Category Archives: Melainotypes

J.  Thomas Smith

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

1856-1857       151 Main Street, Eagle Square, Richmond, Virginia.

1859                Corinthian Hall, Richmond, Virginia.

1859                215 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.[1]

1860                77 Main Street, Richmond, Virginia.1

J.  Thomas Smith was recorded in fifteen advertisements and three announcements in The Daily Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia).  The first advertisement ran from December 27, 1856 to January 1, 1857. This is to inform my friends and the public generally, That I am now taking Pictures at the well established rooms of Mr. Powers, where I should be pleased to receive a liberal patronage.

Ambrotypes one Dollar—entire satisfaction, or no charge.  Respectfully, J. Thos. Smith.

The second advertisement ran from April 13 to 16, 1859.  Ambrotypes And Photographs.  Having purchased the Fine Art Gallery in Corinthian Hall. recently occupied by P. E. Gibbs, I respectfully solicit a call from all who wish to obtain a good Likeness of themselves or friends, before purchasing elsewhere.  Having employed one of the best artist in America, I deem it unnecessary to say more than guarantee satisfaction, or no charge.  Respectfully, J. Thos. Smith                                                                           

The third advertisement ran on April 15 & 16, 1859.  Photographs, Ivorytypes, Ambrotypes and Melaneotypes.  The above styles Pictures can be obtained at Corinthian Hall, (Gibbs’ old stand) of the best quality.  Particular attention is called to copying old Daguerreotypes by the Photographic process.  J. Thos Smith.

P. S.—One of the best Artists employed.

Prices Low.                                                                                                                

The first announcement appeared on April 16, 1859.  To The Public.—Having purchased the Gallery of Mr. P. E. Gibbs, in Corinthian Hall, I respectfully announced to my friends, and the public generally, that I am prepared to make every style of Picture pertaining to the art.

I have in my employ a No. 1 Operator.  Particular attention paid to copying old pictures by the Photographic or Ambrotype process.  They can be enlarged to life size, if desired.  J. Thos Smith.

The fourth advertisement ran on April 19 & 20, 1859.  Photographs, Ambrotypes, Ivorytypes and Melainotypes can now be had, of surpassing beauty, at Corinthian Hall, Gibbs Oud Stand.  J. T. S.                                                    

The fifth advertisement ran from April 20 to 26, 1859.  Pictures, Pictures—All kinds of pictures know in the art taken at Corinthian Hall—Gibbs’ Old Gallery.  Photographs colored in Oil, Water, Pastel, Crayon, Indian Ink.  Particular attention called to enlarging old Daguerreotypes by the Photographic process.  Pictures of deceased persons and invalids at their residence.  I warrant my pictures not to be surpassed by any in America.  Call and examine for yourselves.  J. Thos Smith.

P. S.—Master workman employed.                                                                          

The sixth advertisement ran from April 27 & 28, 1859.  Pictures, Pictures—All kinds of pictures know in the art taken at Corinthian Hall—Gibbs’ Old Gallery.  Photographs colored in Oil, Water, Pastel, Crayon, Indian Ink.  Particular attention called to enlarging old Daguerreotypes by the Photographic process.  Pictures of deceased persons and invalids at their residence.  I warrant my pictures not to be surpassed by any in America.  Call and examine for yourselves.  J. Thos Smith.

P. S.—Master workman employed.                                                              

The seventh advertisement ran from May 2 to 6, 1859.  To Strangers And Citizens Of Richmond—Attention Asked To Gibbs’s Old Gallery, Corinthian Hall.—Sphereotypes, a glass picture; something entirely new, and finished in a style not known to any one outside of this gallery.  Come and see them.  Photographs colored in oil, pastel and water.  Ambrotypes and Melaneotypes, at low prices.  Any one in want of a good picture of themselves or friends, will find it to their interest to call and examine specimens before purchasing elsewhere.  Entire satisfaction or no charge.  Respectfully, J. Thos Smith.         

The eighth advertisement appeared on May 16, 1859.  Smith’s Gallery, Corinthian Hall!  Smith’s Gallery, Corinthian Hall! 

