 14.

The second announcement appeared on May 26, 1847 in The Daily Union (Washington, D. C.)  A Chinese Painting.  To the Editor of the Union.  Sir:  I request a small space in your valuable paper whilst I employ it in inviting the attention of the regular artists, the amateur, and the curious, to the inspection of an extraordinary and beautifully executed painting—the genuine production of a Chinaman by the name of Sunqua.  The picture, five feet in length and two-and-a-half in breadth, may be seen at the Daguerreotype rooms of Mr. Van Loan, next door to the United States Hotel, Washington City. This picture represents the town of Canton in the Celestial Empire….

The third announcement appeared on June 9, 1847 in The National Whig (Washington, D. C.) Washington As It Is.  June, 1847, Pennsylvania Avenue.  No. II.

Crossing Third street, westwardly, westwardly, on the North side of Pennsylvania avenue…Next Door westward of the United States Hotel is a spacious and lofty building belonging to John Donoho, at present partly occupied by Van Loan & Chase’s admirable Daguerrean rooms.

The fourth announcement appeared on September 28, 1847 in The Daily Union (Washington, D. C.)  We are indebted to Messrs. Brooke, Shillington, & Co., of this city, for a “View of the Battle of Buena Vista,” published by H. R. Robinson….We are also presented with a fine lithographic portrait of Col. Charles May, from a daguerreotype of Van Loan & Co., of this city.  This is also published by Mr. Robinson of New York….

Van Loan & Chase are not recorded in other photographic directories.  While their first names are not recorded in the announcements or advertisements other photographic directories may shed light into who they may be.  The advertisement reads “Van Loan & Chase, From New York & Philadelphia.”  Based on the order in the advertisement Van Loan would be from New York and Chase from Philadelphia.  To date the only Van Loan working in New York City would be Matthew D. Van Loan while Samuel Van Loan is active in Philadelphia, there is no record of him being active in New York.  Further research on a genealogy site revealed the following.  He was reared in [Catskill, N. Y.] and educated in the common schools. In 1841 he went to New York City and opened a daguerreotype studio, being the first man in the United States to make a business of producing portraits by the new process. He continued taking pictures for ten years in New York, and from there went to Philadelphia and later to Washington, engaging in the same business. Subsequently and up to the time of his death, in 1856, he was employed in the custom-house in San Francisco.   While Chase is a common name, it is possibly he is Theodore L. Chase who was active in Philadelphia in 1846-1847. 

Mrs. R. Van Lew

Daguerreotypes, ,

1851                South side of Seneca Street, opposite Cobb & Smith’s Store, Geneva, New York.

Mrs. R. Van Lew was recorded in one advertisement that ran from January 15 to March 26, 1851 in the Geneva Courier (Geneva, New York).  Daguerreotypes!  Mrs. R. Van Lew would respectfully mention that she has possessed herself of all necessary information and apparatus for the successful prosecution of the Photographic Art, and, as a further assistance to her skill, has the fine skylight fitted and used by Messrs. Humphrey & Walker, opposite the Store of Messrs. Cobb & Smith south side of Seneca st.

Mrs. V. would be pleased to see her friends and the good public; especially that portion of them who entertain a wish to “see themselves as others see them,” and, as only the unrivaled Daguerrean process can preserve the tangible volume of their countenance for themselves, and for future friendly reference.                                                                                              

Mrs. R. Van Lew is not recorded in other photographic directories.

Van Alstin and Walker

Daguerreotypes, , , ,

1851                9 Brinley Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Van Alstin and Walker (Andrew Wemple Van Alstin & Samuel Lear Walker) were recorded in one advertisement and three announcements in the Worcester Daily Spy (Worcester, Massachusetts).  The advertisement ran from August 12 to 15, 1851.  Van Alstin and Walker are daguerreotyping almost everything, in doors and out.  They are constantly employed, and are turning out some of the finest pictures that ever was made in Worcester.  Those who would have a fine likeness would do well to call while they are in successful operation.  Their rooms will be found in the first building north of the American Temperance House, where they are making vignettes, and all other styles of pictures in a superior manner.