See his new style picture, Sphereotype.

See His Photographs, Corinthian Hall.

See his double glass Ambrotypes, and all pictures known in the art.  Gibbs’ old stand.

See Ladd & Webster’s Sewing Machines in operation.

Pictures and Machines warranted to please, or no sale.                                                        

The second announcement appeared on May 17, 1859.  We have longed wished for some one to make genuine Double Glass Ambrotypes for 50 cents, and we understand that Mr. Smith, successor to Mr. P. E. Gibbs, Corinthian Hall , intends making them; and, if he does, we should patronize him.  He is well known to the most of us, and understands his business thoroughly.  We have seen several specimens of his work, and we have no hesitation in saying that he is making some of the finest Ambrotypes in this city.

Go and see them and judge for yourselves.  Many Friends.                         

The ninth advertisement ran on July 25 & 26, 1859.  I am now making a very superior style of Ambrotypes, and invite the ladies to give me a call, feeling assured that no other picture has ever been invented that will surpass it in beauty of tone and finish.  Those that have seen them pronounce them to be superior to anything they have ever seen.

Children’s Pictures made in one second, and warranted to please.  A call is solicited from my friends and the public generally.  Respectfully, J. Thos. Smith.                         

The tenth advertisement ran on August 5 & 6, 1859. 

Pictures, Pictures—Superior Ambrotypes. 

See them and be convinced. 

They are not to be excelled.

They speak for themselves.

Come and see them at

Smith’s Gallery.

They are made on the first floor,

And no two pair stems to climb.

They are pronounced the best by all who see them.                                                  

The eleventh advertisement ran on August 10 & 11, 1859.  Photographs And Ambrotypes.—I am prepared to make Photographs as low as they can be made in the Northern cities—of the best quality, in gilt frames, $1.50.  Artists employed for each branch of the business.  My Ambrotypes are pronounced superior by all who have seen them; the eyes are perfect, and face not chalky-white; made with or without shades, just to suite the purchasers.

Smith’s Gallery, Between 9th and 10th sts.                                                                 

The third announcement appeared on August 11, 1859.  I saw yesterday some of the finest Ambrotypes my eyes ever [upheld.]  They were made at Mr. Smith’s Gallery of a family from the South.  He deserves credit for his Pictures.  If you wish to see a fine Ambrotype, of the Picture, look on his center table.  He told me they were of his own make, and made in the last two weeks.  His prices are reasonable.  A. H.                  

The twelfth advertisement ran on August 12 & 13, 1859.  Between 9th and 10th Streets, Corinthian Hall—Smith’s Ambrotype And Photographic Gallery.—Superior Ambrotypes—see them and judge for yourself.—They are pronounced the best by all who see them.   Prices low.  Made with or without shades, as the person may fancy.

The thirteenth advertisement ran on August 27 & 29, 1859.  The Fine Art Gallery of Mr. J. Thos. Smith, having been thoroughly repaired, is again open for the reception of visitors.  He is making some of the finest Ambrotypes ever exhibited to the Richmond people.  We should see them and judge for ourselves.  They cannot be surpassed.  His prices are low.  He keeps every kind of case; also, frames of all kinds.             

The fourteenth advertisement ran October 13 & 14, 1859.

1859 October 13.  The Daily Dispatch.  (Richmond, Virginia.)  October 13, 1859, Vol. XVI, No. 89, P. 2.

Crowded, Crowded.—

Every Day, Every Day.

Smith’s Gallery. Smith’s Gallery.

Always Crowded. Always Crowded.

Smith’s Gallery. Smith’s Gallery.

Best Ambrotypes And Photographs. Best Ambrotypes And Photographs.

Low Prices. Low Prices.

All Made Satisfactory, All Made Satisfactory,

Or No Charge. Or No Charge.

Best Artists Employed. Best Artists Employed.

Smith’s Gallery. Smith’s Gallery.

Corinthian Hall. Corinthian Hall.

Smith employs more artists than any other house, and makes the best Ambrotypes cheaper than any one else.

His Gallery is all the time full of visitors. 

Smith’s Gallery, Corinthian Hall.  Two Rooms In Operation.  oc. 12.

The fifteenth advertisement ran from December 6 to 8, 1859.  Ladies And Gentlemen Of Southern Principals.—Having returned home from Charleston.  I offer my personal services to those who wish to obtain Photographs or Ambrotypes of themselves or friends at the most reasonable terms, guaranteeing satisfaction, or no charge.  Best operators employed.  J. Thomas Smith, Corinthian Hall.                                                     

J. Thomas Smith is recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active in Richmond, Virginia in 1859-1860.

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.

George S. Rugg

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

1854-1856       Fairbanks’ Block, corner Arsenal and Court-sts., Watertown, New York

1857                Washington Hall Block, Watertown, New York.

1859                480 & 482 Broadway, Albany, New York.

George S. Rugg was recorded in six advertisements and five announcements in two different newspapers.  The first advertisement ran from August 31, 1854 to May 17, 1855 in The New York Reformer (Watertown, New York).  George S. Rugg’s Sky And Side Light Daguerrean Gallery!  The subscriber would respectfully say to the citizens of Watertown and vicinity, that he has opened in Fairbanks’ Block Splendid Daguerrean Gallery, convenient in every respect for executing pictures of all sizes, from the smallest ever taken to the largest.  His rooms are all separated from each other, so that no one branch of the business shall interfere with the other.  He will keep constantly on hand every variety of the Latest and Best Styles of Daguerreotype Stock.  Artists Supplies With Stock on most liberal Terms.

A cordial invitation is extended to all to visit his Gallery, and examine his stock, specimens, &c. No Picture will be considered sold until perfect satisfaction is given.  he has all the Latest Improvements in the Daguerreotype Art.  He has lately discovered a new Chemical Compound for cleaning plates, which excels every other article for that purpose now in use, enabling him to produce better and more Life Like Pictures Vignette and Stereoscopic Pictures will be neatly executed if desired.  Also Pictures taken on Ornamental Back-Ground.

Opinions Of The Watertown Press.  Daguerreotyping.—We were more than ever impressed with the beauty and utility of this invention, while lately visiting the pleasant suit of rooms expressly fitted up for the execution of this art, by our friend Rugg, in the Fairbanks Block, and examining the specimens of his handiwork.  We there saw the likeness of some of our townsmen, that if anything was wanting to render perfect we were not able to detect it; pictures that spoke highly of the skill of the operator.  Mr. Rugg has spared no pains or expense in fitting up this suit of rooms, and we hope he will receive a share of the public patronage.  A trial of his ability to give satisfaction, will convince all who may favor him with a call.— The New York Reformer.

Rugg’s Gallery.—In the very top of Fairbanks’ Block, is the best place to take likenesses we ever visited.  A man may let his face out there to double in a few seconds.  If any one shall desire that there should be any more faces in the world, that appear just like his own, let him call on Rugg, up, up, up stairs at “Fairbanks.”—Democratic Union.

Fairbanks’ Block, on the Corner of Arsenal and Court-sts., (opposite American Hotel,) Entrance to Daguerrean Gallery, on Court and Arsenal Streets.  Geo. S. Rugg.  Watertown, April 10, 1854.

The second advertisement ran from February 7, 1856 to April 30, 1857 in The New York Reformer.  S. S. (sic.) Rugg, Artist in Patent Ambrotype and Photographic Pictures.  Corner of Court and Arsenal Streets, Opposite the American Hotel.

The Ambrotype was invented by Mr. Cutting, of Boston, and is patented in the United States, Great Britain and France.  The picture is taken on fine plate glass, and permanently secured between two plate of glass, and permanently secured between two plates of glass; is bold, clear and distinct, not reversed, and will not change in any climate—taken from the smallest to full size.

The Public are cautioned in purchasing pictures taken on glass as Ambrotypes, that do not bear patent stamp.

Pictures taken on single glass, and covered with black paint, are not Ambrotypes.

Notice.  G. S. Rugg has this day purchased the exclusive right, for making Cutting’s Patent Ambrotype Pictures, in the Counties of Jefferson and Lewis, N. Y..—Shaw & Clark, Att’ys for Company.  Watertown, Jan. 1st, 1856.