The first announcement appeared on August 23, 1851.  Dr. Van Alstin’s New daguerrean Rooms, (Up only one flight of stairs,) are the most comfortable and convenient rooms for Daguerreotyping in the city, and we are informed that his place is daily crowded by anxious inquirers after his Premium Pictures.  We also understand that Van Alstin and Walker are making preparations to astonish the natives by an exhibition of some of their handy work at the coming Fair.

The second announcement appeared on August 28, 1851.  Daguerrean Establishment!—Dr. Van Alstin’s (first building North American Temperance House.) Is decidedly the most convenient and comfortable place of the kind in the city.  It has been fitted up expressly for the business, and to meet the wants of the whole community; and all who have visited the Rooms agree in saying, “This is the place to get a likeness;” first, because the Dr. is the Oldest established Daguerrean now in the city.  Second, because he has now associated with him S. L. Walker, who is known throughout the country to be the most scientific and artistic Daguerrean in this country, and who has no equal in sitting his subjects, or securing good likenesses of children of all ages.  Any one who has sat for any other typer, and then sits to Walker, will at once be convinced of his superior skill and taste.  Thirdly, and lastly, because he uses none but the best of plates, the purest of gold to finish, and puts them up in the best of cases, and all, with Preservers, at lower prices than any other establishment in the State.

The third announcement appeared on September 3, 1851, Vol. VII, No. 83, P. 2.

Van Alstin & Walker are the most popular Daguerreans in the city.  They are doing up the pictures by hundreds.  So remember the place where they are all going.—for Walker’s inimitable and spiritual Likenesses.  Rooms first building north of American Temperance House.  Persons living in the city are invited to call in the morning, on cloudy days, as they will be less likely to have to wait for the throngs (who get in about the middle and after part of the day) from the country.  Be it remembered, that they make some of the finest pictures of adults, in cloudy weather.

Both Andrew Wemple Van Alstin & Samuel Lear Walker are recorded in other photographic directories, but not as partners. 

E. M. Van Aken

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1856-1858       Rooms over the Post Office, Lowville, New York.

1859                Rooms in the New Brick Block of J. O’Donnell & Co., Lowville, New York.

E. M. Van Aken is recorded in six advertisements and six announcements in The Lewis County Banner (Lowville, New York.)  The first advertisement ran from September 3 to 17, 1856.  Notice The Subscriber Would Give Notice that he is now engaged in fitting up a Portrait Gallery, In this village, which will be completed this week, expressly for producing the Very Best Results in all the different styles of Ambrotyping, Daguerreotyping and Photographing.  Rooms over the Post Office, Third Floor.  E. M. Van Aken.  Lowville, August 26, 1856.

The first announcement appeared on September 10, 1856.  We would call the attention of our readers to the advertisement of E. M. Van Aken’s Daguerrean Rooms to be found in another column.  Give him a call.

The second advertisement ran from September 10, 1856 to January 28, 1857.  Van Aken’s Picture Gallery, at Lowville.  Rooms Over The Post Office. 

Land of the North! How little ye know,

They power of they Arts, whose glories I sing;

For the’re wafted to all by breezes that blow,\

From perennial lands of soft, gentle spring.

The Goddes of science has stooped in her flight,

To deposit with us a gift fair and bright!

And what do you think her majesty gave?

The “Camera Tube,” that’l picture the brave,

The young, or the old, the lovely and fair;

Oh! Really good gracious! What a blessing it are.

Daguerreotypes bright,

And Photographs right,

That index the face as truly as life;

With Ambrotypes new,

So faithful and true,

To picture husband, son, daughter and wife.

Secure the shadow, er’e the substance fade;

For time will cast or’e all a deeper shade.

And life-like ties will soon be broken,

And farewell words yet to be spoken.

Van Aken’s rooms are just the place,

To get a picture of your face.

They’ll keep all right forever,

And ner’e will dim, no never!

Come and see;

The sight is free,

Call All, E. M. Van Aken, Artist.  Lowville, Sept. 10, 1856.

The third advertisement ran from January 28 to November 11, 1857.  Van Aken’s Picture Gallery.  All kinds of Photographs, Ambrotypes, and Daguerreotypes taken at this establishment with accuracy, and dispatch.

Pictures of every description copied into any of the above styles, and diminished or enlarged to any desired size.  E. M. van Aken, Artists.  Lowville, Jan. 27, 1857.