The first announcement appeared on March 5, 1857 in The New York Reformer.  Removal.—G. S. Rugg, Artists, has removed his Daguerreian Gallery from Fairbanks’ Block, Court-st., to Washington Hall Block, where he has fitted up rooms with new and elegant furniture, and is prepared to take pictures in the best styles of the art.

But his old rooms are not deserted:  Mr. Oscar Button, an operator of experience, has engaged the same rooms in the Fairbanks Block, vacated by Mr. Rugg, and will continue the business in all its branches.

The second announcement appeared on May 6,1857 in the  Northern New York Journal (Watertown, New York.)  Daguerrean Gallery.—Messrs. Rugg & Fowler have fitted up a fine Gallery in Washington Hall building, and are taking some excellent life-like likenesses, either Daguerreotype, Ambrotype, Melainotype, Ambrograph, or Photograph.  Indeed we have never seen better specimens of the art than from their Gallery.  Their advertisement will be found in another column of our paper.

The third advertisement ran from May 6 to August 12, 1857 in the Northern New York Journal.  

Removal!  New Daguerrean Gallery!  New Firm, New Styles of Pictures, &c. Such As Ambrotypes, or Pictures on Glass, Melainotypes, or Pictures on Iron. Ambrographs, or Pictures on Card Board.  Photographs, &c., &c.

G. S. Rugg, The Well Known Daguerreotypist, has removed his Gallery to Washington Hall Building, and entered into co-partnership with S. J. Fowler, on New York, who has been engaged since the first introduction of the Collodeon Process in teaching and practicing the art of Ambrotyping and Photographing in the principal Galleries in the State.  We, therefore, feel warranted in saying, that we are prepared to produce as good Pictures, as can be made in New York City, or elsewhere.  Our rooms are large, pleasantly located, finely furnished, and easy of access, and we shall spare no pains in endeavoring to please our customers—We have also something entirely New, which is a Patented apparatus for copying Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes on Canvas to Life Size! And Coloring Them In Oil.  Which are acknowledged the most Perfect Picture Made.

Persons having small Pictures of departed friends, can, by this process have a Perfect Portrait from them.  Please call and examine specimens, whether you want pictures or not.

Daguerreotypes Made in the best Style for those who prefer them. Rugg & Fowler.  Watertown, March 7, 1857.

The third announcement appeared on May 7, 1857 in The New York Reformer. Daguerrean Artists.  The tendency towards perfection in no art has been more steady and rapid than that of taking likenesses on silver, glass and other prepared substances.  Pictures are now produced in such elegance of style, softness of tone, and exactness of likeness, on silver, glass, paper, paste-board, &c., as would astonish Daguerre himself could be revisit the earth and witness the progress the great art which bears his name has made within a few years past.  Nor is any city or village more fortunate in the possession of skillful artists in this line than Watertown.  The pictures now produced at Rugg & Fowler’s gallery in the Washington Hall block, evince a practical knowledge of the art in all its branches which marks a degree of perfection that may well be called complete.—Their rooms are very tastefully fitted up with new and elegant furniture for the express purpose of making an inviting retreat for all wishing to see their pictures or procure likenesses.

The fourth advertisement ran from May 7 to August 13, 1857 in The New York Reformer.  Removal!  New Daguerrean Gallery.  New Firm, New Styles of Pictures, &c. Such As Ambrotypes, or Pictures on Glass, Melainotypes, or Pictures on Iron. Ambrographs, or Pictures on Card B’d.  Photographs, &c., &c.

G. S. Rugg, The Well Known Daguerreotypist, has removed his Gallery to Washington Hall Building, and entered into co-partnership with S. J. Fowler, on New York, who has been engaged since the first introduction of the Collodeon Process in teaching and practicing the art of Ambrotyping and Photographing in the principal Galleries in the State.  We therefore, feel warranted in saying, that we are prepared to produce as good Pictures, as can be made in New York City, or elsewhere.  Our rooms are large, pleasantly located, finely furnished, and easy of access, and we shall spare no pains in endeavoring to please our customers—We have also something entirely New, which is a Patented apparatus for copying Daguerreotypes or Ambrotypes on Canvas to Life Size! Which are acknowledged the most Perfect Picture Made.

Persons having small Pictures of departed friends, can, by this process have a Perfect Portrait from them.  Please call and examine specimens, whether you want pictures or not.

Daguerreotypes made in the best style for those who prefer them.  Rugg & Fowler.  Watertown, May 1, 1857.

The fifth advertisement was recorded from August 12 to September 30, 1857 in the Northern New York Journal.  Bought Out!  Having Purchased The Sky and Side Light Daguerrean Gallery!  (Known as Rugg’s Gallery, in the Fairbank’s Block,) the undersigned would respectfully inform his friends and the public generally, that after many additions and improvements, in which he has spared no pains or expense, he is now fully prepared to execute Pictures in the very best style and finish the art is enable of producing.  He has had many years experience in the art, and during the time has been in many of the larger cities of the Union, North and South, East and West.  All work taken by him is warranted and unless entire satisfaction is given, the money will be refunded.  Of Cases, Frames, &c. he has an entirely new lot of every possible variety.

Remember, Fairbanks Buildings, Corner Court And Arsenal Streets, Opposite The American Hotel.  O. P. Button.  Watertown, April 29, 1857.

The sixth advertisement ran from August 20 to September 3, 1857 in The New York Reformer. 

Dissolution.  The Copartnership heretofore existing under the name and firm of Rugg & Fowler, is this day dissolved by mutual consent.  The business will be carried on in all its branches by G. S. Rugg.  The debts against the firm will be paid by him, and all debts due the firm must be paid to him.   G. S. Rugg, O. (sic.) S. Fowler.  Watertown, Aug. 10, 1857.

Daguerreotyping will be renewed for the benefit of those who still adhere to them, and at reduced prices.  S. G. Rugg.

The fourth announcement appeared on October 1, 1857 in The New York Reformer.  Jefferson County Agricultural Society.  Premiums Awarded…Pictures…

Best Specimens Daguerreotypes, Hart & Hose, Watertown, Dip. $1.00.

2d Best Specimens Daguerreotypes, Thos. Waite, Pamelia, book.

Best Specimens Photographs, Hart & Hose, Watertown, Dip. & $1.00.

2d Best Specimens Photographs, G. S. Rugg, Watertown, book.

Miss Alice Smith, Watertown, recommended, $3.00.

Hart & Hose, Watertown, recommended, $2.00

Those recommend a discretionary premium of $3.00 to No. 207 for best Ambrotypes, also one of $2.00 to No. 65 for 2d best Ambrotypes.

The committee would recommend that, at the next annual exhibition there be one premium for the best ambrotypes and one for the 2d best, and also a premium for the best ambrotype views.  A large portion of the pictures exhibited were of this character, and as they form a very interesting part of the exhibition the committee have recommended premiums to be given, and that greater inducement be offered by the society hereafter for the exhibition of specimens of art.  E. Q. Sewall, T. C. Chittenden, Jr., E. H. Smith, Judges.

The fifth announcement appeared on January 13, 1859 in The New York Reformer.  Fire In Broadway.—The only really alarming fire that has occurred in this city for six months, broke out a little before 9 o’clock on Saturday evening, on the third floor on Nos. 480 and 482 Broadway, in a room occupied by G. S. Rugg (late of Watertown) as a photographic gallery.  The origin of the fire is not known definitely, but is supposed to have been either a spontaneous combustion or taken from a spirit lamp in his laboratory.  When discovered, the room was enveloped in flames, and in a very short space of time the fire had crept through the lath and plaster partitions into the fourth story and thence to the roof….

George S. Rugg is not recorded in other photographic directories.  Craig’s Daguerreian Registry does record a G. S. Rugg in 1854 without a business address or location, it is unknown if this is the same person.