The second announcement appeared on March 4, 1857.  E. M. Van Aken came into our Office a few days since, and presented to the fraternity an Ambrotype of the craft, at work, for which he will receive their thanks.  It is a fine Picture, but we need not have said this, for he does not let anything go out of his Gallery, excepting it gives ample satisfaction.

The third announcement appeared on May 27, 1857.  Pictures!  100 Lithographs of W. Root Adams, Principal of Lowville Academy, for sale-at Van Aken’s Picture Gallery, at 25 Cts., each.  E. M. Van Aken, Artist.  Lowville, May 18th, 1857.

The fourth announcement appeared on November 18, 1857.  See the new advertisement of Mr. Van Aken, on the third page.  He has an elegant suite of rooms, where all the branches of his art are carried out in perfection.  His taste and execution in all kinds of picture taking, are not to be surpassed, even in cities.  He has also reduced the price of photograph.  So remember, “Tribute to whom tribute is due.”

The fourth advertisement ran from November 18, 1857 to January 20, 1858.  Van Aken’s Photograph, Ambrotype, And Melanotype Gallery.  Great reduction in the price of Photographs! 

Until further notice is given, the Large Sized, or “Whole Plate” Photograph will be made at this establishment, at the following rates:—For the first Picture $2.00—any number after the first, 25 cents each.

The great advantage which the Photograph has over every other style of picture, is that from a single sitting, they may be multiplied to any number with perfect uniformity, and perfection.  They are not reversed, it gives a positive picture, with lights and shadows conformable to nature.

The Ambrotype which has entirely superseded the Daguerreotype, is made upon fine plate glass.  They are perfectly distinct in any angle of light, and are exceedingly brilliant.  The intensity and clearness, combined with the richness of light, and accuracy of the middle tints, give them a superiority over all other pictures in the light and shade.

The Melanotype is made upon Sheet Iron, and resembles in appearance, the Daguerreotype; yet, like the Ambrotype, they are perfectly distinct in angle of light.  They are very convenient for inserting into Lockets, Pins, Bracelets, Rings, &c.

Copies made from pictures of every description, and enlarged or diminished to any desired size. E. M. Van Aken, Artist.  Lowville, Nov. 18, 1857.

The fifth advertisement ran from February 18 to April 14, 1859.  New Picture Gallery.  The subscriber, in returning his grateful acknowledgements to the ladies and Gentlemen of this place, for past favors, begs most respectfully to announce, that he has fitted up a Gallery in the New Brick Block of J. O’Donnell & Co., Where he has every facility for taking the following styles of Pictures, from the smallest Miniature to Life Size, Viz.:  Ambrotypes, Melanotypes, Photographs, plain, Photographs, beautifully colored in Oil, Water Colors, or India Ink.  Also, A New Style Of Pictures, On Enameled Cloth, to be sent in letters, without casing, saving postage.  Those wishing Life Size Portraits, In this section of the State, will not be obligated to go to our large cities, as heretofore, but can be accommodated with a correct and faithful likeness, At Lowville, N. Y.

In prices, I also engage to conform to right, reason, and to please all who may favor me with their patronage.

All are invited to call and examine my Pictures, and accept the thanks of the proprietor. E. M. Van Aken, Artist.  Lowville, Feb. 1859.

The fifth announcement appeared on October 5, 1859.  List of Premiums Awarded by the Lewis County Agricultural Society, at the Annual Fair, held at the Village of Lowville, Sept. 22d, 23d, and 24th….Discretionary Premiums….

Best sample of Stereoscopic and Photographic Views of the North Woods, E. M. Van Aken,  $2.00

The sixth announcement appeared on December 7, 1859.  Capt. John Brown.  I have received from Thadeus Hyatt, New York, a Photograph and Autograph of John Brown, the original delivered to him by the hand of the old hero himself; a copy of which is in the hands of Mr. Van Aken, the artist, who will supply the demand at the same price charges in New York, One Dollar, and pay over to the family of John Brown seventy-five cents of every dollar so received.  J. A. Northrop.  Lowville, Dec. 5, 1859.

E. M. Van Aken is not recorded in other photographic directories.