William Richardson

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , ,

1857                Rooms at the Post Office Building, Amherst, New Hampshire.

William Richardson was recorded in two advertisements in The Farmers Cabinet (Amherst, New Hampshire).  The first advertisement ran from November 18 to December 2, 1857.Better Times Coming!  Pictures for the People only 37½ cts.  Wm. Richardson would respectfully inform the citizens of Amherst and vicinity, that he has opened Rooms at the Post Office Building, for the purpose of Making the new and beautiful style of pictures—the Ambrotype—the only Picture that will not fade or change.  Having a new and complete Apparatus of superior quality, with long experience in the business, he assures the public hat no pains will be spared to produce as good Likenesses as at other establishments.  Adults taken equally well in any weather.  Particular attention paid to copying Pictures.  Call early as he will remain but a few days.  Amherst, Nov. 17.

The second advertisement was recorded on December 9 & 16, 1857.  Ambrotypes!  Wm. Richardson would respectfully inform the citizens of Amherst and vicinity, that he will remain but 10 Days Longer at his recent location, (Post Office Building,) where he will be pleased to accommodate all who are in want of those Beautiful Ambrotypes, Melainotypes &c.  Amherst, Dec. 8, 1857.

William Richardson is not recorded in other photographic directories.

K. S. Porter

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, , , , ,

1859                Address Unknown, Milford, New Hampshire.

1859                Union Hall, Amherst, New Hampshire.

K. S. Porter was recorded in three advertisements in The Farmers Cabinet (Amherst, New Hampshire).  The first advertisement ran from January 12 to 26, 1859.Ambrotypes & Melainotypes Mr. K. S. Porter, Having leased the Daguerreotype Saloon and apparatus formerly belonging to J. L. Kimball, of Milford, N. H., would say to the public of Milford and vicinity, that he intends to offer said saloon for the reception of all those who are in want of Ambrotypes or Melainotypes of themselves or friends, on and after the 15th inst.

Pictures taken in the latest style and on the most reasonable terms.

One and all are most respectfully invited to call, whether in want of likenesses of themselves or friends.  

Old Pictures copied to order.  Milford, Jan. 10, 1859.

The second advertisement ran from February 2 & 10, 1859.  Look!  Look!  Ambrotypes & Melainotypes Mr. K. S. Porter, Having leased the Daguerreotype Saloon and apparatus formerly belonging to J. L. Kimball, of Milford, N. H., would say to the public of Milford and vicinity, that he intends to offer said saloon for the reception of all those who are in want of Ambrotypes or Melainotypes of themselves or friends, on and after the 15th inst.

Pictures taken in the latest style and on the most reasonable terms.

One and all are most respectfully invited to call, whether in want of likenesses of themselves or friends. 

Old Pictures copied to order.  Milford, Jan. 10, 1859.

The third advertisement ran from July 27 to August 24, 1859. K. S. Porter Would respectfully inform the citizens of Amherst that he has taken the room in the Brick Building known as Union Hall, for two weeks, where he is prepared to furnish any person with Ambrotypes of the first class, in size and style of finish to suit, and at prices that cannot but be satisfactory.  Pictures set in lockets and pins of any size.  Also views  taken if desired.

As his stay may not be prolonged beyond the time mentioned, those desiring pictures should call early. 

K. S. Porter is listed in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as possibly being Kilburn S. Porter.   who was active in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1859, and in Milford, New Hampshire in 1860.

Abe Pierce

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Sphereotype, , , , ,

1858                Juneau House, New Lisbon, Wisconsin.

1859                Address Unknown, Mauston, Wisconsin.

Abe Pierce was recorded in one advertisement and one announcement in the Juneau County Argus (New Lisbon, Wisconsin). The advertisement appeared on November 8, 1858. Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Spherotypes, And in fact all the late improved Types and Graph’s, can be had by calling at Abe Pierce’s Ambrotype and Photographic Gallery, in the Juneau House, New Lisbon.  As Intended to stop here but a few weeks, I will say to the citizens of this place and vicinity, that I am prepared to do work as Cheap, and as life-like as any done in the State.  Work is not expected to leave the room unless perfect satisfaction is given.  Copying done with neatness and dispatch.  Abe Pierce Artist.  October 11th, 1858.

The announcement appeared on January 1, 1859.  Abe Pierce’s Daguerrean Gallery has, for the present been removed to Mauston, where he will continue the business with all the improvements in the art, and life-like illustrations peculiar to his work.  Family orders promptly filled at the lowest rates.  My friends are invited to call at all times.

Abe Pierce is not recorded in other photographic directories.

J. M. Parkhurst

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , ,

1858                Address Unknown, Amherst, New Hampshire.                    

J. M. Parkhurst was recorded in one advertisement that ran from May 19 to June 9, 1858 in The Farmers Cabinet (Amherst, New Hampshire).  Great Attraction.  Come One!  Come All!!  Wonderful improvements in colored Miniatures by Ambrotype or Melainotype.  J. M. Parkhurst Would respectfully inform those persons wishing to procure a Miniature of themselves or friends, that they can obtain a beautiful and correct Likeness, (with or without colors) and have it inserted in a neat morocco case, by either of the above processes, for the extreme low price of 50 cents, and upwards, by calling at his Saloon in Amherst, where he will remain but a short time only. 

He is also taking pictures on enameled cloth for 25 cents and upwards, which are convenient to transmit by mail.  Mr. P. would say his pictures are put up in the most durable manner and warranted not to fade.  Pictures taken in all weathers and set in every variety of Locket, Pin, Frames or common cases.

Pictures copied in the most satisfactory manner.  Perfect satisfaction given or no charge.

Instruction given in the art, and Apparatus furnished if desired.

The propriety of an early call is suggested, thereby avoiding the inconvenience of the crowd which always attends the last week of his stay in every place. 

J. M. Parkhurst is not recorded in other photographic directories.

M. B. Ogden

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1858                Main & Sheboygan Streets, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.[1]                       

M. B. Ogden was recorded in one advertisement (mostly unreadable) that appeared on June 5, 1858 in the Democratic Press (Fond du Lac, Wisconsin).  A New Ambrotype, Melainotype and Photographic Picture Gallery.  M. B. Ogden would inform the citizens of Fond du Lac and vicinity that he has secured C. T. Ripley’s old Daguerrean Rooms and [repaired and refitted them entirely new and spared no pains in securing every[ ? ] [ ? ] and possible advantage peculiar [ ? ] to the picture business.  With the very best of rooms, a new apparatus entire, and having…..]

M. B. Ogden is not recorded in other photographic directories.

[1] Address from Craig’s Daguerreian Registry for T. C. Ripley.

William Nims

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Photographs, , , , ,

1858                Rooms in Wing’s Exchange, Fort Edward, New York.

Williams Nims was recorded in one advertisement that ran from June 11 to August 6, 1858 in the

Essex County Republican (Keeseville, New York).  Nims’s Gallery.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Patent Leather Pictures and Photographs are continually made at Nims’e Gallery, in Wing’s Exchange, Fort Edward, As Good as they can be made in any of the Cities, and Better than they are made in any gallery north of the cities.

Ambrotypes—25 cts., and upwards.

Melainotypes,      “                 “

P. L. Pictures, 50 cts.

Photographs, 1st copy, $1.00

Duplicates,  50. [cts.]

William Nims is probably the same William Nims recorded in Craig’s Daguerreian Registry as being active Fort Ann, New York in 1859.  Fort Edward is 12.3 miles (modern roads) from Fort Ann.

Mr. Morgan

Ambrotypes, Daguerreotypes, Melainotypes, , , , , ,

1857                Next Door West of the City Hotel, Frederick, Maryland.

Mr. Morgan was recorded in two advertisements and mentioned in a third in the Examiner  (Frederick, Maryland).  The first advertisement ran from July 15 to 29, 1857.  Every One Read!  Read!  Read!  Great Attraction, Immense Rush!  Immense Reduction in prices!  At Morgan’s Sky-Light Gallery, Formerly Addis’ Gallery, the only properly constructed Sky-Light in Fred’k.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and Daguerreotypes, As well-finished and executed as any Gallery in Frederick, and at One-Third The Price of any other in the town.

This superb and only well arranged Sky-light Gallery was built and modled after the most celebrated in the principal cities, and acknowledged to be, and has the approval of such men as Whitehurst, Perkins, and Brady to have advantages over any other in Frederick, and not surpassed by any in the United States.  The citizens here care very little for the opinion of S. D. Humphrey or any other imported picture agent from New York, disposing of rights, in which having offered here first, finally succeeded, blarney in humbugging some other Daguerreotypist with N. G. Burgess one of the most celebrated and scientific practical photographers of the age, and to whom a certain friend of ours in the business is indebted to what little he knows of Ambrotyping, says in his last great work upon the art—”That a sky-light that is no more than ten or fifteen feet from the sitter in the highest point, and falling over in such a manner, that the lowest portion of it shall be five feet from the floor, has been found to work far better than any other, as it is absolutely requsite to have a good volume of light on the drapery, for [unless] this attained no good results can be produced.”  This is the only sky-light in town that is constructed upon this principle, and consequently must produce the best picture.  Every child knows that without a round, distinct light falling upon each eye, resembling a pin-head, and that no celebrated portrait painter from the days of Rubens, Vandaye, Rembrandt, Velasquez, and Murillo ever neglected to put there to give expression and life to the picture.  Let us here no more croaking about spectrums in the eye.  The public or at least some of the citizens here are aware that a daguerreotypist in this town admitted his light to be to high, and requested the former proprietor of this establishment previous to his leaving to regulate his light and chemicals.  What would “master artist” say to that.  We would wish the public to know that we have learnt this business practically from the best operators in the country and not from book learning like some other daguerreotypist here.  These matters are merely adverted to in order to repel the imputations in a recent advertisement by one in the same business.  Morgan only wants the public to test his worth and let that speak for him.

Students will bear in mind that this is the only Gallery where they can be taught practically, in less time and on the lowest terms of any in Frederick.

The second advertisement ran from August 5 to September 16, 1857.  The greatest Discovery Out.  The Marble Relievotype! Is taken only at Morgan’s Gallery, Next door to the City Hotel, Fred’k., Md.  The surprising effects of this singular and beautiful discovery in Photography, which I accidently made a few days ago, must be seen to be appreciated.  The Picture, in colors, stands out in bold relief from a marble background, on which it casts a shadow, like statuary.  Those, who have seen this admiration of its beauty and perfection.  Ladies and gentlemen are respectfully invited to call and examine this curious invention.

The third advertisement appeared on September 30, 1857 in an advertisement for George Tetherly.  New York Gallery.  Photographs! Ambrotypes!! Daguerreotypes, &c.  The subscriber having taken the gallery next door to the City Hotel, formerly occupied by Mr. Addis, and latterly by Mr. <organ, is prepared to furnish the best Pictures to be had in them city, at the lowest prices.  Having secured the services of a celebrated Artist from the Galleries of Brady and of Gurney in New York City, he is enabled to warrant satisfaction in every branch of his business, to those who may favor him with their custom.

His gallery is easier of access than any other in the city, being in the second story, and the Sky-light is unrivalled.  With such advantages, he is determined to deserve a share of public patronage.  Geo. Tetherly.  W. Patrick St., Frederick. 

Mr. Morgan is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Frederick, Maryland.

Moore

Ambrotypes, Melainotypes, Stereoviews, , , ,

1859                Near the Ferry Landing, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Moore was recorded in one advertisement that appeared on November 14, 1859 in The Penny Press (Cincinnati, Ohio).  Art Palace.—We hope our citizens desirous of procuring likenesses of themselves and family will call at the “Art Palace,” near the ferry landing, and let Mr. Moore demonstrate to them that his pictures are of a superior order.  Ambrotypes, Melainotypes and Stereoscopes are executed in the best style.  In this latter branch, in particular, he has been experimenting for the last ten years, and has now one of the best instruments in the country.  Let everybody call and examine the likenesses taken with it.

Moore is not recorded in other photographic directories as being active in Cincinnati.  William H. Moore was active in Cincinnati in 1857 to 1897 his address in 1859 was 10 W. Fifth Street,[1]  which is several blocks from the waterfront.  One might speculate that “near the ferry landing” might suggest that his Art Palace was a boat?

[1] Craig’s Daguerreian Registry.